Happy New Year! A new year brings new beginnings and new opportunities to enrich our lives. This year, I encourage you to find that enrichment in the garden. Although the winter chill is still here, now is the time to start preparing your garden for a bountiful harvest of warm-season crops. Whether you are a seasoned gardener or a first-time newbie, proper preparation is the secret to a thriving desert garden.
Don’t be intimidated by the idea of a home orchard! Fruit trees are easier than you think and offer more than just fruit. They provide stunning spring blossoms, cooling summer shade, and a true sense of accomplishment. Planting dormant stone fruits like peaches, plums, and nectarines in January is ideal, allowing roots to establish before the desert heat arrives.
Preparing the Foundation
For existing gardens, begin by removing weeds and roots from previous plantings. Next, add a 3–4-inch layer of fresh Dr. Q’s Pay Dirt Planting Mix & Mulch, blending it 10–12 inches deep. This significantly improves drainage and moisture retention in our tough soil. Finally, replenish nutrients with Dr. Q’s Stardust Organic Starter Fertilizer.
For new gardens, choose a location with 6–8 hours of morning sun. Raised beds and containers are excellent options; they provide superior drainage and the ability to move plants during our intense summer months.
Starting Your Plants
There are two ways to grow your spring garden:
Potted Starts: Spring inventory arrives in the next two weeks, but you can start now! We have cold-tolerant herbs like mint and rosemary available, and all stores have strawberries in stock. Now is the perfect time to get those berries in the ground!
Starting from Seed: This is very economical. If you want tomatoes in the ground by March, you should start them indoors in mid-January. Use a seed-starting mix in peat pots or trays and keep them near 70°F.
Smart Watering
Choosing the right irrigation method is crucial. For containers, hand watering is fine but avoid overhead watering to prevent disease. Water the soil directly with a watering wand. For larger gardens, an automatic system with 1/4-inch soaker hose or dripperline efficiently delivers water straight to the roots.
Searching for Sprouts, Sally asks
“Dr Q, why do I struggle to get my seeds to germinate? I water them, but nothing happens!”
A: This is a common frustration! The biggest culprit is often planting too deeply. If a seed is buried too far down, it lacks the energy to reach the surface. Always follow the seed packet, but a good rule of thumb is to plant the seed only 2 to 3 times as deep as it is wide. Tiny seeds should barely be covered!
Visit any Star Nursery location to find varieties specifically suited for our high-desert climate and get expert advice for your successful garden.
Star Nursery, Your Garden’s Partner for Every Bloomin’ Thing!
I’m Joey Lynn and I’ll see you again next month.