Growing in The Garden

My latest blog post includes a free printable label and instructions for planting if you want to give wildflower seeds as gifts.⁣ https://growinginthegarden.com/holiday-neighbor-gift-wildflower-seed-packets/

Now available in my shop: https://growinginthegarden.bigcartel.com/products SUPPORT GROWING IN THE GARDEN My Planting Guides and Harvest Calendar: https://growinginthegarden.bigcartel.com/products I use the metal raised beds from garden in minutes https://shrsl.com/3yano Use code Angela10 to save $10 off $100 or GITG5 to save 5 percent on any size order I use the garden grids from Garden in Minutes in all of my raised beds. Use code Angela10 to save $10 off $100 or GITG5 to save 5 percent on any size order https://shrsl.com/3yanv Amazon Shop: https://www.amazon.com/shop/growinginthegarden Growing in the Garden State 48 T-Shirts https://my.bigcartel.com/products Seeds: Seeds Now https://www.seedsnow.com/?rfsn=275008.6345c Botanical Interest seeds: https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=250954&u=2736599&m=28945&urllink=&afftrack= Growing in the Garden-Raised Bed Mix at Arizona Worm Farm: https://arizonawormfarm.com/ Harvest Right Freeze Dryer https://affiliates.harvestright.com/1238.html Ollas: https://www.growoya.com/growing Use code GROWING for a discount #perennialgarden #perennialplant #perennial #perennials #perennialherbs #arizonagarden #desertgarden #hotclimategarden

Gulf Fritillary caterpillars are a welcome part of my garden. Having them flying around makes it a magical place to be. ⁠After defoliating the passion flower vine, dozens of caterpillars were still on the now leafless vines. I carefully relocated them to the passionfruit vine and was thrilled to see them thrive and transform into beautiful butterflies.⁠ ⁠ #gulffrittilary #growinginthegarden #butterflies #passionflower #passionfruit #organicgarden #desertgarden #arizonagarden ⁠ SUPPORT GROWING IN THE GARDEN Amazon Shop: https://www.amazon.com/shop/growinginthegarden Growing in the Garden State 48 T-Shirts https://my.bigcartel.com/products Buy Harvest Calendar: https://growinginthegarden.bigcartel.com/product/perpetual-planting-and-harvest-calendar-for-the-low-desert-of-arizona Seeds: Seeds Now https://www.seedsnow.com/?rfsn=275008.6345c Botanical Interest seeds: https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=250954&u=2736599&m=28945&urllink=&afftrack= Watering Grids: https://shrsl.com/3abpw Use code ANGELA10 to save $10 off $100 Growing in the Garden-Raised Bed Mix at Arizona Worm Farm: https://arizonawormfarm.com/ Harvest Right Freeze Dryerhttps://affiliates.harvestright.com/1238.html Ollas: https://www.growoya.com/growing Use code GROWING for a discount

Raised bed gardening is a popular option and one of my favorite ways to garden. In this video I'll answer the most common questions about how to start and maintain a raised bed garden. We'll cover everything from selecting the right location and choosing suitable materials to preparing the soil. Introduction 00:00 How do I choose the location? 00:23 Which direction should beds run? 00:43 What’s the best spot for a trellis? 00:53 What else should I look for in a location? 01:04 What do I do about tree roots? 01:10 What do I put underneath my beds? 02:01 What size should beds be? 02:38 How deep should beds be? 02:56 What about using elevated beds? 03:11 How can I keep beds from heating up as much? 03:32 Which material should I use? 04:03 Which type of wood is best? 04:21 What about metal beds? 04:46 Do metal beds heat up more? 05:14 How deep should soil be? 06:15 Which soil should I use? 06:23 Can I fill up the bottom of the bed with something else? 06:52 How do I feed my plants & soil? 07:16 My plants aren’t growing well, what should I do? 08:10 How should I water my beds? 08:40 How long & how often should I water? 09:11 What‘s the best time of day to water? 10:09 Should I mulch? 10:35 Soil Testing kit I use: https://amzn.to/46R31sV Fertilizer I use: https://amzn.to/3s03A4i SUPPORT GROWING IN THE GARDEN Amazon Shop: https://www.amazon.com/shop/growinginthegarden Growing in the Garden State 48 T-Shirts https://my.bigcartel.com/products Buy Harvest Calendar: https://growinginthegarden.bigcartel.com/product/perpetual-planting-and-harvest-calendar-for-the-low-desert-of-arizona Seeds: Seeds Now https://www.seedsnow.com/?rfsn=275008.6345c Botanical Interest seeds: https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=250954&u=2736599&m=28945&urllink=&afftrack= Watering Grids: https://shrsl.com/3abpw Use code ANGELA10 to save $10 off $100 Growing in the Garden-Raised Bed Mix at Arizona Worm Farm: https://arizonawormfarm.com/ Harvest Right Freeze Dryer https://affiliates.harvestright.com/1238.html Ollas: https://www.growoya.com/growing Use code GROWING for a discount #RaisedBedGardening, #GardeningTips, #GardenDesign, #VegetableGardening, #FlowerGardening, #SoilManagement, #GardeningForBeginners, #GardeningHacks

