Let’s talk about garden soil – one of the keys to a successful Phoenix Kitchen Garden!
It takes time to build healthy soil, which is very different from the dirt you’ll find in most yards. The right soil recipe provides essential nutrients and proper watering guidance to your plants. Just remember: Better soil equals better results!
Investing in good soil from the start for your raised garden bed will not only pay off in the first year of crops, but will later make amending and development of your soil that much easier. Compact or hard soil, water-logged soil, or soil where water pools on top will not allow plants to grow properly.
How to create a great soil mix
For my raised garden beds, I always start with an organic soil mix that’s specifically formulated for raised beds. My favorite is the Arizona Worm Farm’s raised bed mix, but you can create your own with the recipe below:
- 2 parts pit moss or coco coir
- 1 part vermiculite
- 3 parts compost
- Finish off your bed with 3 inches of organic mulch after seedlings emerge or after transplanting.
Each season be sure to add an additional two inches of good soil on top of your beds or garden!
Test your garden soil
Every couple of seasons, I recommend contacting the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension for a soil test kit. Testing can help determine your soil’s PH balance and any deficiencies, so you can amend accordingly.
PKG Bonus Tip
When our scorching Phoenix temps kick in, be sure to add some mulch on top of the soil around all your plants. This will help to retain moisture, keeping your plants cool and hydrated!
The bottom line is, not all soil is created equal, and the dirt in your yard might not be the best for your garden. Personally, I love using organic soil; it has consistently produced delicious vegetables in my Phoenix kitchen garden. If you’re unsure, don’t hesitate to ask questions at your local garden center. And if you need a little more help, reach out to me for a kitchen garden consultation!
To book a consultation, click the link on the PKG homepage or call 602-722-7971.
And for more low desert garden tips, don’t forget to follow me on Instagram and Facebook!
