What to plant this week in Las Vegas, NV
With frost dates well behind us since late January, Las Vegas gardeners are in full swing during this week's intense heat. The arid climate demands immediate attention to soil moisture retention while you sow or harvest your summer favorites like cantaloupe and okra.
The next 7 days
Las Vegas, NVGrowing in Las Vegas right now
- Plant seeds directly into the ground; transplanting is rarely necessary as most annuals struggle with the sudden shock of moving in our dry air.
- Amend sandy native soils with compost immediately to help retain water, especially for deep-rooted crops like pumpkins and winter squash.
- Mulch heavily around the base of plants to reflect scorching sunlight and keep roots cool during the day.
- Water early morning only to minimize evaporation loss typical in our high-desert environment.
Sow this week
34 crops- Basil
- Black-Eyed Susan
- Borage
- Bush Bean
- Cantaloupe
- Cleome (Spider Flower)
- Cosmos
- Cowpea (Black-Eyed Pea)
- Cucumber
- Edamame
- Fennel
- Flour Corn
- French Marigold
- Garden Verbena
- Gourd (Ornamental/Bottle)
- Honeydew Melon
- Lima Bean
- Malabar Spinach
- Nasturtium
- Okra
- Pole Bean
- Pumpkin
- Scarlet Runner Bean
- Shiso (Japanese Basil)
- Summer Savory
- Sunflower
- Sweet Corn
- Thai Basil
- Vinca (Madagascar Periwinkle)
- Watermelon
- Winter Squash
- Yellow Summer Squash
- Zinnia
- Zucchini
Transplant this week
Nothing is due to go out this week.
Harvest soon
36 crops- Basil
- Borage
- Bush Bean
- Cantaloupe
- Cleome (Spider Flower)
- Cosmos
- Cowpea (Black-Eyed Pea)
- Cucumber
- Edamame
- Fennel
- Flour Corn
- French Marigold
- Garden Verbena
- Garlic
- Gourd (Ornamental/Bottle)
- Honeydew Melon
- Lima Bean
- Loofah (Luffa)
- Malabar Spinach
- Nasturtium
- Okra
- Pole Bean
- Pumpkin
- Roselle (Cranberry Hibiscus)
- Scarlet Runner Bean
- Shiso (Japanese Basil)
- Summer Savory
- Sunflower
- Sweet Corn
- Thai Basil
- Vinca (Madagascar Periwinkle)
- Watermelon
- Winter Squash
- Yellow Summer Squash
- Zinnia
- Zucchini
Seasonal tips
- Start succession planting for bush beans and summer squash now to ensure a continuous harvest through the heat of August.
- Pinch back the tops of Basil, Shiso, and Thai Basil regularly today to encourage bushier growth and prevent flowering.
- Divide overcrowded Sunflowers or Zinnias if they are becoming leggy, replanting them for a fresh round of blooms.
Pest & disease watch
- Monitor aphids on newly sown bean varieties, as warm temperatures accelerate their population growth quickly.
- Watch for spider mites on leafy greens like Malabar spinach and fennel, which thrive when humidity is low.
- Check zinnias and cosmos for thrips damage before blooms fully open.
Watering this week
Water deeply at the base of vegetable plants during the hottest part of the day to keep roots cool and soil moisture consistent.
Interplant fast-maturing Bush Beans with slower-growing Pumpkins or Winter Squash to maximize space in your garden bed.
Las Vegas gardening questions
3Can I still start cold-sensitive crops like basil indoors now?
No need; with the last frost historically occurring around Jan 30, you can sow basil seeds directly into the garden this week. The soil is already warm enough to support rapid germination without indoor育苗.
How do I protect my watermelon from the intense afternoon sun in July?
Alternatively, train vines on trellises so leaves receive filtered sunlight while fruits hang below, reducing scorch marks.
Why is my okra wilting even though I water regularly?
Ensure you are applying a slow-release fertilizer formulated for desert crops and checking that water penetrates deep rather than running off the surface.
Other cities in zone 9b
10See the full zone 9b guide → · Plan your Las Vegas garden in SproutGuide →