The changing season means it's a good time to assess your existing containers and refresh the soil. Over time, the organic matter in the soil breaks down, and you need to add more. #howtogrowyourownfood #containergardening #gardeningtips #vegetablegarden #growyourownfood #organicgarden #desertgarden #arizonagarden #bucketgarden #5gallonbucketgarden Learn more: https://growinginthegarden.com/container-gardening-for-beginners-10-steps-for-success/ Soil Testing kit I use: https://amzn.to/46R31sV Fertilizer I use: https://amzn.to/3s03A4i #containergardening #containergarden #gardenincontainers SUPPORT GROWING IN THE GARDEN Amazon Shop: https://www.amazon.com/shop/growinginthegarden Growing in the Garden State 48 T-Shirts https://my.bigcartel.com/products Buy Harvest Calendar: https://growinginthegarden.bigcartel.com/product/perpetual-planting-and-harvest-calendar-for-the-low-desert-of-arizona Seeds: Seeds Now https://www.seedsnow.com/?rfsn=275008.6345c Botanical Interest seeds: https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=250954&u=2736599&m=28945&urllink=&afftrack= Watering Grids: https://shrsl.com/3abpw Use code ANGELA10 to save $10 off $100 Growing in the Garden-Raised Bed Mix at Arizona Worm Farm: https://arizonawormfarm.com/ Harvest Right Freeze Dryer https://affiliates.harvestright.com/1238.html Ollas: https://www.growoya.com/growing Use code GROWING for a discount

Learn the principles of container gardening and add extra space or begin gardening with containers. Learn more: https://growinginthegarden.com/container-gardening-for-beginners-10-steps-for-success/ Soil Testing kit I use: https://amzn.to/46R31sV Fertilizer I use: https://amzn.to/3s03A4i #containergardening #containergarden #gardenincontainers SUPPORT GROWING IN THE GARDEN Amazon Shop: https://www.amazon.com/shop/growinginthegarden Growing in the Garden State 48 T-Shirts https://my.bigcartel.com/products Buy Harvest Calendar: https://growinginthegarden.bigcartel.com/product/perpetual-planting-and-harvest-calendar-for-the-low-desert-of-arizona Seeds: Seeds Now https://www.seedsnow.com/?rfsn=275008.6345c Botanical Interest seeds: https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=250954&u=2736599&m=28945&urllink=&afftrack= Watering Grids: https://shrsl.com/3abpw Use code ANGELA10 to save $10 off $100 Growing in the Garden-Raised Bed Mix at Arizona Worm Farm: https://arizonawormfarm.com/ Harvest Right Freeze Dryer https://affiliates.harvestright.com/1238.html Ollas: https://www.growoya.com/growing Use code GROWING for a discount

