As the temperatures in the Valley finally begin to cool, many of us are getting back into our gardens after a scorching summer. I recently had a conversation with Greg Peterson, founder of Urban Farm, about all things gardening in the desert. If you’ve ever wondered what you should be planting right now or how to improve your soil health, this post is for you!
A Simple Approach to Gardening
Greg has been a gardening guru in the Phoenix area for over 45 years, and I personally credit him for getting me started in gardening about 20 years ago. He taught me the importance of simplicity. I once overcomplicated gardening, but Greg showed me that planting seeds and keeping the soil moist is the easiest way to start.
If you’re just starting, grab a few seeds and some quality soil. You don’t need to wait for the perfect setup—just get planting! It’s easier than you think.
What to Plant This Fall
With cooler temperatures rolling in, it’s the perfect time to start your fall garden. Greg recommends planting hardy, cold crops like:
- Garlic
- Carrots
- Brassicas: This includes cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts.
In another 30 to 45 days, you’ll also want to start planting lettuce and snow peas.
If you’re planting indoors, now is a great time to use seed trays. Greg advises using a quality seed starter mix to ensure success. He shared a clever trick for keeping outdoor seeds moist: cover them with a damp bed sheet to prevent them from drying out and to keep the birds away.
Maintaining Healthy Soil
Soil health is essential, especially in the desert, where we often deal with extreme conditions. Greg explained that adding organic matter to your soil can make all the difference. But what exactly is organic matter? It can include compost, pine bark, or even cocoa peat, which help create the fluffy, aerated soil plants love.
During the hot summer months, Greg recommends planting a cover crop like cow peas to protect the soil. Cow peas thrive in the heat and pull nitrogen into the soil, keeping it healthy until the weather cools down.
The Urban Farm Fruit Tree Program
One of Greg’s biggest projects is the Urban Farm Fruit Tree Program, now in its 25th year. Through this program, Greg educates people on how to grow fruit trees in the desert. He also provides high-quality fruit trees for purchase, with varieties that thrive in the Phoenix climate.
Greg stresses the importance of preparing the soil before planting any fruit tree. Simply digging a hole and placing the tree in it won’t work. Instead, focus on building healthy soil beneath the tree with a mix of organic matter.
Great American Seed Up
If you’re looking to stock up on seeds, don’t miss the Great American Seed Up happening on October 10th and 11th at North Phoenix Baptist Church. It’s a fantastic opportunity to pick up open-pollinated seeds at a fraction of the cost. Each scoop of seeds is only $1.25 to $2—10 times what you’d normally get in a standard seed packet!
Greg’s insights make gardening in the desert much more approachable, whether you’re just starting or looking to improve your garden. For more details on Greg’s fruit tree program, tips for healthy soil, and how to get involved with the Great American Seed Up.
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