Recently a friend on Gather and I have been discussing organic gardening in the desert. I find it interesting sharing thoughts about this with other people and I thought it would be interesting to open the discussion up to anyone who is interested. I live in north central Arizona at about 3,500 ft. We have a really hot summer, a short spring and fall and not much of a winter although it gets below freezing most nights between November and March.
In my garden I have raised beds. They work out really well for me. I like to plant things that do well here and pass on the things that don't. Of course we have critters and bugs and all, how about you? I invite you to share your successes and failures, secrets, tricks and styles.
I look forward to sharing your experiences and ideas on this topic. Where do you live and how is your garden doing? Tell us about it.
recommend this
email
print
link to this page
Comments: 22
The other issue I have is too much phosphate that is not allowing the nitrogen and potassium to be taken up by the plants. I use composted donkey manure and oak leaves as main soil component but now I am adding blood meal every month. I would love any suggestions on balancing the nutrients in my very limestone laden soil.
I don't know about having to much phosphate. I use horse manure and compost that I make from kitchen scraps and such. My hope here is that someone will have the answer to almost any question that may come up. It should be interesting.
I have started a journal so that I can learn from my mistakes and take advantage of what does work.
I buy plants because my sunlight is really limited. We are happy the garlic grows and pleased to have herbs all summer. Rosemary moves in for the winter and usually makes it till spring - but sometimes not. Happily our big grocery stores carry fresh herbs all year - but they are a bit pricey.
I just enjoy playing in the dirt.
I'm glad I live in a big city now. But I get organic when I can from the co-op down the street down the hill.
You can view it HERE.
Congratulations!
I did a little work on my compost piles yesterday. It's been warm here. The sun feels so good this time of year.
I'll be over for coffee, keep it hot...