When I first saw the gorgeous blooms on ranunculus flowers, I didn’t think it was possible to grow them here in the low desert of Arizona. I’m glad I was wrong. ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣Learning how to grow ranunculus is easier than you think, and fall is the time to plant for the earliest blooms.⁣⁣ ⁣⁣• Soak the corms in tepid water for 3 to 4 hours(not longer). The corms will absorb the moisture and often double in size.⁣⁣ ⁣⁣• Ranunculus grows best in rich, healthy, well-draining soil with plenty of sunlight.⁣⁣ ⁣⁣• Plant corms 2-3 inches (5-7cm) deep and about 6 inches (15cm) apart.⁣⁣ ⁣⁣• Placeranunculus cormsin the ground with theclaws facing down. ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣• Fill the hole back in with soil and water well.⁣⁣ ⁣⁣If you live in awet climate, you may not need to water again until sprouts appear. Too much moisture in the soil may cause the corms to rot.⁣⁣ ⁣⁣Indry climates like the low desert, keep soil evenly moist butdo not overwaterto prevent the corms from rotting.⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣⁣#growinginthegarden #gardeningtips #cutflowers #ranunculus #fallplanting #flowergarden #desertgarden #arizonagarden⁣⁣ SUPPORT GROWING IN THE GARDENAmazon Shop: https://www.amazon.com/shop/growinginthegardenGrowing in the Garden State 48 T-Shirts https://my.bigcartel.com/productsBuy Harvest Calendar: https://growinginthegarden.bigcartel.com/product/perpetual-planting-and-harvest-calendar-for-the-low-desert-of-arizonaSeeds: Seeds Now https://www.seedsnow.com/?rfsn=275008.6345cBotanical Interest seeds: https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=250954&u=2736599&m=28945&urllink=&afftrack=Watering Grids: https://shrsl.com/3abpw Use code ANGELA10 to save $10 off $100Growing in the Garden-Raised Bed Mix at Arizona Worm Farm: https://arizonawormfarm.com/Harvest Right Freeze Dryerhttps://affiliates.harvestright.com/1238.htmlOllas: https://www.growoya.com/growing Use code GROWING for a discount

I've spent the last couple of weeks filling up my beds and planting them for fall. As the organic matter in your soil breaks down, the soil level will drop. Filling your beds all the way up takes advantage of all the space in your raised beds, giving your plants access to more soil, nutrients, and water. Top off the soil in your beds with compost regularly. If you have a thick layer of mulch, as I do, pull back the mulch first and then add a layer of compost to the top of the soil. If the mulch has mostly broken down, it’s ok to add the compost right on top of the mulch. You don’t need to till or even dig the compost into the soil to get the benefits of compost. In fact, it’s better if you don’t. Instead, spread the compost on top of the soil and let nature do the work. The worms will pull it into the soil, and the microbes in the compost will release nutrients that will soak into the soil. Add at least one inch (2.54 cm) of compost if possible. #compost #growinginthegarden #gardeningtips #vegetablegarden #growyourownfood #organicgarden #desertgarden #arizonagarden SUPPORT GROWING IN THE GARDENAmazon Shop: https://www.amazon.com/shop/growinginthegardenGrowing in the Garden State 48 T-Shirts https://my.bigcartel.com/productsBuy Harvest Calendar: https://growinginthegarden.bigcartel.com/product/perpetual-planting-and-harvest-calendar-for-the-low-desert-of-arizonaSeeds: Seeds Now https://www.seedsnow.com/?rfsn=275008.6345cBotanical Interest seeds: https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=250954&u=2736599&m=28945&urllink=&afftrack=Watering Grids: https://shrsl.com/3abpw Use code ANGELA10 to save $10 off $100Growing in the Garden-Raised Bed Mix at Arizona Worm Farm: https://arizonawormfarm.com/Harvest Right Freeze Dryerhttps://affiliates.harvestright.com/1238.htmlOllas: https://www.growoya.com/growing Use code GROWING for a discount

Saving seeds is important to preserve biodiversity, acclimatize crops, save money, and promote self-reliance. However, saving only the best seeds from the crops you grow is important. ⁣ These marigold seeds didn't develop properly, so I won't save them this time. ⁣ ⁣ ⁣ #howtogrowyourownfood #growinginthegarden #gardeningtips #vegetablegarden #growyourownfood #organicgarden #desertgarden #arizonagarden #seedsaving #howtosaveseeds #saveseeds⁣ ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣

