Star Nursery's Green Pages - Spring 2023

let’s party!

join us for our 40th birthday celebration

Mar 3rd - We’re going totally tomatoes! Get a FREE 4in Early Girl Tomato with any purchase!

Apr 1st - Diversify your garden with pollinators! Grab a packet of FREE ladybugs with any purchase!

Enjoy FREE lunch & THROWBACK prices!

Scan the qr code to view the schedule.

W. Tropicana & Fort Apache 9480 W. Tropicana Ave. Las Vegas, NV 89147

(702) 278-STAR (7827)

Boulder Hwy. & E. Tropicana 5340 Boulder Highway Las Vegas, NV 89122 (702) 435-STAR (7827)

S. Eastern & Pebble 8725 S. Eastern Ave. Las Vegas, NV 89123 (702) 333-STAR (7827)

Blue Diamond & Lindell 5380 Blue Diamond Rd. Las Vegas, NV 89139 (702) 444-STAR (7827)

Star Nursery has been privately owned and operated for 39 years. We are proud to be the premier garden center for all your landscaping needs. Currently, we operate in Southern Nevada, Southern Utah and Northern Arizona with a total of 16 Garden Centers and 9 Decorative Rock Yards. We cater to both residential and commercial clientele.

Star Nursery offers the best in garden supplies. From a large assortment of trees to shrubbery, drought tolerant plants, succulents and houseplants, we have landscape material to suit anyone’s lifestyle. We offer the largest and most complete line of products that include irrigation supplies, gardening accessories, yard tools, succulents, houseplants, pottery and our very own exclusive line of Dr. Q’s Garden Products. This line of products consists of soils and fertilizers that are specifically formulated to help you succeed with your gardening efforts in the Southwest Region. We also carry a selection of hardscape products ranging from flagstone and pavers to decorative rock and bulk soils. Find everything you need to maintain a beautiful landscape or garden space. We pride ourselves in giving our customers the right price and best advice.

Star Nursery -Your Garden’s Partner for Every Bloomin’ Thing Since 1983.

Commerce Cir. & Pioneer

St. George, UT

Sunset Blvd. & Bluff St. 1145 W. Sunset Blvd. St. George, UT 84770 (435) 688-STAR (7827)

Dixie Dr. & Gubler Ln. 1335 S. Dixie Dr. St. George, UT 84770 (435) 674-STAR (7827)

Washington, UT Telegraph Rd. & 500 W. 385 W. Telegraph Rd. Washington, UT 84780 (435) 986-0820

Spring Gardener’s Calendar & Holidays

M A R C H

• The application of a preemergent like Amaze Grass & Weed Preventer will control weeds a in flower beds, planters & rock landscapes and are safe for established flowers and plants. Or use HiYield Turf & Ornamental weed & Grass stopper containing dimension on your lawn to prevent weed seeds from growing. See S tar Note #625 Weed Identification and Control for more information.

• If you already have weeds actively growing, use a contact or translocator herbicide like Knock Out Weed & Grass Killer or BurnOut Weed & Grass Killer containing citric acid and clove oil to kill them before they spread any further.

• IF you haven’t already, prepare the soil for spring planting of herbs and vegetables. Check out Star Note #215 - Growing Herbs in the Desert and #205 Warm Weather Vegetable Gardening – Garden to Table for a selection of popular varieties successfully grown here. Then head to any Star Nursery location for the best selection, before quantities are gone.

• It’s totally time for tomatoes. An early start ensures a good crop since many varieties will not set fruit in the heat of summer. Plant different types for a continuous supply as harvest dates vary. Some good choices are Early Girl, Patio, Cherry, Roma, Celebrity, Heatwave and Better Boy

• Southern Nevada Water Authority’s spring watering guidelines allow for 3 days a week starting March 1st Find your watering day at www.SNWA.com. The best time to water is in the early morning, an hour before sunrise (night watering can cause fungus)

• Last spring frost date for southern Nevada is March 19th, after which cactus, citrus, succulents and tropicals can safely be planted outdoors. Now is also when you can safely prune these varieties which have experienced any cold or frost damage.

• Don’t neglect thinning your fruit trees, especially apples, apricots, peaches and pears. Thinning to 1 every 4-6 inches ensures there will be enough space for the fruit to grow to full size, prevents limbs from braking due to heavy fruit load.

• 3rd Peach Blossom Day

• 4th Free Tomato Day at Star Nursery!

