Planting, Growing Own Fruits and Veggies

We have tried many things and here's what I've learned. Use the when to grow guides for best results and things will grow as long as you are attentive, but if you want your garden to thrive the two things you must do are get Mel's Mix, (you will find how to get that by checking out Square Foot Gardening) and set up a drip system. Most things die here if they have to depend on me remembering to water them. The difference in Mel's Mix is truly amazing and though your items from seed will grow, like our corn that is already taller than me, the watermelon and pumpkin plants do much better than the ones from seed.
The best thing we ever did was read Square Foot Gardening.
Do it w/ Mel's Mix and you will be much happier w/ the results. Remember to water and check for bugs (we spray)
Enjoy your garden!!!

I bought a book on gardening in AZ but you can also find online tips on what to plant when. I can't believe my garden has actually grown. I did get a tomato plant that was already partially grown and have had tomatoes already! Too bad the birds ate them beforeme! Anyway, good luck with it. I am the same with the lack of a green thumb! Even my seeds grew!

I started a garden a couple years ago. I've tried a variety of veggies: cucumbers, okra, broccoli, bell peppers, jalapenos, corn, zucchini, green onions, etc. One of the best resource books is Extreme Gardening by Dave Owens. He's got a great rundown of when and how to plant everything that will grow here in the desert. Now I'm working on composting and expanding my garden -- I slow down in the summer when it's so hot but the kids like to work out there in the fall and spring. They get really excited to see things that they plant grow. Good luck!

Almost everything will grow in Arizona. Thompson Seedless grapes love Phoenix!!! Squash and melons will grow like crazy and produce all summer, through November. Lettuce, Tomatoes, onions, Lettuce, Broccoli, Peppers, Artichokes and many more all thrive here producing a bountiful harvest. The biggest thing to remember is to water, water and water some more. Also, don't try to plant in the desert soil. Build a raised garden. Don't waste your money on store bought soil either. Find someone that has horses and get their manure. Mix it with straw or wood chips and use that for your soil. It has to age 6 months before planting in it or you will burn your plants. You can also use compost. If you do this you will have a beautiful garden that will produce like crazy. My kids much prefer home grown produce and love picking their own fresh food from the garden. Daily, they go out to see what is ripe for them to pick. There's nothing better than picking your own salad, straight from the garden and coming in to eat it right away.

Two great books that I have used successfully for the last 4 to 5 years are "The Garden Guy", and "Extreme Gardening" by Dave Owens. They are great books for Arizona gardening.

I also use fish emulsion as my fertilizer every 2 weeks for my veggies and herbs.

K. H