Research Center & Demonstration Orchard | Extension

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The Research Center & Demonstration Orchard is part of University of Nevada, Las Vegas's Center for Urban Water Conservation. The research center has been a cooperative effort between Extension and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas for over 25 years. The main emphasis has always been on water conservation in the Mojave Desert. From the very beginning, deciduous fruit trees, wine and table grapes, and various kinds of vegetables have been grown and tested for their ability to survive and produce under desert conditions.

The goal of this facility is to research new varieties of fruit-producing trees, vines and other plant materials in sustainable ways. The facility features over 800 fruit trees and grapevines, vegetables and other row crops. In recent years, test areas of hops and drought-tolerant wine grape rootstocks have been added.

The center is also a place where hands-on training/teaching opportunities can be held for homeowners and commercial clientele. Throughout the year, hands-on classes are taught to the public. These classes vary from hands-on pruning of fruit trees and grapevines, picking the right fruit tree, irrigation, water conservation through organic mulching and compost making, etc.

Who maintains the center?

The facility is maintained with the help of Master Gardeners and community volunteers.

What happens to the produce grown there?

It can be obtained by bakers, chefs and the community members through our Farmer's Market or curbside pickup on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 8:00 - 12:00 noon. Excess is given to local charities and food banks.

Curbside Pickup Available from the Extension Orchard

With the recent quarantines caused by the outbreak of COVID-19 many people have relied on picking up takeout orders across this land. Having fresh produce readily available, the Research Center and Demonstration Orchard in North Las Vegas has instituted a curbside program this summer to supply the needs of the community. Customers can place an order, set a pickup time and receive fresh peaches, apricots, pears, apples, figs or vegetables that were picked that very day! Varieties of fruit and vegetables vary by season. This service will continue even after the Center is opened to the public starting September 1 for those who want minimal contact. Any excess produce is donated to locate food banks.

Can I visit the center?

The Center is located at 4600 Horse Drive, North Las Vegas. The Center is open to the public Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays 8 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. except for major holidays. For more information contact the Master Gardener Help Desk at 702-786-4361.

Learn more about the program contributor(s)

