by Bea Lueck
Arizona’s arid climate and unique soil conditions require special care when preparing for successful crop growth. The easiest method for the average weekend home gardener to control growing conditions is by using raised beds.
While some yards have rich soil, most are lacking. Here are some helpful tips for starting your garden:
1. Select the Right Location
Choose a spot that gets six to eight hours of sunlight daily. Make note whether your desired plants need direct or filtered sunlight. Not everything can handle full Arizona sun. You may need to add 40% shade cloth to keep the leaves from crisping.
Place your beds where they’re accessible for watering and maintenance. Nice wide walkways are a must.
2. Build the Raised Bed
Construct beds at least 12 inches deep using untreated wood, block or metal. I purchased raised bed kits on Amazon. Inexpensive and easy to assemble — and move later if needed.
To deter pests like gophers, line the bottom with hardware cloth. I skipped this step when I first did my beds, and I regret it. Far too many crops have been enjoyed by gophers and ground squirrels instead of me!
3. Create an Ideal Soil Mix
Arizona’s soil is often sandy and nutrient-poor, so creating a balanced mix is key. Combine:
- 40% topsoil: Use high-quality, weed-free soil.
- 30% compost: Adds essential nutrients and organic matter. Worm castings from Arizona Worm Farm are excellent. I also add both mushroom compost and cow manure for added fertilizer benefits.
- 20% coconut coir or peat moss: Retains moisture. I substituted old hay and cardboard scraps as a cost savings. This adds both moisture and brown matter to decompose. Finally, a use for old Amazon boxes!
- 10% perlite or pumice: Improves aeration and drainage.
Mix these thoroughly for a nutrient-rich, moisture-retentive medium.
4. Mulch for Moisture, Temperature Control
Add a layer of mulch, such as straw or wood chips, to:
- Retain moisture.
- Regulate soil temperature.
- Reduce weed growth.
5. Install Efficient Irrigation
Use drip irrigation or soaker hoses to provide consistent moisture. Water deeply and less frequently to encourage healthy root development. During the heat of summer you will need to water daily.
6. Maintain and Replenish Annually
Refresh soil annually by mixing in new compost and organic matter. You will be amazed at how much soil you will need to add each year. By harvest-time, my beds are lowered by almost 50%.
The University of Arizona Cooperative Extension Office (extension.arizona.edu/programs/casa-grande-master-gardners) is one of the best resources I’ve found. Their website has lots of useful information, and their volunteers are the best around. And when you are ready to plant, their plant sales at the MAC farm in Maricopa can’t be beat.
Bea Lueck is the Designated Broker with ROX Real Estate. She can be reached at 520.560.5671 or bea@roxsells.com.
