Vegas Voice May 2023 Edition

Are You Water-Wise?
By: Howard Galin / Happy Gardening
In May, as we begin our time of high temperatures
and reduced rainfall, an important factor
affecting our gardens is using water in an effective
and cost-effective manner. Improper irrigation leads
to higher water bills, water waste and plant stress.
Proper irrigation requires grouping your plants
based upon their watering needs. They can be
categorized as Non-Native plants (such as roses,
lavender, gardenias, etc.) placing them on a
separate irrigation setting (valve) and following
Water Authority recommendations or categorized
as Native plants needing limited amounts of water (such as cactus,
agave and yucca), and grouping them together on a different setting
(valve).
If you are growing fruits and/or vegetables they too should have
their own settings. In this way, you are addressing their individual
needs while saving water and money!
Native plants follow a more limited watering schedule of one day a
week in Fall and Spring; twice a week in Summer; and no irrigation at
all in Winter. When you do water, remember that it is how often (not
how long) that you irrigate that matters to your plants.
Excessive water just filters down through our sandy/rocky soil and is
lost along with your money!
Use drips rather than spray irrigation to prevent run-offs and to
direct water to the root systems. Drip emitters are labeled with how
many gallons of water they release per hour or have adjustable swivel
heads to control the amounts.
Water deeply rather than frequently. During hot, dry months, each
session for non-natives should be for about 30
minutes twice a day while natives need between 10-
15 minutes once or twice a week.
You can retain soil moisture and lower water
usage by surrounding plants with organic (wood)
chips or compost. This will lower soil temperature,
reduce evaporation, and provide needed nutrients
for root absorption.
As your plants mature, reposition and add more emitters around
larger plants. Active roots are located parallel to the “canopies” of the
plant. Emitters located too close to the trunks or stems are ineffective
and wasteful!
With our on-going drought conditions, it’s important to be Water-
Wise!
Have a gardening question? Contact me at: Theplantwhisperer28@
gmail.com.
Howard Galin is a University of Nevada certified Master
Gardener who lectures on, and writes about native plants and
desert landscaping
Sun City MacDonald Ranch Spring Cra,
Fair 2023
The Ceramics Cra,ers and the Sewing Club are holding a
Spring Cra, Fair on Saturday, May 13 th from 8 a.m. unAl
1 p.m. in the main clubhouse at 2020 Horizon Ridge
Parkway, Henderson. There will be a large variety of
handmade items for sale.
The Ceramics Cra,ers has both
indoor and outdoor items in a wide
selecAon of sizes and styles, from
desert themed to Christmas
themed.
The Sewing Club has both Golden Knights and
Raiders items, from aprons and placemats to
steering wheel covers. They also have a wide
variety of hand crocheted and kniLed items.
Great choices for gi,s! Reasonable prices!
The Fair will be held in the sewing and ceramics rooms
located at the East end of the main hallway.
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May 2023