Thursday, May 30, 2013

This Week in the Garden

Joining Amanda Soule of Soulemama for a look at the garden...

our new plants

the last of the cahrd

cae helping to pull up the old plants

mixing in the compost

adding straw
Gardening here in the Phoenix area is a bit different from a lot of places, places that actually have rain and cooler temperatures that don't burn plants up. The greens have had it, yesterday we harvested the last bag of rainbow chard (my favorite green), pulled up two garlic bulbs (which I had no idea what to do with), and added compost to the bed. After checking my book "Month by Month Gardening in the Desert Southwest", my go to book for all things gardening here, we planted a few melons, an eggplant, and a cucumber (all of which can be planted this time of year). Our tomato plants are doing well, but will no longer produce new fruit as the temperatures are going to consistently be well over 100 degrees from now until... August/September, and the monsoon season is still 4-6 weeks away. It should be interesting to see what we can keep alive here. So far this has been our most successful garden in Phoenix. When we live in Tucson we were able to produce a large amount from our garden, but the ground was better and the temps were a bit cooler, and we always got a bit more rain than the Phoenix area. Still, no matter how well the garden does, it is always nice to go out and care for it with the kids.

4 comments:

Angela said...

Wow- I'm jealous of you rainbow chard, it's my favorite too, though it won't ready to eat for another few weeks. So interesting to see gardens in other climates!

Kim said...

I have heard how difficult gardening in the desert can be, but from the looks of that chard you are doing a great job. My chard is just peeking out of the ground, still about a month before I even think of eating any. Can't wait!

And you are right, getting out in the garden with the kids, best thing ever :)

Anonymous said...

I didn't realize it could ever be too hot for tomatoes. Your garden looks delicious and wonderful in so many ways. Oh for tomatoes in June!

no spring chicken said...

Goodness we are in different zones aren't we. I am late getting my garden in so will miss the peas but I'll still be fine to get lettuce and spinach in. Tomatoes are ready to transplant but I won't harvest until late September!

Blessings, Debbie