• 5th Daffodil Day

• 11th Johnny Appleseed Day

• 12th Plant a Flower Day

• 11th -17th National Agriculture Week

• 15th Ag Day – Celebrating our Bountiful Food Supply

• 20th International Earth Day, Spring Equinox

• 21st World Planting Day

• 21st National Flower Day

• 21st National Fragrance Day

• 26th National Spinach Day

• 30th Little Red Wagon Day

A P R I L

• Consider planting native “Host Plants” for pollinators. For example, Globemallow, Penstemons which come in many different colors, and don’t forget Milkweed to support the Monarch population.

• Newly planted trees in lawn need additional deep-water irrigation. The sprinkler system for the lawn will not give the tree deep enough watering. Consider trenching and installing emitters around the tree’s dripline, connected to the zone that waters the rest of your trees and shrubs.

• Consider purchasing beneficial insects to combat those persistent harmful insects like aphids and spider mites. Visit your local Star Nursery location for Lady Bugs, Grasshoppers. Earthworms are also available; they are an invaluable addition to both flower and vegetable garden soils!

• Skeletonizer Caterpillars love to chew on leaves of grapes, vegetables, Texas Mountain Laurels & even Tecoma Bell varieties. They will strip all the green from the leaves and even weaken or kill your vines and shrubs. Treat with BT Worm Killer .

• Paint exposed tree trunks with watered down tree paint like Go Natural Tree Trunk Paint or consider wrapping trucks with DeWitt Tree Wrap, a breathable fabric. These will protect trees from sunburn, reduce stress and which will reduce the chance of borer infestation.

• The presence of ants running up and down plants and trees is something to take note of. Not only do the ants feed on the honeydew excreted by aphids, mealybugs and whiteflies, they actually prevent the predators of these damaging leaf-sucking insects from controlling the population. Now is a great time to use an ant bait like AMDRO Ant Block before ants become a problem.

• Lawn and Garden Month

• Earth Month

• National Peach Month

• Keep America Beautiful Month

• 1st – Free Ladybug Day at Star Nursery!

• 4th International Carrot Day

• 5th National Dandelion Day

• 6th California Poppy Day

• 13th Plant Appreciation Day

• 14th National Pecan Day

• 19th National Garlic Day

• 22nd Earth Day

• 25th National Zucchini Day

• 27th Take our Daughters and Sons to Work Day

• 29th Arbor Day

• 29th Peace Rose Day

M A Y

• May is the month your palm trees will start their growing season. Fertilize with Dr Q’s Palm Food which is specifically formulated to fulfill the special requirements of palms and keep them growing and prevent common nutrient deficiencies.

• Prepare your lawn for summer and use Dr Q’s Royal Flush 16-04-08 . This superb lawn fertilizer lasts up to 12 weeks and conditions your soil while feeding the turf.

• White grub and sod webworm larvae may show up in some lawns this month. Although difficult to control, treating with BioAdvanced Complete Insect Killer for Soil & Turf late in the afternoon, when larvae are near the surface feeding, will increase success.

• Southern Nevada Water Authority’s summer watering guidelines allow for 6 days a week starting May 1st Find your watering day at www.SNWA.com. However, established trees and shrubs prefer deep infrequent irrigation allowing at least a day if not more between watering. For more information check our Star Note #900A How Much Should You Water Your Trees and Shrubs and for lawns, see Star Note #900B How Much Should You Water Your Lawn.

• 1st May Day

• 1st International Sunflower Guerrilla Gardening Day

• 2nd- 8th National Wildflower Week

• 2nd – 8th National Herb Week

• 3rd Bird Day

• 3rd Garden Meditation Day

• 4th Greenery Day

• 7th World Naked Gardening Day

• 8th National Herb Day

• 8th Iris Day

• 8th International Migratory Bird Day

• 14th Mother’s Day

• 14th – 20th National Vegetarian Awareness Week

• 16th Love a Tree Day

• 19th Plant Something Day

• 20th World Bee Day

• 20th Pick a Strawberry Day

• 20th – 27th National African Violet Week

• 29th Composting Day

• 30th Water a Flower Day

H ello, Organic.

ONLY $10.99 per bag!

Start your spring garden the organic way.

Use Dr. Q’s Organic Stardust Starter Fertilizer when planting! With OMRI listed ingredients, you don’t have to worry about maintaining an organic garden at a high price. We make it easy.

