Today's the first day of spring 2025. Here's when you can plant your tomatoes

Today, March 20, is the first official day of spring. But spring fever hit Reno weeks ago when temperatures climbed into the 60s and 70s. Gardeners who planted right away may have been caught off guard when freezing temperatures and a winter storm followed.

If your tomatoes are now frostbitten, you’re not alone.

"Nevada is a gambling state, and that holds through for gardening as well," said Rachel McClure, Washoe County's master gardener coordinator.

McClure said that gardening in Nevada can be difficult, especially for those who have moved from neighboring states with milder or more humid climates. However, McClure encourages people to not give up on planting in Washoe County.

"It's not for the faint of heart, because we have such incredibly diverse weather on a regular basis, and our seasons are really unpredictable," McClure said. "But it's also probably one of the most rewarding garden experiences I've ever had."

Whether you're a seasoned Nevada gardener or just starting out on your apartment balcony, here's a guide on how to create a more successful garden with advice from McClure.

When can I plant outside without my garden freezing?

With Northern Nevada’s unpredictable weather, McClure recommends watching forecasts closely and reviewing historical temperature trends.

"There's lots of urban legend kind of things and sayings like, 'Oh, never plant until all the snow is off Peavine (Mountain) or something like that. But if we were to follow those things, there would be years what we would never plant anything. Because some years the snow never comes off Peavine," McClure said. "If you spent any time here, you know that it snowed on the Fourth of July before."

With that in consideration, it's clear there is no silver bullet to keep your plants from freezing.

On average, when are temperatures above freezing in Reno?

On average, Reno's low temperatures are above 32 degrees after March 6, according to the National Weather Service. However, this year’s lows have stayed below freezing well into March. By the end of the month, the average lows reach 36.

Average lows reach above 40 degrees by April, but record lows have still dipped well below freezing throughout April in Nevada. According to UNR's College of Agriculture, Biotechnology, and Natural Resources, the last freeze typically occurs on May 15, but location matters. The North Valleys, for example, are generally around 10 degrees cooler than downtown. UNR recommends delaying planting there by one to two weeks.

Quick planting temperature guide:

• Average last freeze: May 15 (according to UNR’s College of Agriculture)
• Average lows above freezing: After March 6
• Average lows by end of March: 36 degrees
• North Valleys: Typically 10 degrees cooler than downtown Reno, so delay planting by 1-2 weeks

What plants grow best in Nevada?

Plants that mature within 70 days or less are the best for Northern Nevada's climate, McClure said. You can usually find how long it takes for a plant to grow on the back of the seed packet, or if you are at a garden shop, you can ask staff for help.

Asking what kinds of soil, watering schedule and other needs a plant may have should also be on the seed packet or known by gardening store staff.

When can I plant my tomatoes?

Tomatoes take 60 days to more than 100 days to harvest, depending on the variety according to the Farmer's Almanac. This means some early varieties may be more suited to Nevada's crazy climate. Early variety tomatoes include Early Cascade and Early Girl tomatoes which mature in less than 70 days.

Tomatoes are also vulnerable to frost, so it is important to wait until after May 15 (typically the last killing frost in the Reno area) to plant your ruby red vegetables outside. However, the Farmer's Almanac said you can plant your tomatoes if starting from seeds six weeks (which would be April 3) before the frost as long as you keep your vegetables inside.

When is the first day of spring?

The spring equinox is March 20, 2025. Spring will last until June 21, 2025, which is the summer solstice.

When should I plant vegetables in Nevada?

McClure recommends using the guides on seed packets to determine the best planting times. Some plants can be buried as soon as the soil is warm enough in the spring, while others are sensitive to cold or heat.

The following list also specifies whether to plant seeds or seedlings, as some vegetables grow better when transplanted rather than directly sown into the garden.

Very hardy plants

These vegetables can be planted in early spring from March 15 to May 1, according to the College of Agriculture at UNR:

• Asparagus (crowns)
• Broccoli
• Brussels sprouts
• Cabbage
• Garlic bulbs (fall planting is best)
• Horseradish (root sections or plants)
• Kale
• Lettuce
• Parsley (plants or seeds)
• Peas
• Rhubarb (plants)
• Spinach
• Turnip
• Onions

Semi-hardy plants

These vegetables can be planted April 1 to May 1. Some of these vegetables are heat sensitive, so do not delay planting them.

• Beets (can plant through June)
• Carrots (can plant through June)
• Cauliflower
• Parsnip
• Radish (can plant through May)
• Swiss chard (can plant through May)
• Broccoli (plants)
• Brussels sprouts (plants)
• Cabbage (plants)
• Cauliflower (plants)
• Potato (seed potatoes or cut sections with "eyes")

Frost-tender plants

These vegetables can be planted after the last killing frost on May 15.

• Celery (plants)
• Green beans (succession plantings through June)
• New Zealand spinach
• Sweet corn (plants or seeds, succession plantings through mid‐June)

Cold-sensitive plants

It is best to plant these vegetables one to two weeks after May 15 but before June 15.

