A four-part series covering the pros and cons of container materials and how they match up against the hot and dry deserts of the southwest USA. Continue reading Choosing A Planting Container In Hot Climates, Part 1: Plastic
For whatever reason, succulents make great gift plants. They can be inexpensive, small in size, and can go with strictly anything style-wise. It can be done! Continue reading Gifting: How To Choose A Succulent For Your Plant-Loving Friend
Here in Arizona where it regularly gets to 115F, we need to be careful about excessive heat. Cucumbers don’t mind humidity, it’s us that does. To fight the heat, plant in an area that is shaded for the hottest part of the day. Continue reading Protecting Cucumber Plants From Heat Stress In Zone 9A
In late September 2015, when it looked like the prefect time to grow cucumber plants again, I did the thing. And it looked like the weather would permit nasturtiums to grow in between those cucumbers. Let me tell you about these nasturtiums real quick. They sprouted in September/November, grew to a certain size, and just decided to grow very, very slowly, until this spring. In … Continue reading The Trick To Nasturtiums In The Desert Zone 9A
Summary: Sow: Just before last frost, or in mid-October in zone 9A. Soil: 1/2 sand & 1/2 potting mix or compost Bury seeds 1/4-1/2 inch deep (1/2 cm) Water every 3-4 days Harvest and make pickles or freeze for use over winter. Warning: If soil is more than 1/2 potting mix, or if you bury them too deep, seeds may not sprout. Dill is a … Continue reading How To Grow Dill
Is it a conspiracy, ants and aphids working together to destroy all that you have worked for in your garden? You’ll actually find a very diverse and intricate ecosystem in your garden. For instance, last summer I noticed aphids on my watermelon and cucumber plants. Something strange was happening. Since the watermelon was the only plant hit really hard by aphids, a few questions cropped … Continue reading Don’t Blame The Aphid, Blame The Ants
Everybody loves a delicious cucumber on salads or pickled. Well, now is the best time to plant. Imagine standing there over your salad, trying to decide what it’s lacking, and realizing you can just go outside and pick a cucumber for it (for the cost of water, seeds, and possibly soil)! STRAP IN FOLKS, this is a long post. Continue reading It’s Monday, So Go Plant Cucumbers
Compost can take less than a year to finish, and you’ll be able to tailor it to the specific needs of your plants. It’s easier than you’d expect. I love composting! Continue reading How To Get Started Composting In The Desert
Here is a video update summary of my aphid problem. It’s something I’d like to figure out before next growing season. Continue reading Nasturtiums aren’t helping with aphid control