Check out the full line of our Dr. Q’s organics. Only available at

Unlock a Thriving Vegetable Garden with Companion Planting

Unlock a Thriving Vegetable Garden with Companion Planting

As the weather warms and we start to look forward to Spring, it’s the perfect time to plan for a thriving vegetable garden! One way to grow a successful garden is by practicing companion planting; a farming technique that was practiced by the indigenous peoples of the Americas prior to the arrival of the Europeans.

to plants because basil attracts ladybugs, a natural predator of aphids. Because aphids are harmful to tomato plants, the ladybugs are near enough to balance out aphid-related issues. This grouping can reduce the need for pesticides in your garden and promote natural, healthy plant growth.

in turn freeing up space and resources. For example, marigolds are often planted near tomatoes because they repel pests like whiteflies. This allows you to reduce insecticides which saves money and reduces chemical exposure.

In short, companion planting is the practice of growing different types of plants together to promote healthy growth and yield. This term is often used interchangeably with intercropping; however, companion planting is more specific and focuses on vegetables and herbs to enhance the health of the plant. The idea behind companion planting is simple: Certain plants have natural tendencies towards attracting beneficial insects or repelling harmful pests. By grouping plants together, you can create a more naturally balanced garden.

To give an example, basil may be used as a companion plant for toma-

One of the most popular forms of companion planting is the Three Sisters method, which originated from Native Americans. In this method, the three sisters represent corn, beans, and squash, where each plant provides nutrients for the other two. Corn provides support for climbing beans; beans fix nitrogen in the soil; and squash discourages the growth of weeds between rows of corn stalks.

For the home gardener, companion planting offers many benefits including reduced garden maintenance. Many companion plants work together to support each other,

Additional benefits of this practice include healthier crops and increased yields. Overall health of crops will improve because companion planting increases mineral availability. Certain plants can provide nutrients for others through their roots by acting as a “living mulch” or nutrient bank for other nearby plants. Additionally, when cover crops are used, the soil is less likely to dry out and additional nutrients will be deposited back into the soil. When overall plant health is improved, this results in increased crop yields and a happy gardener!

Companion Planting Guide

Plant Plant Companions Plant Allies Plant Enemies

Asparagus Basil, parsley, tomato. Pot marigold deters beetles.

Beans Beet (to bush beans only), cabbage family, carrot, celery, chard, corn, cucumber, eggplant, pea, potatoes, radish, strawberry.

Marigold deters Mexican bean beetles. Nasturtium and rosemary deter bean beetles. Summer savory deters bean beetles, improves growth and flavor.

Beets Bush beans, cabbage family, lettuce, onion. Garlic improves growth and flavor.

Carrots Bean, lettuce, onion, pea, pepper, radish, tomato. Chives improve growth and flavor. Rosemary and sage deter carrot fly.

Celery Bean, cabbage family and tomato. Chives and garlic deter aphids. Nasturtium deters bugs and aphids.

Chard Bean, cabbage family and onion.

Corn Bean, cucumber, melon, parsley, pea, potato, pumpkin, squash.

Cucumber Bean, cabbage family, corn, pea, radish, tomato.

Odorless marigold and white geranium deter Japanese beetles. Pigweed raises nutrients from the subsoil to where the corn can reach them.

Marigold deters beetles. Nasturtium deters aphids, beetles and bugs, improves growth and flavor. Oregano deters pests in general. Tansy deters ants, beetles, bugs, flying insects.

Eggplant Bean, pepper. Marigold deters nematodes.

Lettuce Beet, cabbage family, carrot, onion, radish, strawberry. Chives and garlic deter aphids.

Melons Corn, pumpkin, radish, squash. Marigold deters beetles. Nasturtium deters bugs and beetles. Oregano provides general pest protection.

Onions Beet, cabbage family, carrot, chard, lettuce, pepper, strawberry, tomato.

Parsley Asparagus, corn, tomato.

Chamomile and summer savory improve growth and flavor. Pigweed raises nutrients from subsoil and makes the mavailable to the onions. Sow thistle improves growth and health.

Garlic, onion and shallot stunt the growth of beans.

Pole beans and beets stunt eachother’s growth.

Dill retards growth.

Tomatoes and corn are attacked by the same worm.

Sage is generally injurious to cucumber.

Onions stunt bean, pea.

