| How can I grow vegetables in the summers in Arizona? Any tips on keeping water where in belongs in this dry climate? |
| There are several strategies for growing vegetables in the low desert in the summer: 1. Chose adapted varieties: Beans, Corn, Armenian Yard Long Cucumbers, Melons, Okra, Peppers, Sweet Potatoes, Sunflowers. Many winter crops can be started from seed in August (Broccoli, Brussel Sprouts, Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower) Native Seed Search provides a catalog with many varieties adapted to the low desert environment. Native Seeds/SEARCH 2509 N. Campbell Ave, #325 Tucson, AZ 85719 520-327-9123 Office 520-327-5821 Fax 2. Irrigate effectively: Use Drip Irrigation to provide water to the root zone with out wasting to evaporation through sprinkler system. Mulch heavily in the summer to prevent loss of soil moisture and to keep soil temperature down. 3. Modify the environment, provide shade cloth, increase humidity. Contact the Maricopa County Cooperative Extension Office for a Copy of the Vegetable Planting Calendar for the Low Desert fact Sheet MC84. University of Arizona Maricopa County 4341 E. Broadway Phoenix, AZ 85040-8807 (602) 470-8086 [301] Office (602) 470-8092 Fax Check out their Website at http://ag.arizona.edu/maricopa... the "timely tips" section has information on vegetable planting and care. In February the Extension office will be offering a series on Basic Gardening. See http://ag.arizona.edu/maricopa... for more information. |
