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  While many vegetables and plants find the Reno environment unfriendly for growing, root vegetables can actually thrive in Nevada. Due in large part because of their hardiness, and their tolerance of strong sun, root vegetables start underground in the colder, early spring months and grow large and healthy later in the year. Whether you're starting with parent plants or seeds, there are several vegetables that you can successfully cultivate in your Reno garden.
  
  

Beets

• Beets, also known as beetroots, are red root vegetables common in western gardens and landscapes with non-acidic soils. In Reno, you can plant the beetroot in March, as most likely there will be no more frosts that could damage the beets. Beets will grow in various sun conditions from partial shade to full sun, though the more light that the beets get, the more you need to make sure that the soil does not dry out. If you are able to keep the soil moist with consistent spring watering, you should get fully developed beetroots by the early fall.
  
  

Carrots

• Carrots are a great vegetable to grow in Reno, especially because they usually require six hours of sun, which in Nevada is hardly ever a problem. While it is true that carrots prefer cooler soils, the only change you have to make to grow successful carrots in Reno is your planting times. Plant your carrots at the end of March or very beginning of April. With a well-moistened soil and at least six hours of sun per day, your carrots will be fully matured and ready to harvest in sixteen weeks.
  
  

Parsnips

• Though many gardeners in cooler climates plant parsnips at the end of spring, in Reno the best planting time for this root vegetable is the beginning of April. Parsnips take a long time to fully mature and it may be well into fall before you can harvest the vegetables. In order to keep them healthy during this growing span, make sure that the soil is well watered. Parsnip roots often bury themselves deeper than other vegetables, so watering is even more important. Make sure that the soil is thoroughly saturated throughout the summer. As long as the parsnips get enough water and at least partial sun for several hours a day, you will have a perfect fall vegetable in your Reno garden.
  
  

Jerusalem Artichokes

• Jerusalem artichokes are a hardy vegetable that can be planted as early as the beginning of March in Nevada, as they should be protected from late frost. These vegetables are not grown from seeds but rather parent plants or tubers. With the full Reno sun, the sprouts could reach 6 1/2 feet by fall, and though they are hardy growers, these stems may need supports because they are quite fragile. In Nevada, it's best to plant Jerusalem artichokes where they will get partial shade. With a moist soil and afternoon sun, the Jerusalem artichokes should be ready for harvesting in early fall.