Peas Asparagus, corn, tomato. Chives deter aphids. Mint improves health and flavor. Garlic and onion stunt the growth of peas.

Peppers Carrot, eggplant, onion and tomato.

Potatoes Beans, cabbage family, corn, eggplant, pea. Horseradish, planted at the corners of the potato patch, provides general protection. Marigold deters beetles.

Pumpkins Corn, melon, squash. Marigold deters beetles. Nasturtium deters bugs, beeetles. Oregano provides general pest protection.

Tomatoes and potatoes are attacked by the same blight.

Radishes Bean, carrot, cucumber, lettuce, melon, pea. Chervil and nasturtium improve growth and flavor. Hyssop.

Spinach Cabbage family, strawberry.

Squash Corn, melon, pumpkin. Borage deters worms, improves growth and flavor. Marigold deters beetles. Nasturtium deters squash bugs and beetles. Oregano provides general pest protection.

Strawberry Bean, lettuce, onion, spinach, thyme. Cabbage.

Tomatoes Asparagus, carrot, celery, cucumber, onion, parsley, pepper.

Basil repels flies and mosquitoes, improves growth and flavor. Bee balm, chives and mint improve health and flavor. Borage deters tomato worm, improves growth and flavor. Dill, until mature, improves growth and health. Once mature, it stunts tomato growth. Marigold deters nematodes. Pot marigold deters tomato worm and general garden pests.

Borrage strengthens resistance to insects and disease. Thyme, as a border, deters worms.

Corn and tomato are attacked by the same worm. Mature dill retards tomato growth. Kohlrabi stunts tomato growth. Potatoes and tomatoes are attacked by the same blight.

Turnips Pea. Cabbage Family (Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Chinese Cabbage, Kale, and Kohlrabi)

Beet, celery, chard, cucumber, lettuce, onion, potato, spinach.

Chamomile and garlic improve growth and flavor. Catnip, hyssop, rosemary and sage deter cabbage moth. Dill improves growth and health. Mint deters cabbage moth and ants, improves health and flavor. Nasturtium deters bugs, beetles, aphids. Southernwood deters cabbage moth, improves growth and flavor. Tansy deters cabbageworm and cutworm. Thyme deters cabbageworm.

Kohlrabi and tomato stunt eachother’s growth.

Create a Pollinator Garden

5 Easy Steps for a Beautiful, Buzzing Backyard

Creating a pollinator garden is a simple but powerful way to bring beauty, life, and color to your outdoor space while also making a positive impact on the environment. Not only will you be supporting the pollinators themselves, but a thriving pollinator population can also lead to increased food production and a more diverse, vibrant ecosystem. Most importantly, a pollinator garden is an opportunity to connect with, learn from, and observe the wonders of nature right in your own backyard. Follow along to learn how you can start creating a happy home for pollinators today!

The first step in creating a pollinator garden is to choose a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day, since pollinators need sunlight to fly and forage for food. The more sun, the more active the pollinators will be in your garden.

Next, prepare the soil by removing any weeds or debris and adding organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure. This will help the soil retain moisture and provide nutrients for your plants. Before planting, test the soil for good drainage by digging a hole and filling it with water. If the water drains within an hour, the soil is well-drained. If the water takes several hours to drain, the soil likely has poor drainage and should be amended before planting.

When selecting plants for your pollinator garden, choose a variety of plants that bloom at different times of the year, as this will provide a continuous food source for pollinators. A good mix of plants should include seasonal flowers and veggies, herbs, shrubs, and trees. While flow-

ers and veggies may vary depending on season, shrubs, and trees such as the Butterfly Bush, Chaste Tree, Honeysuckle, Lavender, Mesquite trees, Pines, Oaks, and Olives are great additions to attract pollinators year-round.

After planting, it’s important to avoid using pesticides or herbicides in your pollinator garden. These chemicals can be harmful to pollinators and other beneficial insects. Instead, use organic methods to control pests and diseases such as companion planting, neem oil, and the removal of infected plants.

Now that you have a thriving garden with plants that will attract pollinators, consider adding elements that will encourage pollinators to stay. Like all living things, pollinators need rest. Some pollinators prefer to rest on bare patches of the garden floor, and a few might appreciate a little house. There are many types of bees, butterfly, and bird houses that can be constructed from organic/recycled materials and placed in or near tree canopies. When adding a pollinator house to your garden, avoid drilling into trees, as this can cause damage to the bark and cambium (the layer of living tissue just under the bark). This damage can weaken the tree, making it more susceptible to disease and pests. To mount the pollinator house, utilize poles or fences instead.

