You didn't say exactly where you live, but I'm thinking that your elevation will have a lot to do with the way you garden. I live in SW Idaho, and based on my experiences here can offer the following advice. Be sure to amend your soil with good compost. Use drip irrigation or soaker hoses if at all possible. Don't get too anxious to plant your warm weather vegetables. Some plants will enjoy afternoon shade and protection from the wind. The summer days will be longer than in Orange County, and the sunshine more intense because of the altitude and lack of humidity. You might have to water every 3-4 days.
Anyway, these are just my thoughts. Good luck to you.
Eric

This will be my fourth summer in Sparks. Wait until mid-May to plant, but only after keeping an eye on the thermometer. The last frost date here is May 19. Also, when you buy plants and seeds that recommend "full sun," that doesn't apply to high altitudes where the sun is more intense than lower elevations.

I just moved to Reno after 18 months in Yakima, WA and growing up in Milwaukee, WI. I'm very curious to see how my garden turns out, it will be quite a different exprience from gardening in WI. We decided to go the raised bed route, have drip irrigation and are planning on using a lot of compost. Just today we were talking about planting veggies soon and our friend who has lived here for four years told us to hold our horses. She recommended we wait until the snow is off Peavine, especially for tomatoes.

After Southern California.... it's really hard to wait. I've got four 4x4 ready to go. Thanks for your comments.