Gardening In Northern Arizona

Gardening in Arizona has been a challenge for us.  Each year we try something different to see if it helps grow more bounty.  We have been blessed with great neighbors with animals that give us all the horse manure we can use.  That in itself has improved our soil in our garden.  Our soil is clay that is on the alkaline side with lots of rocks & weeds and needs lot of amendments so when have opted for above ground and/or raised beds.  We also grow in containers too. 

In the Ash Fork area where we live we have to haul water or have it delivered which is a challenge in itself but when it comes to gardening are water usage doubles in the growing season or until monsoons arrive.

Starting plants from seeds seem to do well for us but keeping the plant alive through the hottest days of summer is another challenge.

Final challenge is the wild life and free ranging cows-cows are much easier to deal with we just have to keep our gate shut but the wild life so frustrating! Last year a gray squirrel kept digging in my raised beds and eating some of my vegetables.  

The photos below are from previous years.