In addition to pollinator houses, sources of water such as a shallow dish or bird bath will also attract pollinators to your garden. Because pollinators need water to drink and cool themselves down, this will be a delightful attraction for them to enjoy. Be sure to change the water

frequently to prevent mosquito breeding.

Finally, enjoy and observe the activity of the pollinators in your garden. By providing food, shelter, and water for pollinators, you can help these important creatures thrive and watch as your garden becomes a beautiful, buzzing hub of activity. Remember that a healthy pollinator garden is constantly evolving and growing, and it will require some attention and care to keep it flourishing. In the end, the benefits will be enjoyed not just by you, but by the entire ecosystem.

Exploring Plant Roots

When we think of plants, we often think of the parts we can see: the leaves, flowers, and stems. However, there lies a hidden world beneath the soil that plays an essential role in the health and growth of plants - the root system. In fact, the roots of a plant are just as important as the parts we can see, if not more so. Although plants may appear to be anchored in one spot, their roots are constantly growing, reaching out into the surrounding soil in search of water and nutrients.

The root system is composed of many different types of cells, each with a specific function. The outermost layer of cells is the epidermis, which protects the root from damage and helps it absorb water and minerals from the soil. At the end of a root, you’ll find root cap cells that help protect the tips of growing roots from damage. On the other hand, root hairs exist along the rest of the root, and help to increase the surface area for better water absorption. Beneath the epidermis is the cortex, a layer of spongy cells that stores water and nutrients.

Root systems also contain vascular tissue, which runs through the center of the system and transports water and nutrients to all parts of the plant. The xylem tissue carries water and minerals up from the roots to the leaves, while the phloem tissue transports sugars and other organic compounds down from the leaves to nourish the roots.

Although root systems are complex mechanisms that support plant health and growth, they are not working alone. In fact, a healthy root system is supported by mycorrhizae, a type of fungus that forms a symbiotic relationship with plant roots. The fungi attach themselves to the plant roots and form a network of threads, called hyphae, that extend through the soil. This network allows the plants to access a greater volume of soil because of a larger surface area, increasing the roots’ ability to uptake water and nutrients. In return, the plant provides the fungus with sugars and other organic compounds it

Exploring Plant Roots: How the Hidden World of Mycorrhizae Plays an Essential Role in Growth and Health

How the Hidden World of Mycorrhizae Plays an Essential Role in Growth and Health

produces through photosynthesis.

There are two main types of mycorrhizae: ectomycorrhizal and endomycorrhizal. Ectomycorrhizal fungi form a sheath around the plant root tip and play an important role in decomposing organic matter and recycling nutrients. On the other hand, endomycorrhizal fungi penetrate the plant cells, helping to improve nutrient uptake and protect the plant from disease-causing pathogenic microorganisms by taking up space and nutrients. The symbiotic relationship between mycorrhizae and plants is greatly beneficial, as it has been shown to increase drought tolerance, improve soil structure, and increase microbial activity.

To encourage mycorrhizae growth in your garden, you can use a fertilizer with mycorrhizal inoculants. Great options include fertilizers from the Dr. Earth Fertilizer Line, as these products contain live ectomycorrhizal and endomycorrhizal fungi. Another way to encourage mycorrhizae growth is to plant members of the Allium, Apiaceae, and/or Fabaceae families, as these plants are known to form strong relationships with mycorrhizal fungi. Once established, they can help to inoculate other nearby plants with mycorrhizae.

In addition to adding mycorrhizal stimulus into the garden, it’s important to maintain a healthy soil environment. Soil that is too wet or too dry, too acidic or alkaline, or lacking in organic matter can be hostile to mycorrhizal fungi. For desert gardeners, it’s typically necessary to lower the pH of the soil and add organic matter to the mix. To learn how, check out our Ultimate Guide to Improving Desert Soils.

While we may not be able to see the mycorrhizae working alongside growing roots, we can certainly see the results of their labor in the lush, healthy plants around us. Next time you’re admiring a beautiful flower or bountiful garden, remember to give a little credit to the team working hard under the soil!

Happy gardening!

Ask Dr. Q Ask Dr. Q

“To kill grubs or to leave them?”

