First 3 Steps to Your Fall Garden!

Whoo-Hoo!

It’s the middle of August and the end of summer is in sight! For some it means shutting down and preparing for the cold weather - here in the low desert it means -

one more round of gardening!

Did you know some of the best vegetables

can be grown here beginning in fiery August?

There are basically 2 categories of vegetable crops:

cool-season and warm-season.

Some vegetables can withstand, and even need, the cooler and sometimes freezing weather. Others will only germinate and grow during warmer weather.

So fall and winter are the perfect time to garden in the temperate Arizona desert!

Start your fall and winter gardening with the following 3 steps:

1. Location matters! If you don’t already have a garden location go out now and find a good one! Most important is plenty of sunlight. Remember, in the winter the sun doesn’t pass directly overhead, but will come from a lower, more southerly direction.
In general make sure there's no

building or tree blocking sunlight

from the south.

Soil - Not just any dirt will do! What you want is a loose, fertile, level and well-drained soil, but what you have may not be the best! Luckily plants grow in fairly sandy soil, but it takes a little more work to keep it going and to build it up. If your soil is really crummy or you don't have the right spot, you can always buy soil and use containers or raised beds.

2. Plan Ahead! Sketch out your garden - including the size of the area. Decide what you want to grow. Mark on your diagram where each plant will be, allowing for spacing between plants. Include the approximate planting date. Place plants based on harvest dates and plant characteristics. Ex: some need more water, or some are taller and will shade younger/smaller plants.

3. What to Grow? Grow what you like to eat - as long as it grows here! Grow plants that are recommended for the climate, but try 1 or 2 new ones each time! Try dwarf or bush varieties in smaller gardens, containers, or raised beds. Look at seed catalogs or websites like this one, for descriptions and inspiration!

Take the first steps mentioned above and you will be ready for the next gardening post, Preparing the Soil and Planting!
Before you know it you will be ready to can or freeze and eat your fall and winter bounty!

Happy Planning!