What You Need To Know About Fertilizing Outdoor Plants

Plants that do well in Nevada aren’t doing it on their own. Healthy soil, essential nutrients, and time of year play a big role in an outdoor plant’s health. Take a look at what you need to know about fertilizing outdoor plants and discover what plants you can grow in the Las Vegas area.

Growing Season

The seasons play a substantial role in plant landscaping. In the Vegas area, the growing season typically extends from the middle of February to late November, about 285 days. However, Las Vegas sees scorching temperatures in the summer and little rainfall. The extreme weather conditions affect soil and often pose serious problems. Preventing damage due to the arid growing season is as simple as fertilizing your outdoor plants.

Healthy Soil

Growing plants require nutrient-rich soil, but the ground in Henderson and Las Vegas rarely offers enough sustenance for plants without a bit of help. Local soil tends to be highly alkaline without much potential for fertility. Fortunately, solutions are readily available.

Mulch conserves moisture and keeps the soil cool even in the summer heat. Add chopped leaves and compost to improve drainage while it fertilizes your plants. However, some choose raised beds as an alternative to growing directly into the poor natural soil.

Essential Nutrients

Plants need both macronutrients and micronutrients to grow. Macronutrients are required in large quantities, while micronutrients are only marginally necessary. The most critical macronutrients are sulfur, magnesium, and calcium, and the micronutrients needed are iron, manganese, boron, zinc, copper, nickel, molybdenum, chlorine, and cobalt.

Get your soil tested to see the levels of both macronutrients and micronutrients, then make up for any discrepancies. Keep in mind that some nutrients get in the way of plant growth, like selenium, but a soil test should also check for those.

Choosing the Right Plants

Because of the southern Nevada climate, you’ll want plants that survive in the dry heat. Nevada-friendly plants include Italian cypress, Japanese blueberry, orange jubilee, yellow bells, germander sage, and even golden bamboo. 

 Many more plants can survive outdoors in Henderson and Las Vegas, Nevada, but pay attention to what your plant needs to grow. Plants and trees can have varying nutritional requirements. It is important to keep in mind the soil nutrient levels and what fertilizers you will need while planning. With proper landscape installation and maintenance, your yard can look impeccable and full of life.

Pro tip: Install artificial turf around your plants to increase appeal and lower weekly maintenance costs.

Optimize Your Landscape

If planning around the heat, soil conditions, and design is stopping you from planting, reach out to us at Centerpoint Landscaping for help. We’ll work with you to ensure your plants and entire landscape design are adept at surviving the summer heat and thriving. Contact Centerpoint Landscaping or call us today!