Grubs are the larvae of various scarab beetles, including Japanese beetles and so-called “June bugs.” These little nasties often appear white, with dark red-heads and black mandibles. They’re soft and shaped like the letter “C,” with legs near their heads.

fore hibernating underground for winter. Once the following spring arrives, their destructive lifecycles begin again.

Grub control that is applied in the early spring and summer will hopefully do the trick. But, unfortunately, grubs aren’t easy to stop once the damage is done, so awareness and timing are crucial.

Cut soil plugs to check for grubs; take grass samples to your Star Nursery associate for help. Granulated insect killers will control most lawn insects.

Grubs awaken after winter and immediately begin feeding on tender grassroots when ground temperatures begin to warm. Generally, they turn into pupae in late spring, which then morphs into adult beetles. By summer, these adults emerge from the ground to feast on flowers, trees, and other lawn and garden vegetation. Later in the season, they mate and lay their eggs in the ground, which hatch in autumn. As soon as they hatch, the new grubs eat as many grassroots as they can find be-

Statistics tell us that grubs will affect most lawns each and every year, so we recommend grub and pest prevention/control on an annual basis. Grub control measures need to be taken on annual basis to work consistently. Skipping a year may be fine, but if any beetles have laid their eggs in your lawn’s soil over the course of that last year, you can be looking at a seriously damaged lawn by mid-fall.

BioAdvanced 24 Hour Grub Killer Plus is an excellent turf rescue formula that delivers overnight results!

“Best way to care for a potted jasmine plant? My leaves are healthy but there’s no flowers.”

The non-flowering jasmine may be living in the wrong growing conditions. Light and the right temperature are necessary for blooms from the jasmine that is not flowering.

Temperatures should fall between the 65 and 75 degrees F. Jasmine does not flower if it is planted in shade, drought stressed or pruned heavily the year before. With less the 6 hours of direct sun the Jasmine can be under stress and not have the energy to flower.

If your Jasmine is in too much shade then transplant it to a sunny south facing wall or if the Jasmine is been grown as a house plant ensure it is in the sunniest window of the house to promote flowering.

Jasmine does not flower as well if you apply fertilizer too frequently or in too high concentration, particularly fertilizer with a high concentration of Nitrogen. Too much nitrogen can promote foliage at the expense of flowers. Different species of Jasmine can flower at different times of year. Prune in the Fall to prevent removing flower buds.

Under watering is not always the

only cause of drought stress as can be a few reasons why Jasmine does not flower due to a lack of moisture.

Hardy to zone 7, the vine grows vigorously and looks stunning climbing a large pergola, fence, or very large trellis. All jasmines prefer full sun to partial shade. The ideal planting position should be warm, sunny and sheltered. They grow well in regular, well-drained garden soil with moderate levels of soil fertility and moisture. Containerized plants are best planted in the fall. Indoors, jasmine needs to stay cool with well-circulated air. Try to keep the temperature between 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Pinch the tips to stimulate lateral growth and prune after flowering if necessary to restrain growth.

If growing jasmine as a houseplant, soil should be moist and well-drained, but do not overwater. During the summer allow the soil to be moist and let it dry between waterings. Water less in the fall. In the winter and spring months keep the plant slightly dry. Prune out thin, old shoots after flowering (which is spring) to shape the plant. Jasmine plants like water. The soil should always be slightly moist, but not soggy. Fertilize Jasmine twice a year with fertilizer that is rich in potassium and phosphorus. During the growing season of spring and summer, liquid fertilizer can be fed to the plant every few weeks. Keep jasmine under control with proper pruning, especially at the beginning of spring. Remember jasmine is a climbing vine! Repot in springtime. Prune the roots when moving to fresh soil, as needed.

The best way to tell if your plants need water is to stick your finger about an inch into the potting mix ( The Sill), and if it feels dry, break out the watering can. If you detect

or long enough to get moisture to the top. Regardless of how long you let it soak, do not forget about it and let it soak all day.

The only problem with bottom-watered plants is that it doesn’t remove excess salts from the soil like top watering does. Easy solution: Top water your bottom-watered plants once a month or so.

“Will Kentucky bluegrass do well to use as overseed? I also have brown patches.”

dampness, check back again in a day or two.

Most plants will want more water in spring and summer, and less during their dormant period in fall and winter.

