A horticulture expert answers

Tobacco Budworm


The adult is a moth but the damage is done by the larval or caterpillar stage. In this stage the caterpillar feeds on flower buds and leaves.  The giveaways that it is tobacco budworm are the 
lack of flowers, holes in the leaves from feeding, the type of plant and the time of year. 
The flowers fail to open so lack of flowering is a pretty good indicator the pest is present. 
Small holes in the leaves are another good indicator.  Besides petunia, tobacco budworms like geraniums and nicotiana.........

read more

Wild Oats and Fresh & Easy Partner in Revolutionizing Fresh and Organic Food

 Wild Oats and Fresh & Easy have partnered to
introduce several innovative new Wild Oats organic and fresh food
products at Fresh & Easy stores across ....... read more

Gardening Tip: Larger grapes, in a pinch: Fewer berries mean larger berries

Have you pinched your grapes lately? The berries of table grapes will get much larger if you remove the bottom third of the bunch. You can do this by using your fingers in

read more

Whole Foods Bulls See Healthy Bounce From 28-Month Low: Options | Las Vegas Nv Blog

 Whole Foods Market Incorporated (WFM) after disappointing profit growth sent the organic grocer’s shares to an 28-month low.

Whole Foods Bulls See Healthy Bounce From 28-Month Low: Options | Las Vegas Nv Blog

Natural disaster declaration in Nevada

Clark County is in a severe drought. National Weather Service meteorologist Reid Walcott has been tracking weather conditions here in Nevada for over a year. He says it’s been 40 days since it last rained in the valley — the longest December-to-January dry spell in nearly 40 years. Probably a good time to invest in a good quality Water Purification System

Drought prompts natural disaster declaration in NV




72 Hour Family Disaster Food Supply: 4 Person - 84 Large Servings - 17 lbs - Weather Financial Crisis Kit - Ready Storage Meal Insurance, Job Loss, Security, Nutritious GMO Free Diet

How To Desalinate Water

Why use distillation for water? Radiation, lead, salt, heavy metals, and many other contaminants could taint your water supply after a disaster. If you try to simply filter them out, you will ruin your expensive water filter




Survival Skills: How To Desalinate Water in the Field | Outdoor Life

Seed Starting Tips

Spring is in the air here in Pahrump. The Almond and Peach trees are in full bloom. Spinach, Broccoli, Broccoli Raab, Swiss Chard, Arugula and several lettuces are abundant.

For those of you who are starting your summer veggies from seed - here are some neat tips to get you off to a great start





1) Use only non hybrid,  organic/heirloom seeds. There are a number of reason, most importantly you will be able to  collect huge amounts of seeds from a single plant you will never need to buy seed again. Hybrid seed has all been genetically modified to NOT make fruit. It will grow up into a plant, but a sterile one that cant produce fruit. So again, use good non hybrid seed

2) There is no reason to use 'seed starter potting mix", most contain so much peat moss that its actually harmful to seedlings. Instead use a normal, fine textured potting soil just as long as its organic.

3) Keep records of what, where and when each seed was planted. Record germination date also. Its a very good idea to also plant in succession - repeat plentin every two weeks to prolong/extend the season.

4) Cover trays ( or pots - the organic peat pods are great! ) with plastic wrap to keep the moisture level consistent.

5)  Keep seeds warm for quicker germination. 65-75F is ideal

6) Most seed will not germinate with out sun. 12 hours or more is best. Keep in a sunny south facing window. You should also turn the tray, peat pod or container 1/4 way around clock wise each day to provide even sun exposure and prevent the seedlings growing up leggy.

 7) once 2 "true leaves" emerge, feed with liquid compost.  Liquid worm tea is even better. If you don't have access to these teas, an organic all purpose fertilizer is OK.


8) Introduce gradually to the outdoors. I suggest you move outdoors for a few hour of early morning sun and gradually let them stay out longer and longer.

9) Prepare you area outdoors. Ideally this was done a few weeks prior, its not too late if you haven't yet.
I always dig a whole 3-4 time bigger and wider. I sprinkle 1/2 of a teaspoon of bone meal at bottom, add some rich compost, the other 1/2 teaspoon bone meal
Then the last layer before adding transplant -  mix 1/2 compost with1/2 half native soil, another 1/2 teaspoon of bone meal, gently place plant and fill with 1/2 compost/native soil. Leave a "well" around each plant. This will hold water and let those roots goo deep. The bone meal nurture roots. The deeper and healthier the roots, the healthier and tastier the produce!

10) Enjoy!

Southern Nevada Organic Seed