Root Vegetable

When to Plant Potatoes in Nevada

Incredibly satisfying to grow. There's nothing quite like digging up your own potatoes — it's like buried treasure.

The Short Answer

In Nevada, soil conditions are an important factor for potatoes. Desert soils — alkaline, low organic matter. Extremely dry. Heavy amendment essential. Irrigation required. Direct sow 2 weeks before your last frost date.

Nevada Frost Dates

Your planting dates depend on which part of Nevada you're in. Here are the frost date ranges by region:

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
Northern Nevada (Reno) 6b, 7a May 1 - May 20 Sep 25 - Oct 15
Las Vegas 8b, 9a, 9b Feb 10 - Mar 5 Nov 10 - Dec 1
Mountain Nevada 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b May 25 - Jun 15 Aug 25 - Sep 15

Potatoes Planting Schedule for Nevada

Northern Nevada (Reno) (Zones 6b, 7a)

Average last frost: May 1 - May 20 · Average first frost: Sep 25 - Oct 15

Direct Sow
2 wks before frost

Las Vegas (Zones 8b, 9a, 9b)

Average last frost: Feb 10 - Mar 5 · Average first frost: Nov 10 - Dec 1

Direct Sow
2 wks before frost

Mountain Nevada (Zones 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b)

Average last frost: May 25 - Jun 15 · Average first frost: Aug 25 - Sep 15

Direct Sow
2 wks before frost

Growing Potatoes in Nevada

Potatoes in Nevada's Climate

Plant potatoes from November through January for spring harvest. Florida and south Texas grow potatoes commercially during their mild winter months. Sandy subtropical soils produce clean tubers with compost amendment. Harvest by April-May before heat arrives.

Soil Considerations for Nevada

Desert soils — alkaline, low organic matter. Extremely dry. Heavy amendment essential. Irrigation required. Loose, well-drained soil is especially important for potatoes since the edible portion grows underground. If your soil is heavy clay, consider raised beds.

Nevada Climate & Growing Season

Arid climate. Extreme heat in summer (Las Vegas). Short season at altitude. Very low humidity. Water conservation critical.

Growing season length varies across Nevada: Northern Nevada (Reno) (6b, 7a) has a last frost around May 1 - May 20, while Mountain Nevada (4a, 4b, 5a, 5b) sees frost end around May 25 - Jun 15. This difference matters for potatoes — adjust your planting dates to match your specific region.

Growing Tips

Plant seed potatoes (not grocery store potatoes) 2-3 weeks before last frost. Hill soil around stems as they grow to increase yield.

Companion Planting

Plant potatoes alongside these companions for better growth:

Beans Corn Cabbage Marigolds

Keep potatoes away from:

Tomatoes Squash Sunflowers

The Bottom Line

Potatoes can be grown successfully across Nevada, but your exact planting dates depend on which region you're in. Northern Nevada (Reno) gardeners should plan around a May 1 - May 20 last frost, while those in Mountain Nevada can typically plant later. For exact dates based on your zip code, use our free planting date finder.

Related Guides

Potatoes Growing Guide National planting guide with all states Nevada Planting Calendar All plants for Nevada Potatoes in Alabama Alabama planting dates Potatoes in Alaska Alaska planting dates Potatoes in Arizona Arizona planting dates Potatoes in Arkansas Arkansas planting dates
Note: All dates are based on NOAA 30-year Climate Normals and represent historical averages, not predictions for any specific year. Always check your local weather forecast before planting frost-sensitive crops. Learn about our data sources.

Last reviewed: March 29, 2026

Ready to Start Planting?

Enter your zip code and pick your plant. We'll tell you exactly when to plant, start seeds, and harvest — based on where you live.

Find Your Planting Dates