When to Plant Shallot in Lyon County, NV
May to-do list for Lyon County, Nevada
May rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Lyon County, Nevada.
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Plant out shallot
Pinch off the lowest leaves on each seedling before you plant — it reduces water loss while the roots catch up.
Coming up in June — start thinking about
- Starting indoors: shallot
Shallots are a gourmet allium prized for their complex, sweet, and mild flavor. Each bulb multiplies into a cluster, making them easy and rewarding to grow.
Lyon County, Nevada is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is May 12 and the first fall frost is October 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 151 days.
At an elevation of 4,379 feet, Lyon County receives approximately 17.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 101°F, so Shallot may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Shallot will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Shallot successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Lyon County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
6.7-8.2
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Lyon County
How your county's soil matches Shallot's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.7–8.2) is more alkaline than Shallot prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Lyon County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Shallot will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Shallot.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (0.7%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Shallot.
How to Plant Shallot
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 10/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Shallot
Shallot needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Shallot Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 0.4" | 3.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 0.5" | 3.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 2.6" | 1.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2.4" | 1.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 1.4" | 2.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Lyon County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Shallot Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Shallot Planting Timeline — Lyon County, NV
Shallot Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 7 | Apr 7 – Apr 21 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 12 | May 12 – May 26 |
| Direct Sow | April 28 | Apr 28 – May 19 |
| Harvest | August 11 | Aug 11 – Sep 29 |
| Fall Sowing | August 1 | Aug 1 – Aug 15 |
Plant 1" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · 2-3 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
90–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
151 days in Lyon County
Growing Tips for Shallot in Lyon County
Direct sow Shallot outdoors after May 12 in Lyon County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Lyon County dries quickly — mulch Shallot with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
With summer highs reaching 101°F in Lyon County, provide afternoon shade for Shallot and water deeply in the morning.
Common pests for Shallot in this region include onion maggots and thrips. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
Lyon County receives only 17" of rain annually. Shallot needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
General growing tips
Plant sets in fall for spring harvest or early spring for summer harvest. Mulch heavily if overwintering. Harvest when tops brown and dry, then cure for storage.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
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Shallot in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Shallot in Lyon County, NV?
Lyon County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of May 12. Plan your Shallot planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lyon County, NV?
Lyon County, Nevada is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is May 12 and first fall frost is October 10.
Your Lyon County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Lyon County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.