great video! I live in Tucson and struggle to get much to produce veggies--other than corn and okra. Where in AZ do you live? I'd love to visit your garden sometime now that I'm retired and want to devote more time to gardening. I haven't seen white shadecloth before--will have to look for it. I've only used black. Thanks for sharing because desert gardening is a whole different ball game!
We live in Saddlebrooke, about 25 miles north of Tucson. I have been gardening for 54 years (mostly in PA). Since moving here, I have gradually developed my overall growing strategy to address my gardening challenges. I think any successful Tucson gardener has to have a plan to address (in order) sun, heat, wind, pollination, soil quality, pests (mostly birds), and an accurate way of measuring soil moisture. Even after several years, I still find myself overwatering some plants... and the overwatering leaches out soil nutrients resulting in weak light colored leaves and reduced harvest. I'm trying something new for this fall season. I'm starting all new plants in my starter pots to transplant into my raised beds for the fall growing season. So much to learn and so much to experiment with. I'm also going to try growing potatoes this fall for the first time. Anxious to see your future videos.
I grew up in the Midwest, and gardening in Tucson requires all new skills! Sounds like you're figuring it out, too. Being a gardener means being a student forever, which suites my curious nature. Every season brings new challenges and opportunities to learn. Happy Gardening!
Great video well thought out. Why to use the pollinators for shade and good thoughts about the pesticide induction in the soil,and you look pretty cool in the sweltering heat of the day!
Yes, shade is a must in Tucson, and it helps attract beneficial insects, but it also creates an environment where some pests grow, such as whiteflies on cucumber and eggplants. Did you have any experience with that ,and what did you use to get rid of them? I tried neem oil, but it does not seem to help. Thanks
I have had white flies just once and it was during a very hot and dry season - May and June! I find that they like heat and water stressed plants, so I would recommend staying consistent with the watering schedule. Also focus on building really healthy soil. Plants are just like us...if they don't eat right, they get sick. Pests love to attack a weakened plant. Try insecticidal soap. I've had good luck with it, but you have to treat a few times before they go away.
I sowed the sunflower seeds after I transplanted the tomato seedling. The sunflowers will outgrow the tomatoes pretty quickly. In fact, I succession plant more sunflower seeds every 3 or 4 weeks to make sure the tomatoes are covered all season.
@@SowArizona yeah wouldnbe good to keep mental notes on how fast things grow or make a notebook....like if using pole beans or kiwi vines and so on😊 awesome tip
@@SowArizona Thank you! I promise not to bug you, but I would like to know where you get all your compost. I have not found enough leaves and grass clippings in AZ to really get a good compost going. golf courses and apartments don't collect grass anymore--just leave it on the grass. I have some worms that do food scraps but I need to up my game to increase my yield. Have you done a video on how to compost in the desert or do you have more grass and leaves where you live? I'm guessing maybe rio rico area perhaps? I'm really praying about finding a place down that way or near some friends in Arivaca cause right now I'm all container gardening in earth boxes and pots. Thanks!
great video! I live in Tucson and struggle to get much to produce veggies--other than corn and okra. Where in AZ do you live? I'd love to visit your garden sometime now that I'm retired and want to devote more time to gardening. I haven't seen white shadecloth before--will have to look for it. I've only used black. Thanks for sharing because desert gardening is a whole different ball game!
I live just south of Tucson. And yes, the desert is totally different! Thank you so much for watching!
We live in Saddlebrooke, about 25 miles north of Tucson. I have been gardening for 54 years (mostly in PA). Since moving here, I have gradually developed my overall growing strategy to address my gardening challenges. I think any successful Tucson gardener has to have a plan to address (in order) sun, heat, wind, pollination, soil quality, pests (mostly birds), and an accurate way of measuring soil moisture. Even after several years, I still find myself overwatering some plants... and the overwatering leaches out soil nutrients resulting in weak light colored leaves and reduced harvest. I'm trying something new for this fall season. I'm starting all new plants in my starter pots to transplant into my raised beds for the fall growing season. So much to learn and so much to experiment with. I'm also going to try growing potatoes this fall for the first time. Anxious to see your future videos.
I grew up in the Midwest, and gardening in Tucson requires all new skills! Sounds like you're figuring it out, too. Being a gardener means being a student forever, which suites my curious nature. Every season brings new challenges and opportunities to learn. Happy Gardening!
Thank you for your wonderful gardening suggestions!
You're very welcome 🙏
😃🎉 Excellent
I subscribed to your channel 🙏
Thank you, and welcome!
@@SowArizona you're welcome 😁 Happy to be here 🙏
good video. Thank you!
You're welcome. Happy gardening!
Great video well thought out. Why to use the pollinators for shade and good thoughts about the pesticide induction in the soil,and you look pretty cool in the sweltering heat of the day!
excellent gardening L42
Thank you so much 🙂
you are very nice to look at Miss Kara
Good to basic natures
Yes, shade is a must in Tucson, and it helps attract beneficial insects, but it also creates an environment where some pests grow, such as whiteflies on cucumber and eggplants. Did you have any experience with that ,and what did you use to get rid of them? I tried neem oil, but it does not seem to help. Thanks
I have had white flies just once and it was during a very hot and dry season - May and June! I find that they like heat and water stressed plants, so I would recommend staying consistent with the watering schedule. Also focus on building really healthy soil. Plants are just like us...if they don't eat right, they get sick. Pests love to attack a weakened plant. Try insecticidal soap. I've had good luck with it, but you have to treat a few times before they go away.
Ok, thanks. Can you recommend any brand?
Beautiful looking amazing over there 🌱🌱💚💚 great idea using a sunflower wall may have to start them extra early? Tomatoes might grow taller faster?
I sowed the sunflower seeds after I transplanted the tomato seedling. The sunflowers will outgrow the tomatoes pretty quickly. In fact, I succession plant more sunflower seeds every 3 or 4 weeks to make sure the tomatoes are covered all season.
@@SowArizona yeah wouldnbe good to keep mental notes on how fast things grow or make a notebook....like if using pole beans or kiwi vines and so on😊 awesome tip
which sunflowers did you say you planted? did you get them at native seeds or just locally?
I planted Havasupai sunflowers in that row. And yes, I got them from Native Seeds. They do really well.
@@SowArizona Thank you! I promise not to bug you, but I would like to know where you get all your compost. I have not found enough leaves and grass clippings in AZ to really get a good compost going. golf courses and apartments don't collect grass anymore--just leave it on the grass. I have some worms that do food scraps but I need to up my game to increase my yield. Have you done a video on how to compost in the desert or do you have more grass and leaves where you live? I'm guessing maybe rio rico area perhaps? I'm really praying about finding a place down that way or near some friends in Arivaca cause right now I'm all container gardening in earth boxes and pots. Thanks!
Are you sure this channel is about gardening and not getting attention lol
Jerk