[NLVgal]

Originally Posted by ScoopLV

There is just no way bananas are going to work here without a greenhouse. Bananas need humidity and lots of it.

Add to the fruit list: kumquats, figs (which just go gangbusters here), limes, tangerines. My mother in law also has a ton of asian fruits going -- jujubees and similar.

Then we have nut trees -- almonds, pistachios, pecans all do well here also.

Things you wouldn't think about do well here -- romaine lettuce. Dill. Parsley in the winter. Basil in the summer.

I've had no luck with limes. Both trees died when summer hit. Agreed on the veggies and herbs. The only herb I won't fuss with anymore is cilantro. It's cheaper at the Mexican markets.

Melons, properly watered, go gangbusters here.

[ScoopLV]

Our lime is doing fine -- but has yet to produce. Meyer lemons on the other hand... want some lemons this winter?

[NLVgal]

Originally Posted by ScoopLV

Our lime is doing fine -- but has yet to produce. Meyer lemons on the other hand... want some lemons this winter?

Hell yeah. I love lemons.

[Buzz123]

Bananas - no way; nor do cherries grow here. Not enough cold nights for cherries, not enough rain and humidity for bananas.

But there are lots of Mexican Bird of Paradise bushes in my neighborhood, although I managed to kill mine. They go dormant and look pretty bad until they decide to bloom again. Can't remember if they go dormant in the heat of summer, or just when it happens.

I've had my best luck with peaches and apricots. Apples obviously do very well, if you've ever been to Gilcrease Orchards. China Ranch Date Farm makes a lot of money on dates, and date products from trees to milkshakes. Figs do well, and pomegranates, as well as grapes, and olives. Pumpkins, squash (squorch), and tomatoes love it here.

A lot of it depends on the dirt you use, and how much you water, or don't water. And, whatever it is, the birds will beat you to it if you don't put netting over it.

Get The Nevada Gardener's Guide by Lynn Mills who lived in southern NV, and a guy named Post in northern NV. A lot of desert gardening books are by people in Arizona, and a lot of their ideas don't apply to here.

[Clarkcty]

Originally Posted by yellowsnow

Yes, I know the Desert Bird of Paradise. To me the flowers look a little like tiny orchids. I was referring to the ones that have leaves like banana trees.

Maybe I will have to try these things in containers. Supposedly there are bananas that will fruit in a pot.

I have an area close to my pool with nothing in it. I am planning on working on improving the soil over the summer then planting SOMETHING next spring.

Canna grows fast if you want privacy around your pool. We used to have them at home. As far as Bananas, goodluck, perhaps if you plant them near the pool (for humidity) and away from the direct afternoon sun if might just work.

[Clarkcty]

Originally Posted by demoknite

You will get beautiful sweet/tart pomegranates with minimal effort.

Yes it will bear fruit year after year, my family have them and I never bother pick the fruit, it's just there on the tree till it rots.

[ScoopLV]

Originally Posted by Clarkcty

Yes it will bear fruit year after year, my family have them and I never bother pick the fruit, it's just there on the tree till it rots.

During pomegranate season, I saw "organic locally grown" for sale at Whole Foods for $6 EACH. With that kind of price, my harvest each year is worth hundreds.

We run the seeds through the food processor (with a plastic blade attached) to juice them. Easy, easy. Then we pour a little juice into our carbonated water every day.

[Prosze]

Originally Posted by ScoopLV

During pomegranate season, I saw "organic locally grown" for sale at Whole Foods for $6 EACH. With that kind of price, my harvest each year is worth hundreds.

We run the seeds through the food processor (with a plastic blade attached) to juice them. Easy, easy. Then we pour a little juice into our carbonated water every day.

Pomegranate prices in all stores mystifies me. They are priced as if they are rare/hard to grow or something.

[NLVgal]

Originally Posted by ScoopLV

During pomegranate season, I saw "organic locally grown" for sale at Whole Foods for $6 EACH. With that kind of price, my harvest each year is worth hundreds.

We run the seeds through the food processor (with a plastic blade attached) to juice them. Easy, easy. Then we pour a little juice into our carbonated water every day.

They make for nice home made jelly as well.