The Growing Food in Tahoe Project, led by UC Master Gardeners, helps local gardeners choose edible plants that thrive in Tahoe’s unique, short growing season.
Since 2015, we have studied the varietal phenology of plants – the study of plant growth within a season in relation to weather and climate – to identify which varieties perform best in Tahoe. In addition to weather patterns, we evaluate soil type, sun exposure, bed type, and growing methods such as raised beds, hoop houses, hugel mounds, and direct sowing.
Our goal is to provide science-based guidance to help you successfully grow food in the Tahoe Basin. This page provides:
- Recommended vegetable and fruit varieties suited for Tahoe
- Local planting schedules
- Guidance on how and where to plant (e.g. raised beds, hoop houses, huge mounds, and direct sowing)
- Crop-specific research summaries and presentations
Featured Resources
Additional Resources
- Vegetable Gardening Tips
- Vegetable Gardening Tips brochure
- Vegetable Planting Schedule for Tahoe
- Becca’s Tahoe Veggie Gardening Chart
- Edible Landscaping, part 1
- Edible Landscaping, part 2
- Growing Food in Tahoe brochure
- Growing Food in Tahoe: Project Presentation
- Growing Food in Tahoe: Other UC Master Gardener Presentations
These presentations are specific to our Growing Food in Tahoe phenology study which seeks to determine which plant varieties grow best in our Tahoe climate. Starting in 2015 UC Master Gardeners provided presentations around the lake on plant phenology. Specific plant presentations included garlic, onions, kale/lettuce, tomatoes, potatoes, raspberries, strawberries, and asparagus.
Edible Garden Stories…
Plant Specific Information