"Becoming a Desert Gardener"
Gardening in Las Vegas or anywhere in the arid Southwest can be challenging, but keeping the following basics in mind can lead to successful gardening in this region:
- Water, it is the most important nutrient that plants, animals and humans need. If you have been living in the arid desert southwest, you know water is the one thing that is lacking. When creating a garden in the desert, it is extremely important to water.
- The temperatures will vary from highs in the 110+ range to lows just above or below 30 degrees. Plants need water, but at differing rates depending upon the time of year.
- Wind gusts can exceed 60+ mph. Young plants that are not well rooted can be up-rooted and blown away.
- The soil often retains excess salts, can have caliche, and a high pH is common. A lot of the soil in the region is low in the organic matter necessary to create the best environment necessary for many plants to thrive.
What is a gardener in this region to do? Water your plants, protect heat intolerant plants from the blistering sun, protect young plants from the wind and improve your soil. Of the four, many gardeners find contending with desert soil the most challenging but, it can improve over time.
Watering: Timed, drip irrigation watering with emitters that match the water requirements of the plant is the most efficient and water-wise method of watering. Mulch, Mulch, Mulch with organic matter!! It improves the soil as it decomposes, can decrease soil temperature, and reduce plant water needs.
Tip - Create different watering zones that correspond to plant/tree watering requirements.
The Heat: Fortunately the heat doesn't prevail year round. Create micro-climates for plants that are less sun/heat tolerant. One way to do this is by planting them near Palm and other trees that do not have invasive spreading roots. Use the tree's large fronds or branches for plant shading during the hottest part of the day.
Tip - If the plant is not designated "full sun", it is unlikely to thrive in a full sun location. Often it is best to plant it elsewhere.
The Wind: If possible, plant shrubs and young plants during early Fall. It will allow time to establish deeper roots prior to winter and the Spring winds.
Tip - If planting must occur prior to the establishment of a strong root system, protect the plant from the wind.
The Soil: Prior to planting anything, it is advisable to get a "professional" soil test, and then amend, amend, amend per your results to create the best environment possible for plants to grow.
Tip - Contact your local Cooperative Extension for labs that will test residential soil.
