Las Vegas Gardening: Your April Planting Guide

April's finally here, and you know what that means? It's prime time to get those fruits and veggies in the ground! The nights aren't too chilly for Las Vegas gardening anymore (staying above 54°F), and those longer daylight hours are just begging for you to break out your gardening gloves.

Why April Rocks for Las Vegas Gardening

• Those warm nights are perfect for heat-lovers like tomatoes and herbs

• Time to get your hands dirty with melons, eggplants, peppers, and leafy greens

• The soil's warming up, which means happy plant roots!

Seed Starting Secrets

1. Indoor Head Start: Pop those seeds in trays or small pots about 4-6 weeks before you plan to move them outside

2. Soil Magic: Make sure you've got well-draining soil mixed with some good compost

3. Water Wisdom: Keep seeds moist...not swimming

4. Get your compost tea or starter mix ready after your plants grow 2-3 inches before transferring into garden

   
   

Hardening Off Seedlings

Before transplanting seedlings outdoors, it’s crucial to harden them off to avoid shock:

1. Gradual Exposure: Start by placing seedlings outside in a shaded area for 1-2 hours on the first day.

2. Increase Time Daily: Over 7-10 days, gradually increase their time outdoors and move them into sunnier spots.

3. Final Step: By day seven, seedlings should be ready to handle full sun and outdoor conditions.

4. Water with your fist round of compost tea or starter mix. (check the recommended NPK for each plant and use a soil and PH test kit for best results.)

Where to Plant for Optimal Sunlight

• Full Sun Plants: Tomatoes, peppers, squash, and melons thrive in areas with 6+ hours of direct sunlight daily.

• Partial Shade Plants: Leafy greens like lettuce, kale, and herbs such as parsley prefer morning sun and afternoon shade.

• Plant on the east or north side of your house to shield plants from harsh afternoon sun.

• Use shade cloths or nearby trees to provide additional protection during peak summer heat.

Star Nursery Varieties!

They've got everything you need! Their shelves are stocked with:

• Vegas-tough veggies like eggplants, melons, cucumbers, and tomatoes

• Year-round winners like rosemary and other herbs to spice up your cooking

Find Your Nearest Star Nursery

They're all over town:

• Summerlin (8170 W. Charleston)

• Southwest (9480 W. Tropicana)

• East (5340 Boulder Hwy)

• Green Valley (8725 S. Eastern)

• Northwest (7330 W. Cheyenne)

• North Vegas (2600 W. Ann Road)

• Blue Diamond (5380 Blue Diamond Road)

So what are you waiting for? April's your golden ticket to transform that boring backyard into your own personal produce section! Get planting and in no time, you'll be enjoying the literal fruits of your labor. Fresh salsa, anyone?