If you haven’t started planning your Fall garden, now is the time to do it! Whether your space is big or small, we’ve got the tips and tricks to help you navigate through the weeds and plant a garden that will not only bring you joy, but also some nutritious additions to your dinner plate. Ready to dig in? Let’s go!
When you have a small space…..
If you’re lacking outdoor space, go with a container garden. When Phoenix temps are consistently under 110 degrees – fingers crossed that will happen soon – you can plant tons of herbs like parsley, cilantro, dill, fennel, chives, chamomile, anise, oregano, mint and thyme. And veggies like lettuce, spinach, kale, chard, carrots, radishes and green onions all do well in containers too! Make sure to use nutrient rich soil in a pot with drainage holes, and that the container size has plenty of room to keep the roots happy and healthy.
When you have a large space…..
Raised garden beds are a great way to keep your yard looking neat, will generally give you fewer weeds to deal with, and will help soil stay in place – less soil erosion. Right now you can plant carrots, beans, cauliflower, broccoli, brussel sprouts, summer squash and cucumber. Your raised garden bed should be at least 12” – 18” deep, and even a small 4-foot square bed can yield a lot!
When you’re just starting a garden for the first time…..
-Your garden will need 6-8 hours of sunlight per day. Morning sun is better than afternoon, when the temps are at their hottest and could burn your plants.
-Make sure water in the form of a drip system or a hose is close, so you don’t have to run back and forth with a watering can!
-The best way to fill your garden bed is with equal parts of compost, peat moss or coconut coir, and vermiculite. This all ensures healthy soil that breathes and retains water well.
-Next, add fertilizer. Here is a recipe for organic fertilizer from Angela with Growing in the Garden.
-And finally, plant what you actually like to eat and visit your garden daily to check on progress and make changes as needed – like too much or too little water.
Here are a few of our favorite local gardening resources:
Growing in the Garden is a great online resource from a master gardener who lives right here in the Valley. We love her month by month garden guides and videos, and we recommend checking out this one for more hot weather gardening tips – AZ Gardening in August.
If you prefer to be face to face with a pro that’s both knowledgeable and passionate about urban gardening, our favorite spot is Dig It Gardens on 16th St just north of Thomas. Their dedicated staff knows all there is to know about gardening in Phoenix, they have a great selection of both indoor and outdoor plants and pottery, and are always friendly and helpful.
Ready to get started? We would love to hear about your gardening adventures! Make sure to share your photos on Instagram, and tag @urbanconnectionphx – Happy Gardening!