Program Leader & Contact

M.L. Robinson

Program Contact

Angela O'Callaghan

Tricia Braxton Perry

Nicole Hansen

Lori Leas

Louise Ruskamp

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*A Guide to Desert Bioscape* This publication will help the reader understand how to garden more efficiently in the Mojave Desert and in other dry areas. Beautiful yards and landscapes can be created while applying environmentally friendly principles. Putting these principles into use will help conserve water in one of the driest spots on earth. Robinson, M.L., Johnson, W.S., Post, R.L., and Carlos, W.J. 2004, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, SP-04-12
*Allergenic Plants in Southern Nevada (Landscaping for an allergy free yard)* Many people who move to the Southern Nevada area either come with allergies or develop them after moving here. This publication helps people understand what plants can be allergenic and how to deal with them in the yard or community. The major portion of the publication is a list of common plants found in landscapes. Robinson, M. L. 2000, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno SP-00-28
*Becoming a Desert Gardener* Becoming a Desert Gardener is a comprehensive introduction to gardening in the desert southwest. It covers topics such as soils, fruit & vegetable selection and growing, as well as scheduling garden planting and proper fertilization. O'Callaghan, A., and Roberts, A. 2001, Extension University of Nevada Reno, SP-01-15
*Common Tomato Disorders Under Desert Conditions* Tomatoes are one of the most popular plants to grow in vegetable gardens and containers in home gardens. Trying to grow them in the desert climate can be problematic. This fact sheet explores ways to help the home gardener diagnose and correct these disorders. Mills, L., and Johnson, W. 1988, Extension, University of Nevada Reno, FS-88-60
*Composting Yard and Vegetable Wastes* Composting is an effective way to take organic materials from landfills and use them to improve soil health. This fact sheet covers the reasons for composting and the basics of getting compost started. Donaldson, S., and Hefner, Melody 2009, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, FS-09-16
*Constructed Wetlands for Water Filtration: An Introduction to Constructed Wetlands* This publication addresses how to recycle water so it may be used more than once and looks at how both black and gray water can be recycled by applying the same principles that nature uses to clean water. Combination of living plants, good aeration and microorganisms can provide a way to reuse both black and gray water Robinson, M.L., Franzen, H., Williams, F., and Fulton, E. 2008, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, FS-08-45
*Container Gardening* This fact sheet helps the reader choose the best type of container, plant material and potting soil for container gardening. It also covers the care of plants grown in containers. Information is basic and geared toward the new gardener. Roberts, A. 2000, Extension University of Nevada Reno, FS-00-42
*Creating a Community Garden* People who are concerned about food accessibility, variety and safety often consider growing their own vegetables and fruits. Community gardens can provide spaces for growing food and for contact with others living nearby. This publication provides guidance for creating and maintaining community gardens. O'Callaghan, A. M., Fagin, E., and Robinson, M. L. 2013, Extension University of Nevada Reno, SP-13-07
*Creating an Organic Garden in Southern Nevada* The idea of an organic garden can be an attractive idea, yet an intimidating one. This fact sheet guides people in the creation of an organic garden – soils, fertilizers, plant selection, cultural practices, as well as dealing with weed, insect and disease pests. O'Callaghan, A., and McKie, P. 2004, Extension, University of Nevada Reno, FS-04-72
*Date Palm Gardening Guide for Southern Nevada* This publication is a companion to the publication, in Southern Nevada publication. It is a month by month guide to fertilization, pruning, irrigation and other cultural practices for the date palm. Robinson, M. L. 2002, Extension University of Nevada Reno, FS-02-99
*Fall Gardening Checklist for Southern Nevada* This publication will help both the novice and the experienced gardener produce many cool season vegetables in their own yards. Fall is one of the best vegetable gardening times of the year in Southern Nevada. This creates the perfect time to grow many different vegetables such as green, root, bulb and cole crops. Mills, L. and Johnson, W. 1987, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno FS-87-34
*Field Bindweed - An Attractive Nuisance, and Worse* A pretty plant may still be a weed, and field bindweed is a clear example. This attractive relation of morning glory can invade a landscape, interfering with the growth of desired plants both above and below ground. This fact sheet gives information on avoiding and treating field bindweed. O'Callaghan, A. and Robinson, M. L. 2020, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, FS-20-33
*Fifty Palms That Are Grown or Should Be Tried in Southern Nevada* Palm trees are an important part of the urban southwest landscape, especially in southern Nevada. Unfortunately, the palm tree landscape palette is limited to under 10 different types of commonly used palms. This publication explores 50 palms that are grown or should be grown in southern Nevada or at least tried. M. L. Robinson 2010, Extension, University of Nevada Reno, FS-10-64
*Fire Blight* Fire blight is a serious disease of many woody plants, caused by bacteria. It is one of the few that can affect trees and shrubs in the Mojave. Because it is bacterial, there are few commercial products available to control it. This publication guides residents in recognizing and dealing with fire blight. Skelly, J., and O'Callaghan, A. 2001, Extension, University of Nevada Reno, FS-01-56
*Green Fountain Grass* Too often, attractive plants that we bring into the landscape from other regions turn out to be just too successful. They usually have no natural enemies in the new area, so they are able to thrive. They appear in wild areas and begin to out-compete native plants. One of these is green fountain grass. O'Callaghan, A. M., and Robinson, ML 2014, Extension, University of Nevada Reno, FS-14-11
*Growing Hops in Southern Nevada* Hops are mainly used for brewing beer. The perceived bitterness in an Indian Pale Ale is derived from the hops themselves. Hops can also impart other flavors into beers, such as fruity, citrusy, or spicy notes. However, hops can serve other purposes as well. Wynne, T., O’Callaghan, A., Robinson, M. L. and Anderson, J. 2017, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-17-05
*Growing Pomegranates in Southern Nevada* Pomegranates are a delicious fruit that grows well in the Mojave Desert. This publication gives needed guidance to people who wish to grow their own. Crites, A. M., Robison, G. D. and Mills, L. 2004, Extension University of Nevada, Reno FS-04-76
*Growing Sweet Potatoes in the Desert* Sweet potatoes easily grow in the desert and provide necessary vitamins and nutrients. By implementing the proper gardening techniques, everyone can enjoy the tasty treat. Sweet potatoes like a hot growing season, making southern Nevada an ideal place for them. Wynne, T., Robinson, M.L., Callaghan, A. 2017, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, Fact Sheet FS-17-02
*Growing Tomatoes in Southern Nevada* Tomatoes are among the first vegetables people try to grow in home vegetable gardens. This is an introduction to growing tomatoes by seed or tomato starts bought at a nursery. It also covers the basic care of the tomato plant through the growing season. Roberts, A. 1999, Extension, University of Nevada Reno, SP-99-11
*Hardening Off Plants* When plants are taken from a sheltered environment, like a home or a nursery, it is important that they be given the chance to become accustomed to the new one. This fact sheet gives gardeners the information they need to help plants successfully make the transition. Davis, R., and O'Callaghan, A. 2003, Extension, University of Nevada Reno, FS-03-71
*Home Vegetable Production in Southern Nevada* The Home Vegetable Production fact sheet was written to aid people who wish to grow their own food, but may be intimidated by Southern Nevada’s environment. It gives info on planting times, appropriate plants for this region, and ways to deal with problems gardeners may face. O'Callaghan, A. M. 2002, Extension, University of Nevada Reno, FS-02-61
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*Introduction to Houseplants* This short fact sheet gives the reader a better understanding of the basic requirements for success in growing houseplants it includes recommendations for indoor plants that perform well in the desert Southwest. Roberts, A., and Robinson, M. L. 1998, Extension, University of Nevada Reno, FS-98-91
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*Propagation of Stems and Leaves* Nicole Hansen, of the Youth Horticulture Education Program, teaches how to propagate plants by stem and leaf cuttings. Hansen, N. 2020, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, YouTube Channel
*Pruning Desert Shrubs in Southern Nevada-Type Climates* This publication is a guide to correct pruning of desert and desert adapted shrubs in the landscape. It details how to prune and why correct pruning is important to the health and beauty of the plants. Robinson, M.L., O'Callaghan, A., and Anderson, J. 2014, Extension, University of Nevada Reno, SP-14-13
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*Research Orchard Fruit Evaluations & Recommendations for Southern Nevada - 2020* This publication is for both the homeowner and small commercial grower. The information contained has been gathered over years of research trials and observations of various types of fruit trees and vines growing at the University of Nevada, Reno Research Orchard. It is a handy guide for buying fruit trees and vines. Robinson, M.L., O'Callaghan, A., and Ruskamp, L. 2020, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, SP-20-07
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*The Plant Death Spiral* This short publication can be used as a handy guide to identify what caused your tree or shrub to die in your landscape. Johnson, W.S., Robinson, M.L., and Post, R.L. 1998, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, FS-98-59
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