How to Prep Soil for a Garden in a Desert Area

Gardening in the desert is tough and challenging. However, it is quite possible to have success if you nurture the soil, plant crops for a desert climate and provide afternoon shade for the summer sun. The best part about desert gardening is that for most low desert areas, you can grow vegetables all year round.



Conditioning the soil for planting is an ongoing process. Garden soil needs to be constantly fed and nutrients replenished to assure plant health. Ideally, garden prep should take place three months before you want to plant. This allows for some decomposition to start, and for the animal manure to mellow. Never use fresh manure.

Things You'll Need

• Rototiller
• Garden rake
• Wheel barrow
• Animal manure
• Compost-either your own or purchase
• 1 bale straw
• Compost bin or 4 feet tall chicken wire and four, 5-foot fence T-posts

Instructions

1. Select the area where you want your garden. It should have a minimum of 6 hours of sun a day. It should be fairly level, and preferably in an area where there is not a lot of rock. It is okay to have a tree or two nearby, especially if it will throw shade on the garden in the afternoon, but do not plant directly under a tree as you will be facing root competition between the tree and the garden plants. A 10 foot by 10 foot garden area will grow enough food for a family of four.

2. Rent or purchase a heavy duty rototiller that is self-propelled. Desert soils are hard and need a strong machine. If you can, till after a rain or water the area the day before to make tilling a little easier.

   Run the tiller up and down the area twice in two different directions. Using the garden rake, rake up and haul away as much rock as you can.

3. Spread well-composted animal manure (such as steer, horse or other plant-eating only animals) 1 to 2 inches deep over the area. If you have compost, spread that over the area as well. Spread the straw over the manure, breaking it up into pieces as best as you can. Using the rototiller, go over and till the soil several times in different directions to mix in well. Water area thoroughly and let sit. Continue to water the area once or twice a week up until planting time.

4. 

   Compost is essential for good garden soil

   Start a compost pile to feed the garden regularly, if you don't have one already. Pick a spot near the garden to compost vegetable and fruit trimmings from the kitchen. Either purchase a compost bin, or build a three-sided enclosure with the chicken wire and posts to keep it confined. It takes time to develop compost, so if you're just starting out opt to compost directly in the garden between rows, according to Tucson Citizen.com.

Tips & Warnings

• Even if you can't start your garden in time for spring planting, at least get your compost pile going, as it takes time to make a large quantity.

References

• Sunset Western Garden Book; Kathleen Norris Brenzel;2001
• Tucson Citizen: It's Time to Start Planning a Fall Garden in the Desert