How to start a desert garden
What’s Cracking Good — Growing stuff
I’m on my second season of growing veggies and I’ve completed a Master Gardening course. While I’m hardly an expert, I’m probably the most farmer-esque of my friends.
So over New Years when the question of how to start a garden came up…I thought it was a good opportunity to give some tips on how I started mine.
First, there are many ways to start growing.
My neighbors have employed the square foot method with some success, but that requires building boxes and importing tons of dirt.
The Master Gardener way is to till your soil down 6 inches and add amendments (aka fertilizers) until everything is good and workable. Try digging down 6 inches. It’s not easy. I don’t have the time or muscles for that.
I employ lasagna gardening, which I learned at a 4-part class veggie gardening class put on by the Phoenix Permaculture Guild. Here’s how it works: You layer your desert soil with newspaper, mulch, and compost — all of which are slow release fertilizers. The layers break down slowly, fertilizing your plants while also loosening the hard soil over time.
Sound good? Here’s how to get started:
Step 1: Pick your spot
Consider sunlight, the distance from the hose, where the water pools when it rains…and close enough where you actually might visit.
Make sure your spaces are workable. You want to be able to reach in and take care of any business. I have 2 4′x8′ plots, but I’ve seen them thinner, longer, smaller. It’s up to you…and your space.
Step 2: De-grass or de-weed
Once you find your spot, you’ll need to clear it.
If it’s already dirt, you’re a lucky duck. Just rake through the top layers and make sure there’s nothing suspect on your plot.
I had to get rid of grass/bermuda grass. In that case, dig up the top 2 inches or so until the area is clear.
Step 3: Layer on the newspapers
Lay 1 layer of newspaper (no color ink!) across your plot and water it until the paper is saturated.
Step 4: Add a layer mulch
Put a thin layer of mulch (wood chips or bark) over the wet newspaper.
According to Heather Welch, my permaculture gardening instructor, the bigger pieces will eventually work their way down into the hard desert earth and make your soil grow-able. Makes sense to me.
Step 5: Add a layer of compost
I got a some great compost from AZ Homegrown Solutions booth at the Downtown Farmer’s Market for about $7 for a small bag, and $15 for a large bag. A large bag is probably enough for a 4×8 plot.
For future gardens, consider making your own compost.
Repeat steps 3-5 as many times as you like. I layered them 2 or 3 times (dirt, newspaper, mulch, compost, newspaper, mulch, compost…)
Step 6: Plant
Time to plant your seeds or transplants. Be careful to read your seed spacings. The package doesn’t lie!
I didn’t pay attention, and ended up with a rain forest jungle garden (view pic).
Step 7: Fertilize
I use alfalfa or cottonseed meal and a mixture of seaweed, fish emulsion (aka fish poop. It’s disgusting) and water.
After planting, I water once or twice a day for about 2 weeks, then start with the automatic water. I try to fertilize (again with the fish poop) every 2 weeks or so.
Step 8: Water and wait
Any questions?
Helpful links:
- Desert planting calendar
- Gardening books & gadgets
