Harvesting crops in a desert is not a common sight, yet plenty of Las Vegans manage to grow their own food amidst the harsh, arid conditions. Figuring out the right conditions for each plant is a must, as some simply will not grow directly in the soil.

Transforming the desert’s mostly unusable soil into a rich, edible garden requires the use of mulch. Organic mulch made of straw or bark should be placed on top of the soil to help plants grow, while gravel mulch is recommended for desert natives (typically ornamental plants, not edible ones).

Strawberries, pomegranates, Asian pears, peach trees, blackberries, boysenberries, almond trees, apples, nectarines, grapes, apricots, lemon trees and plums grow with a bit of care in Las Vegas. Tomatoes and peppers are also widespread in gardens throughout Southern Nevada, as they are able to grow despite intense temperatures.

The University of Nevada Cooperative Extension, an organization that provides information to gardeners of all skill levels, recommends growing vegetables in a raised bed, creating a garden within a garden. A raised bed is lifted off the ground and is deep enough for roots to extend to the bottom of the structure. Potatoes, carrots, garlic, sweet corn, squash, eggplant, onions, cucumbers, broccoli, lettuce, cauliflower and cabbage all thrive in Las Vegas if cared for properly. Asparagus and beets are both highly tolerant of the soil in Southern Nevada, so planting them outside of a raised bed is an option.

For apartment dwellers with green thumbs, growing herbs indoors is a possibility if conditions are right. Mint, chives, basil, dill, sweet marjoram and parsley can all be grown in containers near windows or on patios. Homeowners with rock gardens can try planting thyme and lavender. Herbs need less space than fruits and vegetables and can grow in a variety of elements.

Sheltering seedlings indoors is useful in spring, when it’s typically too cold for vegetables to thrive before summer starts. By growing the plants indoors and then transplanting them to the garden, vegetables have the opportunity to establish roots before taking to the outdoors. Las Vegas Review-Journal gardening columnist Linn Mills recommends planting spring vegetables (such as tomatoes and pumpkins) outside in April.

By Caitlin McGarry