August gardening in Nevada’s high desert offers unique opportunities despite the harsh climate. With cooler fall temperatures approaching, this transition month is perfect for planting both quick-growing vegetables and perennials that will establish before winter.
Smart plant choices now can reward you with fall harvests and stronger spring gardens.
1. Spinach Seedlings
Spinach thrives in Nevada’s cooling August nights while still enjoying warm days. Plant these leafy greens now for a bountiful fall harvest before the first frost hits.
Choose bolt-resistant varieties like ‘Bloomsdale’ or ‘Tyee’ for best results. Plant seeds about half an inch deep in soil enriched with compost, keeping the soil consistently moist until germination.
2. Garlic Cloves
August planting gives garlic a head start before winter dormancy in Nevada’s high desert. The cloves will develop strong roots in fall, then burst into growth come spring. Break apart bulbs into individual cloves, keeping the papery skin intact.
Plant pointy-end up, about 2 inches deep and 6 inches apart. Mulch heavily to protect from temperature fluctuations common in desert regions.
3. Kale Varieties
Kale laughs at Nevada’s cold temperatures, often growing sweeter after light frosts. Starting seeds in August allows plants to mature before winter’s harshest days arrive. ‘Lacinato’ and ‘Red Russian’ varieties handle desert conditions particularly well.
Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep, then thin seedlings to 12 inches apart once they develop true leaves. Water deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root development.
4. Quick-Growing Radishes
Ready in just 3-4 weeks, radishes offer near-instant garden gratification in Nevada’s high desert. Their peppery crunch makes a perfect fall snack while other crops are still maturing. Sow seeds directly in garden beds, spacing them an inch apart.
Keep soil consistently moist to prevent splitting and bitterness. ‘Cherry Belle’ and ‘French Breakfast’ varieties perform exceptionally well in desert conditions with proper care.
5. Drought-Tolerant Lavender
Lavender’s silvery foliage and fragrant blooms thrive in Nevada’s dry climate. August planting allows roots to establish before winter, resulting in stronger spring growth. Choose heat-tolerant varieties like ‘Grosso’ or ‘Provence’.
Plant in well-draining soil with plenty of sand or gravel mixed in. Water deeply once a week until established, then reduce to occasional deep waterings during dry spells.
6. Native Sagebrush
Nothing says Nevada high desert like aromatic sagebrush. August planting gives these iconic natives time to settle in before winter dormancy. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper. Mix native soil with a small amount of compost for planting.
Water deeply once a week for the first month, then taper off to mimic natural rainfall patterns.
7. Carrots For Fall
August-planted carrots develop sweeter flavors as they mature into Nevada’s cooler fall temperatures. The high desert’s sandy soils, when amended properly, create perfect conditions for straight, beautiful roots. Sow seeds in rows 1/4 inch deep and 2 inches apart.
Cover with a thin layer of compost to prevent soil crusting. Keep soil consistently moist until germination, which can take up to two weeks in desert conditions.
8. Arugula Greens
Spicy arugula grows rapidly in August’s transitional weather, ready for harvest in just 30-40 days. Its peppery flavor intensifies with Nevada’s cool nights. Broadcast seeds thinly over prepared soil and cover with a light dusting of compost.
Water gently but thoroughly. For continuous harvest, sow small batches every two weeks through September. Protect young seedlings from intense afternoon sun with shade cloth.
9. Cold-Hardy Pansies
Pansies planted in August will bloom through fall and often survive Nevada’s high desert winters to rebloom in spring. Their cheerful faces bring welcome color to desert gardens. Choose compact varieties with proven cold tolerance.
Plant seedlings 6-8 inches apart in soil amended with compost. Water thoroughly after planting, then maintain consistent moisture without waterlogging. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering.
10. Cilantro Seeds
Cilantro bolts quickly in summer heat but thrives when planted in August as temperatures begin moderating. Nevada’s cooling fall days are perfect for this herb’s best growth. Sow seeds directly where plants will grow, as cilantro dislikes transplanting.
Plant 1/4 inch deep in rows 6 inches apart. Thin seedlings to 3-4 inches apart once they emerge. Regular harvesting encourages bushy growth and delays flowering.
11. Turnips For Dual Harvest
Turnips offer double rewards with edible greens and roots, making them perfect for Nevada’s short fall growing season. August planting ensures harvest before hard freezes arrive. Sow seeds 1/2 inch deep in rows 12 inches apart.
Thin seedlings to 4 inches apart when they reach 4 inches tall. Harvest tender greens throughout the growing season while roots develop below. ‘Tokyo Cross’ and ‘Purple Top’ varieties perform especially well in desert conditions.
12. Yarrow Plants
Yarrow’s feathery foliage and flat-topped flower clusters naturally thrive in Nevada’s harsh conditions. August planting allows roots to establish before winter while summer’s warmth still lingers. Space plants 12-24 inches apart depending on variety.
Yarrow prefers poor to moderate soil, making it perfect for desert gardens. Water weekly until established, then reduce to occasional deep waterings. Choose native varieties for best adaptation to local conditions.
13. Bush Beans
Quick-maturing bush beans can still produce a harvest when planted in early August in Nevada’s high desert. Their nitrogen-fixing roots also improve soil for next season’s crops. Sow seeds 1 inch deep and 3 inches apart in rows.
Provide afternoon shade in areas with intense sun. Choose varieties with 50-60 day maturity times like ‘Provider’ or ‘Contender’. Water consistently to ensure pod development before first frost.
14. Drought-Resistant Penstemons
Native penstemons bring tubular, nectar-rich flowers that attract hummingbirds while handling Nevada’s challenging conditions with ease. August planting gives roots time to develop before winter dormancy. Plant in well-draining soil with minimal amendments to mimic natural growing conditions.
Space plants 12-18 inches apart depending on variety. Water weekly until established, then reduce to occasional deep waterings during extended dry periods.
15. Fall Lettuce
Crisp lettuce grows beautifully in Nevada’s cooling fall temperatures after an August planting. The desert’s abundant sunshine ensures rapid growth before winter arrives. Choose heat-tolerant varieties like ‘Nevada’ or ‘Jericho’ for best results.
Sow seeds 1/8 inch deep and thin seedlings to 8-10 inches apart. Provide afternoon shade for tender seedlings. Harvest outer leaves as they mature for extended production.
16. Swiss Chard
Colorful Swiss chard handles Nevada’s temperature swings with remarkable resilience. August planting ensures established plants that can produce through fall and often survive winter for spring regrowth. ‘Bright Lights’ variety offers stunning stems in gold, pink, and crimson that brighten desert gardens.
Sow seeds 1/2 inch deep and thin seedlings to 12 inches apart. Harvest outer leaves regularly to encourage continuous production throughout the growing season.