Desert Horticulture

Our worst months for growing roses is during the summer. But otherwise growing roses in the desert is nothing short of a miracle and not that difficult.  Roses are not just about flower color. Learn that besides color, roses come as climbers, cut flower types, those that are fragrant (and the aroma of the fragrance is important too!). Learn that proper selection of a the type of rose, what you want to get out of it, is critical to success. But in the desert, soil amendments, fertilizer and irrigation are important as well.

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It's very simple. Prune flowering trees and shrubs when they have finished flowering. Now you dont have to download and listen to this podcast unless you want to learn WHY and WHEN to prune these plants to prevent sun damage from the intense desert sun.

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Pomegranates are easy to grow in desert climates since they originated from the warm arid climates in in Central Asia. Did you know there are about 640 varieties of pomegranates and those grown for their fruit can ripen them anywhere from late summer to midwinter.? The fruit "skin" can range in color from lemon yellow to pink to red to purple. The juice can be sweet or "puckery". The seeds can be range from chewable to "spitable". "Wonderful" pomegranate is the most common variety grown in the US and known for its tart juice and hard seeds.

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The most common question I am asked is how much water should I give my landscape plants. It is a difficult question to answer because it can mean different things to different people. But a little detective work and the use of some equipment can give you some answers on this episode of Desert Horticulture.

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The primary reason homeowners are choosing turf type tall fescue for home lawns is because it stays green during the winter. But what if you wanted to save water and still have a beautiful lawn? Try the hybrid warm season grasses. They can be bought as seed online and still give you a very nice looking lawn.  But you will have to overseed them in the fall if you want a green lawn through the winter. Confusing? Learn more on this episode of Desert Horticulture.

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I received a question about ash flowers from a concerned reader. This caused me to think about ash trees for urban landscapes in the desert. Are they a good choice? Only you can decide that but be informed about what ash trees can and can't do before you buy. And if you decide on one, know which is the best one, how to plant it and maintain it. All this and more on this episode of Desert Horticulture.

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Meet Diane and Tom of Herbs by Diane of Boulder City, Nevada, who grow and sell herbs to chefs, restaurants as well as the public. Learn their secrets about growing and producing as a small scale producer. You can email questions directly to Diane and Tom at [email protected] and ask for their weekly list of items available.  Have something you really want to try.? Contact Diane and Tom for custom growing and harvesting.  Herbs, greens and microgreens can be picked up in Boulder City, NV,  on Thursdays at Fruitsandroots in Las Vegas or Sunday's at the Fresh52 Farmer's Market in Henderson. 

 All this and more in this episode of Desert Horticulture.

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Fall months are busy gardening months. Learn what you should do to your home desert landscape. Covered are all the maintenance practices that you will need during the cooler fall months including planting, fertilizing, watering, insect, disease and weed control. All this and more in the episode of Desert Horticulture.

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Most desert lawns are small and functional. The only places where they are large is where water is not expensive. Learn which lawn grasses are best for your desert environment, which grasses to use and why, how to plant them and manage them for future years. All this and more in this episode of Desert Horticulture.

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Artificial grass has many pluses and a few minuses that most people dont realize when they elect to plant it in the desert. Listen to this podcast and learn what these are before you buy. Then make your decision on this episode of Desert Horticulture.

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