Whether you live in high desert areas where growing seasons are short, or low desert areas with longer growing seasons but much higher summer temperatures, you can grow nutritious, high-quality and tasty vegetables.
In the desert, just as in any area, there are some simple steps you need to know and do. Although the steps are basically the same, there are important elements in those steps that change significantly because of soil, climate, altitude and a number of other factors.
1. Know the climate where you live.
In Santa Fe, New Mexico, for instance, the official last frost date is around April 24, while in Phoenix, Arizona, the last frost date is about February 5.
2. Plan before you plant your vegetables.
Proper planning before putting the vegetables in the ground is extremely important. Know what vegetables and what varieties of those vegetables do best in your area. Many state agricultural universities have done a great deal of research and work developing varieties that grow well in your particular climate. You might want to contact your Cooperative Extension Service or your county Master Gardener Association for more information on specific varieties.
3. Prepare the soil.
Since most vegetables are annuals (at least in North America and Europe), they will only have a short time to create root structures large enough to support the plant stem and take in nutrients for blooms and fruit. Much of the dry, alkaline and sterile desert soils not only do not have enough nutrients, but also have much more alkaline and other salts than vegetables can tolerate.
4. Fertilize.
You can use organic fertilizers or synthetic fertilizers designed for gardens. Both organic and synthetic versions should be available at your nurseries or gardening outlets. If they are not, ask for them. Many are also available via catalogues or directly over the internet.
5. Plant the garden.
Water properly. Proper watering will help increase yields and provide you with healthier, sturdier plants. And healthier plants are more resistant to pest damage, bacterial and fungal infections, and other adverse conditions.
6. Control pests.
They just aren’t as many vegetable pests in more arid areas than there are in more temperate areas. However, pests do exist in the desert, and many will happily find their way to your garden.
7. Harvest at the right time.
Many new gardeners wait too long before harvesting, thinking that time will produce larger vegetables. This is not always the case.
Related articles:
- Desert Climates and Vegetable Gardens
- Planning A Desert Vegetable Garden
- Desert Vegetable Gardens: Soil Preparation
- Fertilizing A Desert Vegetable Garden
- Planting A Desert Vegetable Garden
- Proper Watering of Desert Vegetable Gardens
- Pests in a Desert Vegetable Garden