Bottom watering—in which a plant absorbs water from the bottom instead of the top—is a great way to give your plants a sufficient drink without drenching their foliage. It ensures that those important roots near the bottom are getting enough to drink, which is harder when watering from the top.

You can add water to the pot’s saucer and let it sit, adding more water if necessary, until the soil is wet underneath the surface—then drain the water. You can also use a container that is large enough to hold the planter, and fill it halfway or so with water. If the soil feels moist under the surface after 10 minutes, remove it. If still dry, give it another 10 minutes,

Although we sell Kentucky bluegrass we recommend fescue as an alternative due to bluegrass’ susceptibility to lawn fungus. The bluegrass cannot handle the high temps in the desert summer and the humidity. Brown patches could be due to a fungus or animal urine if she has one. It could also be dead grass due to poor irrigation. Overseed in spring and fall for a fresh lawn every 6 months. Watering

in the morning instead of the evening will prevent fungus in the hot months. If patches are from animal urine, keep a bag of fescue or grass seed and a bag of top dressing available to you. Every time you see a brown patch, sprinkle over seed on it and top dressing and you should have new growth in 3 weeks with proper irrigation.

“How often should I water my house plants?”

Getting Started with Palms Getting Started with Palms

Picking your palm - Popular palm varieties for Southern Nevada include California Fan, Canary Island Date Palm, Date Palm, Mediterranean Fan Palm, Mexican Fan Palm, Pygmy Date Palm, Pindo Palm, Sago Palm and Windmill Palm. Certain palm varieties can grow to be quite large and may not be suitable for home landscapes. Mediterranean Fan Palm, Pygmy Date Palm, Sago Palm, and Windmill Palm are great varieties for planting in front or backyards, as their mature size is not enormous.

Choosing the right area - When choosing where to plant your palm, be sure to designate an area that is a minimum of 3-4 feet away from any structure or wall. Additionally, consider how large the palm will grow to be. It’s important to ensure that there is enough growing room in the area you intend to plant in. For more information on mature sizes of specific varieties, check out Star Note #400 - Palms for Southern Nevada.

Planting - Although palms can be planted year-round, the optimal planting time is from April to September, especially for cold-sensitive varieties. Before planting, dig a hole that is 2-3x the width of the root ball and just as deep as the root ball. It is important to ensure that the soil

is well-draining prior to placing the palm in the hole. For more information on how to check soil drainage, check out Star Note #001 - Planting Guide. If the area has well-draining soil, place the palm in the hole, then backfill with 1 part soil amendment, 2 parts native soil. To help establish the palm in its new home, use a starter fertilizer such as Dr. Q’s Gold Dust and Dr. Q’s Plant Tonic to help prevent transplant shock.

Caring for your palm - When watering, make sure that water is not hitting the trunk of the palm, as this can cause tissue erosion that will lead to the palm becoming destabilized and/or breaking. Once established, most palms will tolerate drought, but will thrive if they receive regular, deep watering. In the winter, cut back watering frequency, as the palms are not actively growing during this season. Palms* should only be fertilized in the summer. Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day are good times to do so. Palms should also be hosed off periodically to help control spider mites and sucking insects that might find refuge in the fronds.

Pruning - A common misconception is that frequent palm pruning can increase the speed of growth; however, over-pruning can actual-

ly lead to slower growth. Because plants need chlorophyll** to photosynthesize*** over-pruning can remove healthy green fronds that would otherwise aid the photosynthesis process. Pruning should only be conducted to remove dead/dying fronds, to prevent potential fire or safety hazards, or to remove seeds or fruit.

*The Sago Palm is not a true member of the palm family, so it should not be fertilized in the summer.

**Green pigment in plants responsible for the absorption of light.

***Biological plant process used to synthesize foods and encourage new growth.

40 Years of Star Nursery

The 80’s in Las Vegas, Nevada was filled with some memorable events. Fires erupted at prominent strip hotels. The first National Finals Rodeo was held. Notorious mobsters still roamed the streets. In the midst all of the changes and events happening in the valley, a new star was born just a few miles from the strip itself –Star Nursery. One man. One dream. One goal. A goal that turned into a grand vision. A vision that became the reality of our humble beginnings in a dirt lot filled with landscaping supplies and large specimens of trees and shrubs. This is where our story began.