It's Garlic Planting Time! Garlic is one of the easiest crops to grow, and learning how to grow garlic is simple. Even better, once you’ve grown it, you can regrow garlic yearly from your bulbs. Garlic is usually planted in the fall — from September through November. Plant garlic about a month before the soil freezes in cold climates. The best time to plant garlic in the low desert of Arizona is during the month of October. • Choose an area that receives at least 6-8 hours of sunlight. • Garlic grows best in loose, well-draining soil. • Amend the planting area with compost and a balanced organic fertilizer. • Break apart the bulbs and soak in a solution of fish and kelp fertilizer and baking soda (1 T of each per gallon of water) for at least 8 and up to 24 hours. (The baking soda has antibacterial benefits, and the fertilizer stimulates growth.) • Plant cloves 2-3” deep and 4-6” apart. • Mulch planting area well, especially in cold climates. • Water well when new leaves are forming. When leaves begin to die back, water less often. Products in the video: Inchelium Red Softneck Garlic: https://shrsl.com/496f8 Oyas: https://collabs.shop/eepyb4 Grow Bags: https://amzn.to/48Kst4o #garlic #plantinggarlic #growyourownfood #growyourownfood #desertgarden #arizonagarden Learn more: https://growinginthegarden.com/how-to-grow-garlic-10-tips-for-growing-garlic/ SUPPORT GROWING IN THE GARDEN Amazon Shop: https://www.amazon.com/shop/growinginthegarden Growing in the Garden State 48 T-Shirts https://my.bigcartel.com/products Buy Harvest Calendar: https://growinginthegarden.bigcartel.com/product/perpetual-planting-and-harvest-calendar-for-the-low-desert-of-arizona Seeds: Seeds Now https://www.seedsnow.com/?rfsn=275008.6345c Botanical Interest seeds: https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=250954&u=2736599&m=28945&urllink=&afftrack= Watering Grids: https://shrsl.com/3abpw Use code ANGELA10 to save $10 off $100 Growing in the Garden-Raised Bed Mix at Arizona Worm Farm: https://arizonawormfarm.com/ Harvest Right Freeze Dryer https://affiliates.harvestright.com/1238.html Ollas: https://www.growoya.com/growing Use code GROWING for a discount

Seeds are expensive. Learn about the plants you're growing and how to save their seeds and you will save a lot of money! Here's how to save snapdragon seeds: Allow the largest blooms on your favorite snapdragons to dry and form pods Snap the stems off and store in a paper sack until completely dry. The seeds will fall to the bottom of the paper sack as the pods release the seeds. Dump the bag's contents into a colander with small holes to further separate the seeds. The tiny seeds will fall through the holes. Place seeds in paper envelopes or store them in mason jars for longer storage. Be sure to label seeds with the type of seed and the date harvested. Store seeds in a dark, cool, and dry place. #seedsaving #saveseeds #seeds #snapdragon #reuse #DIY #recycle #useitup #gardening #flowergarden #selfsufficient #selfsufficientlifestyle

Asparagus may look a little out of control right now, and that's a good thing. The plant is taking in lots of energy for next year's harvest. Let the fronds grow until they begin to turn yellow. At that point, cut back on watering and allow the asparagus to go dormant. Early next spring, cut back the dry stalks and amend with 2-3 inches of composted manure and a 2-inch layer of wood chips, straw, or compost. Then get ready to harvest lots of asparagus! #howtogrowyourownfood #growinginthegarden #asparagus #vegetablegarden #growyourownfood #organicgarden #desertgarden #arizonagarden Learn more: hhttps://growinginthegarden.com/six-things-to-know-before-you-plant-asparagus/ #growyourownfood #growyourownfood #desertgarden #arizonagarden SUPPORT GROWING IN THE GARDEN Amazon Shop: https://www.amazon.com/shop/growinginthegarden Growing in the Garden State 48 T-Shirts https://my.bigcartel.com/products Buy Harvest Calendar: https://growinginthegarden.bigcartel.com/product/perpetual-planting-and-harvest-calendar-for-the-low-desert-of-arizona Seeds: Seeds Now https://www.seedsnow.com/?rfsn=275008.6345c Botanical Interest seeds: https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=250954&u=2736599&m=28945&urllink=&afftrack= Watering Grids: https://shrsl.com/3abpw Use code ANGELA10 to save $10 off $100 Growing in the Garden-Raised Bed Mix at Arizona Worm Farm: https://arizonawormfarm.com/ Harvest Right Freeze Dryer https://affiliates.harvestright.com/1238.html Ollas: https://www.growoya.com/growing Use code GROWING for a discount

