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Time Frame
The vegetable gardening season in the Lake Tahoe basin is very short because of the cool climate. On average, the last frost in the spring occurs in mid-June and the first frost in the fall in mid-September, although frost can always occur a couple weeks earlier or later than average. Some plants can survive frost, but many must not be planted until the danger of frost has passed.
Vegetable Crops
Vegetables such as lettuce, spinach, peas, broccoli and radishes tolerate cool temperatures and can grow well during the late spring and fall months. In the Lake Tahoe basin, plant these crops as soon as snow melts and the soil can be prepared, as they can tolerate temperatures as low as 25 degrees Fahrenheit. Vegetables that do not tolerate frost, such as tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, cucumbers and squash, should be planted as seedlings in mid-June. Choose varieties that will produce their crops by mid-September.
Soil
The soil in the Lake Tahoe basin is typically very sandy, which is not ideal for growing vegetables. Plants need a variety of nutrients that are not found in sandy soil. To prepare your soil for a vegetable garden, mix in organic material such as compost and peat moss, and if desired, add a chemical fertilizer as well. Soil in the Lake Tahoe basin is likely to be acidic. A soil test, which measures the pH and nutrients, will tell you if you need to add lime to bring the pH to about 6.5, ideal for most vegetables.
Watering and Care
Vegetable gardens in Lake Tahoe need regular watering. Because of the dry air, wind and sandy soil that drains quickly, daily watering is required for healthy growth. Vegetables need water when the soil is dry 1 inch below the surface. Also, due to Lake Tahoe's high elevation and the possibility of frost in early summer and early autumn, close attention should be paid to the weather forecast for frost warnings. Cover the plants with plastic or another fabric designed for protecting plants on nights with possible frost.
Animal Control
Lake Tahoe gardeners who do not have any defenses in place will quickly find that many local animals are interested in eating the vegetables. Common animals include squirrels, voles, rabbits and deer. Building a fence around the garden is the best way to prevent these animals from eating the crops.
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The Lake Tahoe region is in the western corner of Nevada and the elevation is approximately 6,200 feet at the lake. A number of native plants and animals grow and live in the area that are still harvested and eaten. Lake Tahoe is the second deepest lake in the United States and supports both native and introduced species of fish. Some of the vegetation in the region can be eaten or used for medicinal purposes.
Fish
The native fish in Lake Tahoe include rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, brook trout, and some species of salmon. Many anglers enjoy fishing in Lake Tahoe, not only for the catch, but also for the scenery. A fishing license is required from either Nevada or California, depending on where on the lake or its tributaries people fish.
Animals
Wildlife native to the Lake Tahoe region include bear, deer, elk, antelope, wild pigs, turkey, quail, pheasant and waterfowl. Both the states of California and Nevada have hunting seasons, although how many licenses or tags the state issue depends on the health of the herd or flock. The states have lotteries to fairly distribute licenses.
Plants
The region supports some native species of plants that can be eaten, including pine nuts harvested from pinion pines. Juniper plants grow in the area and the berries make good seasonings for pork, beef or chicken. The leaf buds of the quaking aspen can be eaten and are excellent sources of vitamin C. Kinnikinnick is a bushy plant that produces tart edible berries which have a diuretic effect.
The bark of the native black willow helps relieve pain when brewed as a tea. Buffaloberry bushes produce berries that can be cooked into jellies and jams. Wild roses grow into huge plants around Lake Tahoe and the fruit, the rose hips, can be used to make tea or jellies.
The sulfur flower has a large edible root that can be cooked and eaten. Western wild grapes produce fruit similar to commercially grown grapes that people eat. The leaves can be used as a wrap for food and benefit the gastrointestinal tract.
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