Soon after, Star Nursery laid down roots in several areas of the valley and planted new locations in southern Utah and northern Arizona. We grew from one location to 16 in what seemed to be a matter of minutes. Over the years we’ve become the premier garden center for Nevada, Southern Utah, and Northern Arizona with a total of 16 Garden Centers and 9 Decorative Rock Yards. We’re proud to support and give back to the same communities that have helped us grow for the past 40 years. From youth sports to professional sports sponsorships, outreach and education, we’ve helped our communities thrive. Our programs have helped teach the impor-

tance of gardening, and have helped to bring success to the cities we love.

From a large assortment of trees, shrubs, drought tolerant plants, succulents, and houseplants, we have landscape material to suit anyone’s lifestyle. We offer the largest and most complete line of products that include irrigation supplies, gardening accessories, yard tools and our very own exclusive line of Dr. Q’s Garden Products. This line of products consists of soils and fertilizers that are specifically formulated to help you succeed with your gardening efforts in the Southwest Region. We, also carry a selection of hardscape products ranging from flagstone to pavers to decorative rock and bulk soils.

You’ll find everything to maintain a beautiful landscape or garden space at Star Nursery. We pride ourselves in giving our customers the right price and best advice.

We thank you for partnering with us for the past 40 years.

Happy Birthday Star Nursery!

Store Spotlight

Store Spotlight

Cheyenne & Teneya

7330 West Cheyenne Avenue

Las Vegas, NV 89129

The Cheyenne store was opened in Fall of 1989. In the years since its opening, this store has gained many knowledgeable and experienced staff members. Most notably, Diana, Kelly, and Gary are a few of our most qualified experts at the store.

Because the store is located near many senior centers, employees delight in seeing familiar faces walk into the store to chat about gardening or just catchup on life in general! On a few occasions, seniors have brought in bouquets of flowers grown in their own garden to share. What makes this store special is that it has a family-like working environment and the local community has become ingrained in the Star Nursery family.

Kelly, one of our resident experts, has worked at the Cheyenne store for 22 years. Her favorite part of the job is getting to build relationships with frequent gardeners and loves when shoppers bring in their dogs, as she can’t help but say hello and give them love! In fact, Kelly loves animals so much that she recently helped to nurse a crow back to health after he flew into the nursery with a broken wing. After some time, the wing healed, but the crow didn’t want to fly away. Instead, Kelly named him Cracker and he is now a hard-working team member of the Cheyenne location. Cracker must have told his other crow friends how nice it is at the Cheyenne location because his friends Roberto and Loco can often be seen hanging out with Cracker.

Employee Spotlight

Salvador Martinez is the Irrigation Manager at Star Nursery’s Charleston location in Las Vegas. Originally from Zacatecas, Mexico, Salvador grew up working on his family’s farm before moving to La Puente, California in 1975. In 1993, Salvador decided to move his family to Las Vegas and began working at Star Nursery. Since working at Star, Salvador has worked in many areas of the company, including the warehouse. Now that he is nearing retirement, he is enjoying working at the Charleston location, mentioning that his favorite aspects of the job are his supportive coworkers and working with nature, as it reminds him of growing up on the family farm. Outside of work, Salvador enjoys relaxing with his family, tending to his personal garden, and completing home repairs. In fact, he has recently completed the construction of his retirement home and is looking forward to spending his sunset years with his wife.

Raul Garcia is the Nursery Maintenance Manager for all Star Nursery locations. Originally from Zacatecas, Mexico, Raul worked from an early age. As a young adult, Raul began working at Star Nursery, where he received on-the-job training and mentorship from Star Nursery’s founder, Craig Keough. His favorite part of the job is that the learning is never finished. Raul is still learning new things every day and enjoys the full-circle moment when he can be a mentor and teacher to newer Star Nursery employees. As Raul says, he is always happy to help people and hopefully give them skills that they can use in their own gardens at home. Having been with Star for over 19 years, Raul is proud of the growth he has accomplished in that time. Outside of work, Raul enjoys tending to his house and garden and spending time with his family.

Salvador Ojeda is the Rock Loader at Star Nursery’s Eastern location in Las Vegas. Originally from Michoacan, Mexico, he spent his early years studying, working, and playing soccer. Before working at Star Nursery, he worked at another nursery for a time before it closed. Later, he was hired at Star Nursery when there were only a few stores open in Las Vegas. Since then, he has watched the company expand into new areas and has had amazing experiences during that time. Outside of work, Salvador enjoys relaxing and spending time with his family, since he believes that nothing is more important than the moments shared with his family.