Las Vegas has always had a bad reputation for its weather, being that it’s a desert. In the summer temperatures can reach triple digits for days, sometimes weeks on end, and winters can be dry and dip down to the 20s. To some that might sound like hell but to me it sounds like heaven! Throughout most of the year we get beautiful abundant sunshine, which plants love.
When thinking of a desert some might be discouraged from starting a garden but you absolutely can turn this desert landscape into an oasis! My preferred method is indoor gardening, more specifically hydroponics because it’s more controlled. Don’t let this discourage you from conventional gardening outside though! John Kohler from GrowingYourGreens.com is a gardener of 20+ years and has a fantastic youtube channel with videos featuring his many outdoor gardens from the places he’s lived, one of which being Las Vegas. There are countless videos of him providing valuable tips and tricks for starting and maintaining a garden and I suggest you check them out.
Getting into Hydroponics
There are many methods for hydroponics, the Kratky method is the most simple. This method utilizes affordable materials, does not require the use of an air filter or electricity and is for the most part hands off. All you need is a 32 ounce wide mouth mason jar (or 64 ounce), grow sponges, domes, baskets, wide mouth hydroponic pod inserts or lids, seeds and hydroponic plant food. For more on this method and how to set it up read my article here: How to Set Up a Kratky Mason Jar Hydroponic System
Another method is using countertop hydroponic growing systems, such as the RainPoint, as you see below. These hydroponic systems include a grow light, plant nutrients, grow sponges, baskets, domes, and an air pump to circulate the water in the unit. These are wonderful for beginners and the instructions are straight forward. Many brands include Aerogarden, LetPot, AHopeGarden, Rise, Click and Grow, to name a few. There are so many on the market at different price points so do your research to find out what’s best for you.
Other methods include Ebb and Flow, the Drip System and Aquaponics.
