Beat The Arizona Heat With These Resilient Garden Choices

In Arizona, growing your own food can be difficult. The ground is hard, the sun is brutal, and there isn't a lot of water. Despite this, there are many plants that grow wonderfully in the desert. Here are 3 foods that are easy to grow in Arizona!

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Peppers

Peppers of all kinds thrive in the Arizona sun. Bell peppers and chilies are among some of the best plants to grow in your garden this year. They love the warm weather and create their own shade. They do require quite a bit of watering, as the ground doesn't store enough water for them to thrive on their own. When you start growing your peppers, put them in a windowsill, keep them warm, and allow them to begin to sprout before you transfer them outside. This process takes 8-10 weeks.

The only concern Arizona gardeners should have when growing peppers is the chance of them getting too much sun and scalding. When a pepper is left in the sun for too long, it can become sunburned and begin to rot. Some sunscald peppers are salvageable, as long as you catch the damage before the fruit dies. It is essential to provide your peppers with a few hours of shade to prevent sun damage and rotting fruit.

READ: What Wildlife Comes Alive At Night In The Arizona Desert?

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Eggplants

Eggplants need the heat, making them the perfect companion for an Arizona garden. Eggplants need soil that drains well. Proper drainage while retaining moisture is extremely important for these plants, as they can become easily waterlogged. Like the Peppers, plant your eggplants indoors in a well-heated space, and allow them 8-10 weeks to grow before planting them outside.

Eggplants need to be deeply watered roughly once a week, allowing the top layer of soil to dry out before the next watering session. Eggplants also run the risk of sun scalding, but positioning the fruit underneath leaves is a great way to prevent that. The biggest issue you may come across when growing eggplant is the plant not being able to support the fruit. You can bypass the issue by staking the vines and providing extra structural support to the plant as it begins to develop.

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Pomegranate Trees

I know someone with a pomegranate tree in her yard, and it thrives! Pomegranates are native to countries that have similar weather to Arizona. They tolerate bad soil and can survive in temperatures over 100 degrees. They need lots of sun and only need to be watered once a week, to once every other week in the summer months.

When you start growing a pomegranate tree, it is important to water it once a week to encourage growth. After they begin to grow, you can reduce the amount you water them. If you buy a young tree, it may take 2-3 years for it to start producing fruit, but the wait is well worth it. Pests and animals love pomegranate trees, so make sure to keep an eye out for them.

 READ: What You Need To Know About Rattlesnake Encounters In Arizona

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There are many other plants that do well in Arizona, but these three do not require a lot of care, do well in the heat, and appreciate the sandy soil available in the desert. If you are looking to start your own garden, consider incorporating these plants. With a little bit of water, lots of sunshine, and a chunk of patience, you can turn your backyard into a food-filled paradise.

CONTINUE READING: How Mesquite Trees Thrive In Arizona's Arid Climate