Gardening in the desert

The hot, dry weather of Southern Nevada doesn't make it easy to grow plants. Yet, this desert environment is home to more than 1,800 species of plants. Proper care begins with water. It's best to water in the early morning for less evaporation. Drip irrigation ensures that the water goes deeper in the soil. A moisture meter will let you know if your plants need more water. Adding compost to the soil is vital to getting nitrogen and other nutrients to the plants. Wood mulch will shade soil from the sun and eventually break down over time adding compost to the soil.