Desert Gardening & January Vegetables
Most vegetable gardening guides assume a wet, temperate climate and a summer growing season. However, many vegetables grow in the desert, even in the winter. If you live in the American Southwest or another hot, desert climate, don't give up gardening. The right care and techniques provide lettuce and other food crops in January, while Northern gardens are still under snow. Does this Spark an idea?
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Soil
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Most desert planting sites have sandy soil and arid conditions that aren't conducive to growing vegetables. The soil may also be high in salt, which stunts growth or kills some plants. Improve garden soil with compost and nonalkaline soil amendments. Avoid amendments that are high in salt, such as mountain peat, composted animal manure and wood ash.
Moisture
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Deserts are low-moisture environments. The very dry air and soil make it difficult to grow vegetables without using large amounts of water. Raised beds help reduce water loss into the ground, while mulching keeps irrigation water from evaporating. Adding organic matter to the soil helps it retain moisture. If you grow vegetables in containers, the small soil volume can cause plants to quickly dry out. Water all plants deeply but infrequently, rather than providing small amounts of water daily. Routine shallow watering encourages weak root systems.
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Cold
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Desert temperatures tend to extremes. According to the University of Nevada, about 97 days out of each year are hotter than 100 degrees in that state. Nevada's average winter temperature is in the low 30s, making it important to protect frost-sensitive plants. Other desert areas of the American Southwest have similar broad temperature ranges. Choose only cold-tolerant vegetables for winter gardening, such as arugula, beets, carrots, dill and peas. In very warm climates or protected locations, plant some more delicate plants. Consider using cold frames with a southern exposure for lettuce and other cool weather plants with lower cold tolerance.
Sun
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Even in the winter, desert sun damages plants. This is especially true for plants grown in cold frames. The cold frame protects the plant from chilly winds, but magnifies the sun's rays during the hottest part of the day. Provide ventilation or protection from very strong sun and watch your plants for wilting or other signs of sun damage.
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References
- "Las Vegas Review-Journal"; Desert Gardening Just Requires Good Practices; Bob Morris; Dec. 16, 2010
- Arizona State University; Low Desert Planting & Harvest Calendar; Mat Suhr et al.; 2006
- Tucson Home; The Transplanted Gardener; 10 Tips for Tending a Successful Desert Garden; 2010
- Colorado State University; Growing Lettuce on the High Desert; Sheri Hunter; 2010
- Colorado State University; Choosing a Soil Amendment; J. G. Davis et al.; May 2005
- University of Nevada; Becoming a Desert Gardener; Angela O'Callaghan; 2008
Resources
- Photo Credit desert plants image by Carol Tomalty from Fotolia.com