It's the end of a long, hot summer. A few warm-season crops are finishing, and I've been amending my beds and planting cool-season crops. Come see what's growing right now. Learn more: https://growinginthegarden.com/arizona-garden-in-october/ #growyourownfood #growyourownfood #desertgarden #arizonagarden SUPPORT GROWING IN THE GARDEN Amazon Shop: https://www.amazon.com/shop/growinginthegarden Growing in the Garden State 48 T-Shirts https://my.bigcartel.com/products Buy Harvest Calendar: https://growinginthegarden.bigcartel.com/product/perpetual-planting-and-harvest-calendar-for-the-low-desert-of-arizona Seeds: Seeds Now https://www.seedsnow.com/?rfsn=275008.6345c Botanical Interest seeds: https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=250954&u=2736599&m=28945&urllink=&afftrack= Watering Grids: https://shrsl.com/3abpw Use code ANGELA10 to save $10 off $100 Growing in the Garden-Raised Bed Mix at Arizona Worm Farm: https://arizonawormfarm.com/ Harvest Right Freeze Dryer https://affiliates.harvestright.com/1238.html Ollas: https://www.growoya.com/growing Use code GROWING for a discount

How do you separate the chaff (the stuff you don't want) from the seeds when saving seeds? A light breeze is usually enough to blow the lighter chaff away while allowing the heavier seeds to fall. Here's one way to separate the seeds: • Put an empty container or bucket on the ground, pointing a fan or blow dryer just above it. • Lift the other bucket filled with your saved seeds and slowly pour it into the empty bucket. • The fan should blow through the seed as it falls, carrying away the chaff. •You may have to repeat this process a few times to remove all the chaff. Have you tried this before? #seedsaving #winnowing #chaff #saveseeds #selfsufficientgardening #howtogrowyourownfood #growinginthegarden #gardeningtips #organicgarden #desertgarden #arizonagarden #growyourownfood #growyourownfood #desertgarden #arizonagarden SUPPORT GROWING IN THE GARDEN Amazon Shop: https://www.amazon.com/shop/growinginthegarden Growing in the Garden State 48 T-Shirts https://my.bigcartel.com/products Buy Harvest Calendar: https://growinginthegarden.bigcartel.com/product/perpetual-planting-and-harvest-calendar-for-the-low-desert-of-arizona Seeds: Seeds Now https://www.seedsnow.com/?rfsn=275008.6345c Botanical Interest seeds: https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=250954&u=2736599&m=28945&urllink=&afftrack= Watering Grids: https://shrsl.com/3abpw Use code ANGELA10 to save $10 off $100 Growing in the Garden-Raised Bed Mix at Arizona Worm Farm: https://arizonawormfarm.com/ Harvest Right Freeze Dryer https://affiliates.harvestright.com/1238.html Ollas: https://www.growoya.com/growing Use code GROWING for a discount

Trellis Netting is an easy and inexpensive way to support a large number of flowers. Use this flower farmer method in your home garden for long, beautiful stems. I put stakes in place on the outside of the bed and then stretched the netting between the poles. If the flowers are very tall, you might need two layers. To harvest the flowers, reach down in through the netting. This method is much more effective than staking individual blooms. You can also make the area smaller and stake a small portion of the bed. #growinginthegarden #inmygardentoday #gardenlovers #mygardenthismonth #desertgarden #arizonagarden #flowerfarm #cutflowers #trellisnettingLearn more: https://growinginthegarden.com/ten-more-ideas-for-vertical-gardening/ SUPPORT GROWING IN THE GARDEN Amazon Shop: https://www.amazon.com/shop/growinginthegarden Growing in the Garden State 48 T-Shirts https://my.bigcartel.com/products Buy Harvest Calendar: https://growinginthegarden.bigcartel.com/product/perpetual-planting-and-harvest-calendar-for-the-low-desert-of-arizona Seeds: Seeds Now https://www.seedsnow.com/?rfsn=275008.6345c Botanical Interest seeds: https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=250954&u=2736599&m=28945&urllink=&afftrack= Watering Grids: https://shrsl.com/3abpw Use code ANGELA10 to save $10 off $100 Growing in the Garden-Raised Bed Mix at Arizona Worm Farm: https://arizonawormfarm.com/ Harvest Right Freeze Dryer https://affiliates.harvestright.com/1238.html Ollas: https://www.growoya.com/growing Use code GROWING for a discount

