What to plant in September in Nevada
In Nevada (NV), September sits about 4 weeks before the average first fall frost (October 10). The state averages 173 frost-free days a year (last frost April 20, first frost October 10; USDA zones 4b, 5b, 6b, 7a, 8a, 9a, 10a).
3 crops have a sowing or planting window this month: arugula, watercress, radish - and 3 of those windows close during September.
Dates here come from Nevada frost dates (last frost Apr 20, first frost Oct 10). For one crop in detail, see when to plant arugula, radish or tomato in Nevada.
Nevada covers a very wide range of climates, so dates near you can be two weeks or more either side of these. Enter your ZIP code in the planting calendar for dates tuned to your town.
Nevada: planting activity through the year
Last chance in September
Arugula (sow for a fall crop, by Sep 5) · Watercress (sow for a fall crop, by Sep 5) · Radish (sow for a fall crop, by Sep 12)
For fall and winter harvests (3)
Sowings counted back from Nevada's first fall frost, so the crop matures before the cold - or, for garlic and similar, planted after it.
| Crop | What to do | Window | This month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arugula | Sow for a fall crop | Aug 19 – Sep 5 | Last chance - ends Sep 5 |
| Watercress | Sow for a fall crop | Aug 19 – Sep 5 | Last chance - ends Sep 5 |
| Radish | Sow for a fall crop | Aug 26 – Sep 12 | Last chance - ends Sep 12 |
Harvesting in September
First harvests expected this month from crops sown or planted on time earlier in the season.
Planting dates for popular crops in Nevada
Every crop has its own full-year dates for Nevada: indoor start, transplant or direct sowing, and harvest.
Spring bulbs to plant in September in Nevada
Tulips, daffodils, hyacinths and crocus are planted in fall, once the soil has cooled and before it freezes. The exact window depends on the state, so our bulb guide quotes what each extension service says.
Fall garden season: September garden jobs in Nevada
- The average first frost is October 10, about 4 weeks away. Pick tender crops (tomatoes, peppers, squash, beans) before it, or cover them on cold nights.
- Still time to sow or plant: arugula, watercress, radish. Fast greens and radishes are the safest bets this late.
- Row cover buys 4-6°F of frost protection and weeks of extra harvest - see season extension.
- Pull finished crops and sow a cover crop (cereal rye or crimson clover) into empty beds before the soil gets cold.
USDA zone chart for Nevada
Nevada spans USDA zones 4b, 5b, 6b, 7a, 8a, 9a, 10a. Colder zones, usually higher or further inland, have a later last spring frost and an earlier first fall frost than the state average.
Questions gardeners ask
What vegetables can I plant in Nevada in September?
3 crops have a window in September: arugula, watercress, radish. The tables above give the exact dates for each.
Is it too late to plant garlic in Nevada in September?
Not too late - it's actually a little early. In Nevada the next garlic window opens around October 21: plant in fall, after first frost.
Is it too late to plant tomatoes in Nevada in September?
For this year, yes - the tomato windows in Nevada have closed. The next step is to start seeds indoors from about February 23.
When is the first frost in Nevada?
The statewide average first fall frost is around October 10 and the last spring frost around April 20. Nevada covers a wide range of climates, so local dates can differ by two weeks or more - look yours up by ZIP code.
What can I harvest in Nevada in September?
From plantings made on time: leek, salsify, celery, luffa (loofah gourd), peanut, sweet potato, zucchini / summer squash, cucumber, broccoli, cauliflower.
What to plant in September in other states
Dates are computed from Nevada’s statewide average frost dates (from NOAA/NCEI climate normals) and each crop’s timing in our crop database. Your garden may be a week or two either side - for dates tuned to your ZIP code, use the planting calendar.