Vegetable gardening in Arizona can be challenging. Principles that work in other areas, timing guidelines on seed packets, and general zone requirements often don’t apply to gardening in the low desert of Arizona. Growing a successful vegetable garden in Arizona is certainly possible. However, it is important to understand that Arizona has a unique climate […] Read more…
The first gardening class I attended was about square foot gardening. I soaked it all in, and then bought Mel Bartholomew’s “Square Foot Gardening” book. One of the concepts I loved was the simplicity of plant spacing in square foot gardens. Disclaimer: this post contains affiliate links. See my disclosure policy for more information. How do you space […] Read more…
Raised-bed gardens are a popular option for starting a garden. Correct raised-bed garden design helps maximize the productivity of the available space. A well-designed raised-bed garden also adds beauty to your yard. Disclaimer: this post contains affiliate links. See my disclosure policy for more information. Gardening with raised beds has several advantages: The soil mix you fill […] Read more…
Understand and follow correct watering principles, and find the best way to water raised-bed gardens to have a productive and healthy garden. The best way to water a raised-bed garden will provide consistent and even watering, be easy to use and maintain, and ideally be simple to install as well. Raised-bed gardens are a productive […] Read more…
This post on how to plant pots – tips for container gardening is sponsored by Better Homes & Gardens at Walmart. Planting flowers in pots on the patio, porch, or by your front door is a simple way to add beauty and color to the space. Best of all, you get to play in the dirt – […] Read more…
If you’re wondering what the best soil for raised bed vegetable gardening is, that’s an easy answer – “Mel’s mix”. I didn’t come up with this mix, we can thank Mel Bartholomew, the author of Square Foot Gardening, for simplifying the best soil to use for raised bed vegetable gardening. After reading Square Foot Gardening […] Read more…
Healthy soil is the first step to healthy productive plants. It’s important to feed your soil and prepare it before you plant each season. Get your soil ready for planting Disclaimer: this post contains affiliate links. See my disclosure policy for more information. Prepare your soil for planting by adding compost I prepare my soil by doing […] Read more…
With this spring garden checklist and 5 tips for spring planting, you are ready to give your garden the tune-up it needs to flourish. What you do at the beginning of the season will help ensure a happy, healthy, and productive garden all year long. Spring Garden Checklist – 5 Tips for Spring Planting Disclaimer: […] Read more…
Thinking about starting a fall garden? The harvests don’t have to end because the summer does. Take advantage of an additional growing season and start a fall garden! Fill the harvest basket with spinach, carrots, kale, broccoli and more. Starting a fall garden in warm places like Arizona, means even more variety in the garden. Disclaimer: […] Read more…
Ten years ago I bought my first gardening book, “All New Square Foot Gardening”, by Mel Bartholomew. I read it cover to cover, and then read it again. This book made gardening easy to understand, with clear steps to get started and be successful. I followed Mel’s advice, and ten years later I still believe […] Read more…