• Lima beans
• Super sweet corn (plants or seeds)
• Cucumber (plants or seeds)
• Eggplant (plants)
• Melons (plants)
• Okra
• Pepper (plants)
• Pumpkin
• Squash
• Sweet potato (plants)
• Tomato (plants)

Late season plants, mid-summer to early fall

These vegetables are best planted from mid-July to Sept. 1.

• Beets
• Carrots (mid‐July)
• Chinese cabbage (late July to mid‐August)
• Collard
• Kale
• Lettuce (mid‐August)
• Peas (July 1 to mid‐July)
• Radish (mid‐August)
• Spinach (mid‐August)
• Turnip (early July)

Late season planting, late fall planting for next summer's harvest

These vegetables are best planted in October.

• Garlic (cloves)
• Onions (bulbs, but spring planting is best)

Can I plant my garden with Nevada soil?

Nevada soil is not suitable to support vegetable or flower gardens for vegetation that does not naturally grow in the Silver State.

"If you look at what grows out in the the foothills and out in the fields, that's what (Nevada soil) supports," McClure said. "And you will not see a lot of fruit or vegetable plants or anything like that out there. We see a sage brush, rabbit brush, all that kind of stuff."

Just as seed packets provide guidance on when to plant, they also offer information on soil requirements. McClure recommends checking seed packets or consulting experts to determine the best soil for your chosen plants.

Is gardening a cost-efficient way to save on groceries?

Grocery prices have been increasing since 2022, according to the United States Department of Agriculture. Food prices increased by 5.8% in 2023 and continued to rise in 2024, though at a slower rate of 2.3%, the USDA said. Despite the slowdown, many consumers still feel the impact of higher food costs.

In response, Nevadans may see gardening as a way to dodge grocery costs, but McClure said it is a full-time job to grow enough food to forego groceries.

"It's really difficult to grow enough food to sustain yourself," she said. "You need the space, you need the land, but the most important thing is you need the time, and so that's one of the reasons why we don't do it anymore, because we have other people do it for us."

However, McClure said even starting small by planting a few vegetables or herbs in containers on an apartment balcony or in your backyard can supplement some grocery costs.

"You don't spend that $12 or $15 a week on those items at the grocery store, that's $12 or $15 that can go towards your electric bill or to filling your gas tank, or those kinds of things," McClure said. "I do think that they're relevant."

How can I learn more about gardening?

There are multiple gardening classes happening right now in Reno, varying in cost. Here's a few:

• Gardening in Nevada: The Bartley Ranch Series 2025: This program is put on by UNR and the Reno Extension Washoe County Master Gardeners. Classes are free and occur starting at 6 p.m. on March 18, March 25 and April 1. You can reserve your spot here.
• Become a Master Gardener: You can become a master gardener by getting certified through UNR. The master gardening program is not limited to Reno meaning volunteers can get involved whether they live in the Biggest Little City or outside of it. If a Renoite wants to become a master gardener, they will need to take a horticulture class through UNR that costs $275 and a follow-up master gardener class that costs $25, McClure said. You can contact UNR for more information on getting involved here.
• Spanish Springs Library Talks: Master gardeners also give free monthly talks about gardening every fourth Sunday of the month at Spanish Springs Library at 7100A Pyramid Way in Sparks. The talks take place from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.
• Grow Your Own, Nevada! is an online livestream series that takes place on Tuesdays and Thursdays from April 1-24. The virtual classes are free and are from 6 to 8 p.m., focusing on different topics per class. You will need to register for each class separately.
  • April 1: Vertical Edible Gardening, Wendy Hanson Mazet. Register here.
  • April 3: Managing Garden Pests, Megan Andrews. Register here.
  • April 8: Drip Irrigation Demystified, Carrie Jensen. Register here.
  • April 10: Back to Basics, Heidi Kratsch. Register here.
  • April 15: Composting: Hot, Cold and Worm Bins, Heidi Kratsch. Register here.
  • April 17: Growing the Best Tomatoes, Rachel McClure. Register here.
  • April 22: Small Space Fruit Tree Care and Selection, Wendy Hanson Mazet. Register here.
  • April 24: Native Plants to Attract Pollinators, Carrie Jensen. Register here.
• Rancho San Rafael Master Gardener Teaching and Demonstration Garden: Master gardeners are giving talks every third Thursday at Rancho San Rafael Park at the community garden beginning in May and going through October in the evenings. Exact times are currently undetermined.
• Living and Gardening Safely at Lake Tahoe: UNR Extension is presenting a free five-part series on gardening and fire safety at the Primm Library at 999 Tahoe Blvd. in Incline Village. The classes will be from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesdays throughout April. You can register here. Similar to Grow Your Own, Nevada! you will need to register for each individual program you want to attend.
  • April 2: Master Gardeners present Gardening in a Fire Adapted Community
  • April 9: The Living With Fire Program presents Understanding Fire Behavior and Reducing Wildfire Risk
  • April 16: The Nevada Radon Education Program presents Let’s Talk, Is Your Home Making You Sick
  • April 23: Living With Fire presents Combining Vegetation Management and Home Hardening for Wildfire Resilience
  • April 30: Master Gardeners present Container Gardening at Elevation