March is the first full month of the 2026 growing season.
Before starting your gardening, make certain that you have properly applied any soil additives and fertilizer, re-programmed your irrigation and removed any left-over winter related damage. Once completed, it is time to plan your “landscape strategy”.
The USDA Plant Hardiness Zone for Las Vegas is 9b which means that our yearly temperature range goes from a low of 30F to a high exceeding 100F. Combined with the intensity of the summer sun, strong winds and low humidity, you must give thought to what and where to plant.
When choosing appropriate plants for your garden, research the amount of sun exposure that is recommended. Partial sun means less than 4 hours per day while full sun means 6+ hours.
Make note that the most intense and damaging sun exposure occurs between 2-4 pm during the summer months. Look at planting instructions to learn whether a particular plant is drought tolerant (can endure dry spells) or drought resistant (can survive long periods without any water)!
Note: Just because a garden center sells a particular plant (such as Hibiscus, Tropical birds of Paradise, Purple plum or Magnolias), it does NOT mean it will actually survive!
Names of plants can also be confusing and misleading: Sago Palms are NOT palms (and do NOT like intense afternoon sunlight). They are Cycads closely related to “conifers” like Pine Trees.
The Red Yucca is not a yucca (it is a Hesperaloe) and Mexican Bird of Paradise will flourish in our gardens but Tropical Bird of Paradise will quickly die!
Although we see them all over in Nevada, no palm tree is indigenous to Nevada and none are drought-tolerant. The Mediterranean Fan Palm will do well here but the Queen Palm will be severely damaged by freezing temperatures or direct intense sunlight.
Do not plant cactus, yucca or agave near pedestrian walkways where people or pets can get hurt. And avoid “messy” trees such as African Sumac.
Remember: PLAN BEFORE YOU PLANT! Have a question? Contact me: ThePlantWhisperer28@gmail.com
