Starting a Vegetable Garden in Las Vegas: Heat‑Tolerant Crops & Soil Prep

New Las Vegas gardener: never‑worked ground, hot summers. Asks soil testing and what to grow.

Start Small

10' x 10' or less. Learn basics before expanding.

Heat‑Loving Crops for Vegas

• Tomatoes (short‑season: 'Early Girl', 'Heatmaster')
• Peppers (all types)
• Eggplant ('Black Beauty', 'Ichiban')
• Beans (bush & pole)
• Okra, Sweet Potatoes, Melons, Armenian Cucumber

Soil Prep (Critical in Desert)

1. Test pH (kit or extension). Target 6.5‑7.0.
2. Amend heavily: **Aged manure, peat moss, compost** — 3‑4" worked in 12" deep.
3. If alkaline (>7.5), add **sulfur** per test.
4. If acidic (<6.0), add **lime**.

Water & Fertilizer

• Water to 1" depth/week (more in heat). Check top 2" dry.
• Balanced fertilizer every 2 weeks.

Pest Protection

• Row covers for seedlings.
• Organic sprays: pyrethrum, rotenone.

Resources

Links: Aggie Horticulture, Shepherd's Seeds, Square Foot Gardening, Fernlea, Clemson Extension, Garden Helper.

Desert gardening succeeds with soil building, shade cloth, drip irrigation, and heat‑tolerant varieties.