It's Garlic Planting Time! Garlic is one of the easiest crops to grow, and learning how to grow garlic is simple. Even better, once you’ve grown it, you can regrow garlic yearly from your bulbs. Garlic is usually planted in the fall — from September through November. Plant garlic about a month before the soil freezes in cold climates. The best time to plant garlic in the low desert of Arizona is during the month of October. • Choose an area that receives at least 6-8 hours of sunlight. • Garlic grows best in loose, well-draining soil. • Amend the planting area with compost and a balanced organic fertilizer. • Break apart the bulbs and soak in a solution of fish and kelp fertilizer and baking soda (1 T of each per gallon of water) for at least 8 and up to 24 hours. (The baking soda has antibacterial benefits, and the fertilizer stimulates growth.) • Plant cloves 2-3” deep and 4-6” apart. • Mulch planting area well, especially in cold climates. • Water well when new leaves are forming. When leaves begin to die back, water less often. Products in the video: Inchelium Red Softneck Garlic: https://shrsl.com/496f8 Oyas: https://collabs.shop/eepyb4 Grow Bags: https://amzn.to/48Kst4o #garlic #plantinggarlic #growyourownfood #growyourownfood #desertgarden #arizonagarden Learn more: https://growinginthegarden.com/how-to-grow-garlic-10-tips-for-growing-garlic/ SUPPORT GROWING IN THE GARDEN Amazon Shop: https://www.amazon.com/shop/growinginthegarden Growing in the Garden State 48 T-Shirts https://my.bigcartel.com/products Buy Harvest Calendar: https://growinginthegarden.bigcartel.com/product/perpetual-planting-and-harvest-calendar-for-the-low-desert-of-arizona Seeds: Seeds Now https://www.seedsnow.com/?rfsn=275008.6345c Botanical Interest seeds: https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=250954&u=2736599&m=28945&urllink=&afftrack= Watering Grids: https://shrsl.com/3abpw Use code ANGELA10 to save $10 off $100 Growing in the Garden-Raised Bed Mix at Arizona Worm Farm: https://arizonawormfarm.com/ Harvest Right Freeze Dryer https://affiliates.harvestright.com/1238.html Ollas: https://www.growoya.com/growing Use code GROWING for a discount

Did you grow a cover crop over the summer? It may be time to cut it back. When they begin to bloom, cut off at soil level. Leave plants on top of the soil and cover with compost. I also like to top it with mulch. Wait 2-3 weeks to allow the crops to begin to break down, and you're ready to plant. #covercrops #growinginthegarden #gardeningtips #vegetablegarden #cowpeas #organicgarden #desertgarden #arizonagarden #hotsummergardentip Some of the benefits of growing cover crops include: Cover crops can lower soil temperatures by keeping the soil surface shaded. There is less water lost through evaporation from the soil’s surface. Cover crops add organic matter to the soil and feed the microorganisms. Over time, cover crops can improve soil fertility, structure, and moisture capacity. Cover crops attract and support native and beneficial insects and pollinators. Summer rainfall will soak into the soil with plants and established root systems rather than running off or eroding the soil. Cover crops often suppress weeds.

Zinnias and Gomphrena both survived this hot summer and look amazing. Save this post, and don't forget to add zinnias and gomphrena to your summer planting list next year. Both flowers thrived during our hot summer and are still growing well. #flowergarden #growinginthegarden #gardeningtips #flowers #organicgarden #desertgarden #arizonagarden

Saving seeds is an important way to preserve biodiversity, acclimatize crops, save money, and promote self-reliance. However, it's important to save only the best seeds from the crops you grow. ⁣ ⁣ Although I saved the largest artichoke and allowed it to dry on the plant the seeds were small and did not develop well. I'm not saving these seeds to plant again. ⁣ ⁣ ⁣ #howtogrowyourownfood #growinginthegarden #gardeningtips #vegetablegarden #growyourownfood #organicgarden #desertgarden #arizonagarden #seedsaving #howtosaveseeds #saveseeds⁣

