A Community Garden How-to Guide:
What you need to know about community gardening in Southern Nevada
Welcome to this Community Garden resource page where you will find almost everything you need to know about community gardening in Southern Nevada. This is a collaborative project started between the UNR Extension unit's horticultural department and the Conservation District of Southern Nevada, in hopes to expand and enrich urban agricultural communities with accessible resources and guides.
How do I get started?
​If you live in a food desert, then it is time to start growing your own food... but there are definitely a few things to consider first. ​Below, you will find a list of community gardens in Southern Nevada, with contacts on how to support your local community garden before thinking of starting your own. There are also guides to starting a garden whether it be for your community or for your personal backyard.
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Did you know there are at least 17 community gardens within Clark County? There are many benefits in joining a community garden right in your neighborhood. Community gardens
(1) provide an open green space to plant and socialize, (2) promote physical activity,
and (3) supplement fresh produce into your diet. Find the nearest community garden to you.​​​
Getting Started: Gardening Guides
Let's get you prepared to start your own garden
Things to consider before getting started
There are 3 things to consider prior to starting a garden...
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Water availability (Yes, you need irrigation in Southern NV)
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Land or Indoor vertical growing (Plants take up a fair amount of space)
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Soil quality (Nutrient availabity and alternatives like hydroponics for indoor gardens)
What if I don't have the water or right soil?
In places where soil quality is poor and water accessibility is limited, raised beds and irrigation systems allow you to control how much water your crops get, and let you plant in a soil mix better suited to growing a desired crop than what is in your backyard.
Sand
Has large particles and poor soil and water retention. Since it drains quickly, it does not hold onto nutrients.
Clay
Has small particles and high water retention, however, too much water can compact the soil and make it difficult for plants to root or aerate.
Sandy soils that may be mixed with clay or other minerals in areas with intermittent water flow are common in desert landscapes. These soils are made of fine particles that have poor water and nutrient retention, making it difficult to plant in. There are ways to improve soil quality, such as adding organic matter (compost), mulch, and cover crops.
Raised bed and Irrigation Resources
Raised beds
Angela O’Callaghan,
Area Extension Specialist, Social Horticulture
UNR Extension
Irrigation
Jerry Neufeld, Extension Educator
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Jason Davison, Area Specialist, Northeast Nevada
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Tim Stevenson, Pershing County Extension Educator
Irrigation
Heidi A. Kratsch,
Western Area
Horticulture Specialist, UNR Extension
Irrigation
M.I. Robinson,
Area Extension Specialist
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How to Join a Community Garden
Are you ready to join?
Seems simple enough, but for you introverts, this may be a big step. Go ahead and pick up the phone or go visit one of the many existing beautiful gardens in Southern Nevada. You can grow a few things at home to unwind from the day while having fun growing with a community that encourages your personal growth in addition to your veggie and fruit growing at home.
