Kamari Ezquerra and Caroline Blakely
17 minutes ago
LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — With temperatures rising in the Valley, horticulture experts say now is the time to get your garden ready for summer. Whether you're looking to add a little flair to your yard or harvest some homegrown produce, knowing what to grow and how to protect it will ensure your garden thrives no matter the season.
“The biggest thing you can do to prepare for the heat is to make your plants healthy and strong,” says Matthew Fischera, regional manager for Moon Valley Nurseries, “[that's]creating a good, deep water cycle and nourishing your plants. In the desert, plants need vitamins and food. Our soil isn't very nutrient rich, and we don't get as much rain as other states.”
Plants and trees at Moon Valley Nurseries. (KLAS)
Plants and trees at Moon Valley Nurseries. (KLAS)
Moon Valley Nurseries (KLAS)
Plants and trees at Moon Valley Nurseries. (KLAS)
Fichera recommends watering for longer periods and on slower cycles, per Las Vegas Valley Water District requirements: Plants that do well at this time of year can be watered on a slower watering cycle of 30 to 45 minutes.
“Depending on the plant and the species, you want to create a slow, gentle cycle so the roots can strengthen on their own,” Fichera says, “and you want to create some dry time, which is just as important as the wet time for the roots to strengthen on their own.”
Now, when choosing crops to plant in your garden, keep the seasons in mind. As we head into summer, stone fruits — which have a core or “kernel” in the center and a fleshy exterior — like apricots, nectarines, peaches and figs, are beginning to ripen now and will begin to grow and flourish as the days warm up in the coming months and even weeks.
“The plant thrives in the heat of summer,” Fichera said, “and as soon as the sun comes out, it nourishes the leaves and then produces fruit.”
Despite the myth, Fichera says summer is the best time to harvest, especially if you're expecting fresh fall produce in the coming months.
“Pomegranates, lemons, limes – those are the only things that will get us through the fall harvest season,” he said.
For specific plant and produce care guides, visit this link and select the “resources” tab.
