PlantingWindowThe American Planting Almanac

When to plant beets in Reno, Nevada

March 31 – April 14

Direct-sow outdoors · typical Reno year

Climate basis: NOAA station Reno Wfo, NV (USC00266791), 3 mi (5 km) from downtown Reno (ZCTA 89501 centroid), elevation 4987 ft, on the 1991–2020 climate normals. Direct-sow beets from approximately the dates above, anchored to the median last spring 32°F freeze (April 28). One year in ten still freezes after May 19.

Last spring freezeApril 281-in-10 after May 19
First fall freezeOctober 271-in-10 before Oct 10
Frost-free season≈ 182 daysmedian at 32°F
Hard freeze, 28°Apr 10 – Nov 8kills even hardy greens
USDA zone7b5 to 10°F winter low — not frost timing

The Reno year

Direct-sow outdoorsMar 31 – Apr 14
Fall plantingSep 1 – Sep 29
  • indoors under lights
  • in the garden
  • frost-free season
  • 1-in-10 years still freeze to May 19
Beets in Reno · freeze context from Reno Wfo, NV, 1991–2020 normals.

Every method, with its sources

Direct-sow outdoors

Mar 31 – Apr 14

Purdue: semi-hardy — 2–4 weeks before the last frost. Penn State sows from Apr 1 (−30) and UNH keys to 45°F soil; the later Purdue range is used. Anchored to the median last spring freeze (Apr 28). Purdue University Extension · Penn State Extension (York County Master Gardeners) · University of New Hampshire Extension

Fall planting

Sep 1 – Sep 29

Purdue Table 2: plant fall beets at least 4–8 weeks before the first fall frost, allowing for days to maturity. Anchored to the median first fall freeze (Oct 27). Purdue University Extension

Variety assumption: Assumes an average round variety (about 55–70 days; Penn State lists 70).

These windows describe typical years (1991–2020 climate normals), not this year's forecast. Freezes happen outside them — especially in frost pockets, valleys, and urban edges. Watch the forecast before committing tender plants.

This week, not a typical year:
Crop rule sources (3)

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