Look at everything on these lists 😍! ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ October is also an excellent time to plant just about any tree, fruit tree, or landscape plant. ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ My monthly planting guides are available as a calendar, and they are in stock and ready to ship. https://growinginthegarden.bigcartel.com/products ⁣⁣ If you want to know exactly what I'm planting in my garden, which seeds I'm starting indoors, and my other garden tasks, join Growing in the Garden Academy. We have a monthly live online class, and I share my garden journal twice a month. ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ https://www.patreon.com/growinginthegarden ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ My “Arizona Garden in October” blog post and YouTube videos give you a checklist of what to plant and what needs to be done in the garden this month. ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ #howtogrowyourownfood #growinginthegarden #gardeningtips #vegetablegarden #growyourownfood #organicgarden #desertgarden #arizonagarden #plantingguide #plantingcalendar

I can't imagine my garden without sunflowers. The birds often plant seeds for me, but I always save seeds from my favorite blooms to plant again and share with others. ⁣ ⁣Signs that the sunflower seeds are ready to harvest:⁣ ⁣• The flower petals dry out and begin to fall off.⁣ ⁣• The back of the flower begins to turn from green to yellow and eventually brown.⁣ ⁣• The seeds are plump and developed.⁣ ⁣• Left to dry on the stalk, the seeds turn from white to striped or brown.⁣ ⁣Save seeds to plant again or eat and enjoy confection (edible) varieties of sunflowers. ⁣ ⁣ ⁣ ⁣ #saveseeds #sunflowerseeds #seedsaving #howtogrow #growinginthegarden #gardeningtips #growyourownfood #organicgarden #desertgarden #arizonagarden ⁣ ⁣ ⁣ ⁣ ⁣ ⁣

Perennial herbs deserve a little TLC at the end of a long, hot summer. Here are two things you can do to help them recover: 1. Prune them lightly all over (aim to remove about 1/3 of the plant). 2. Feed with an organic fertilizer. I like to use worm castings. Simple, right? After doing this, you'll be rewarded with new growth from happy, healthy plants. #herbs #herbgarden #herbgardening #thyme #sage #hotsummergardentip #arizonagardening

Did you grow a cover crop over the summer? It may be time to cut it back. When they begin to bloom, cut off at soil level. Leave plants on top of the soil and cover with compost. I also like to top it with mulch. Wait 2-3 weeks to allow the crops to begin to break down, and you're ready to plant. #covercrops #growinginthegarden #gardeningtips #vegetablegarden #cowpeas #organicgarden #desertgarden #arizonagarden #hotsummergardentip Some of the benefits of growing cover crops include: Cover crops can lower soil temperatures by keeping the soil surface shaded. There is less water lost through evaporation from the soil’s surface. Cover crops add organic matter to the soil and feed the microorganisms. Over time, cover crops can improve soil fertility, structure, and moisture capacity. Cover crops attract and support native and beneficial insects and pollinators. Summer rainfall will soak into the soil with plants and established root systems rather than running off or eroding the soil. Cover crops often suppress weeds.

Are you growing roselle hibiscus? Do you have blooms yet? I'm patiently (or not so patiently) waiting for mine to appear.⁣⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣• After the beautiful roselle bloom fades, the flower withers and falls off.⁣⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣⁣• Between 7-10 days after blooming is the best time to pick the calyces.⁣⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣⁣• It is time to harvest when the pointy red calyx around the seed pod is just over an inch wide. The seed pod is fully grown but still tender.⁣⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣⁣• Harvesting roselle calyces early and often increases the overall yield of the plant.⁣⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣⁣ #rosellehibiscus #growinginthegarden #gardeningtips #Hibiscussabdariffa #growyourownfood #organicgarden #desertgarden #arizonagarden

Tips for fall planting while the days are still hot. ⁣ ⁣• Make sure you have good soil. ⁣ • Plant seeds a little deeper so they don't dry out and the soil is cooler.⁣ • Harden off homegrown seedlings for a week - get them accustomed to morning light first, etc.⁣ • Plant in the evening so plants can settle in overnight.⁣ • Provide shade if plants get afternoon sun.⁣ • Mulch!⁣ • Monitor watering closely.⁣ ⁣⁣ #plantingtips #growinginthegarden #gardeningtips #vegetablegarden #fallgarden #organicgarden #desertgarden #arizonagarden