Growing vegetables in the Las Vegas desert

Southern Nevada desert soils

What, where and when to plant are important things to consider when starting and maintaining a successful vegetable garden in the extreme conditions of the desert.

Residents of southern Nevada should choose vegetable varieties that can tolerate the higher pH levels of soil and water.  In the Vegas valley the desert soils are naturally alkaline with a pH of 7.5 and above. The tap water that is used for irrigation also has a pH above neutral so using our local source in the garden increases the pH of the soil over time. It is difficult to maintain soils with lower pH ranges in the desert because there is no regular rainfall to leach out the excess salts and minerals that build up in the soil.

Any spot that receives at least 6 hours of full sunlight a day can grow a few vegetables. Even if you live in an apartment or a condominium you can establish a successful growing site with a few hanging or balcony pots.  Those who live in homes with yards can tuck edible plants here and there into the landscape or a separate area in the yard dedicated to a garden can be planted.  Some of the soil pH problems will be alleviated by planting in pots or raised beds filled with a good potting soil mix. It may be costly to get started with raised beds that are filled with good potting soil mixes but there are definite advantages of raised beds. Even if you have little money, but  want to grow some of your own food,  you can still plant into the soil in your yard and improve it by finding and using free sources of soil amendments and mulches.

Knowing when to plant the different kinds of vegetables is critical to their growth and maturity. Planting time schedules developed specifically for southern Nevada are available from the University of Nevada cooperative extension office and copies can be found at some of the local nurseries. When making a garden plan follow the local yearly planting schedule for optimum growth and survival of that particular crop.

Take advantage of the many different resources available in Las Vegas for local gardeners. Regular weekly articles are published in the Review Journal newspaper on Sunday about gardening here and some garden centers have garden clinics where you can meet and talk to other gardeners and experts. Ask at your nearest nursery or garden center for a schedule of any planned events. Garden information might also be found in weekly advertising fliers or publications from home and garden supply stores. The master gardener’s program available through the University of Nevada cooperative extension service can be contacted to ask for advice and schedules of events. Master gardeners volunteer their time back to the community and put on demonstrations and informational events that are sponsored by the cooperative extension office.

For more info: Clark County Nevada Cooperative Extension