However, the gains of growing vegetables in pots, actually outweigh the challenges. Containers allow for more flexibility. They can be trellised individually, moved around to avoid the sweltering midday rays, and easily netted or isolated if a particular plant is having pest problems. Container gardens are perfect for small spaces, like patios and balconies, and are much easier to keep tabs on since they're just outside the door. They are also ideal for anyone with limited mobility, and can be placed on shelves, tables or benches for effortless access.
Container Options
For most desert container gardens, fabric grow bags work extremely well. The larger - the better, since small pots tend to dry out quickly. Cloth containers allow for easy drainage and air flow, and during the hotter seasons, can be set in a tub or tray of water for about 20 minutes to soak up moisture from the bottom. This is really helpful if the soil happens to dry out or compact. Black pots absorb heat, but I do use them for fall crops when the sun is not as intense. Clay pots also bake in the sun. I've seen people use wine barrels, watering troughs and storage containers with great success. For potatoes that need deep soil, a food-grade, 5-gallon bucket from the hardware store works great, and are fairly inexpensive. Just make sure to drill adequate sized drainage holes in the bottom. I like to drill a few extra ones, about an inch up from the bottom, around the sidewall as well. With any type of container, remember to allow enough space for plants to fully develop and mature, and always place a few rocks beneath them, to raise them up off the ground so they can drain efficiently. This helps prevent waterlogged soil, which can lead to root rot.
Soil Mix, Amendments And Mulch
In my desert container garden, I've had the best luck with organic potting soil. But before using, I recommend ammending it with perlite, vermiculite, a high-quality, organic granule fertilizer, compost and a little coconut coir to help with water-retention, aeration and proper drainage. Mulch is a must in extreme climates. Once seedlings are established, I mulch the top of the soil with a layer of straw, then after a few months when it starts breaking down, I add more. This regulates the soil climate, slows down moisture evaporation and adds nutrients and good bacteria that help break down organic matter in the soil, creating a healthy environment for plants to thrive. I feed my plants frequently with small amounts of organic liquid fertilizer, and add an organic granule fertilizer about once a month.
How And What To Grow
There are many types of fruits and vegetables that grow well in containers. For arid climates, the key is to focus on plant varieties that love the heat and are bred for the desert. This includes, tomatoes, peppers, lemons, malabar spinach, kale, swiss chard, black-eyed peas, lima beans, pinto beans, eggplant, sweet potatoes, alliums (onions, garlic, leeks), herbs (lemon balm, mint, rosemary, thyme), okra and melons. Oh, and don't forget the strawberries! 🍓
Some plants thrive in the heat, while others prefer cooler weather. Always read the seed packets to ensure which plants excel in full sun, or ask a local nursery for advice on the best plants to grow. Saving seeds from organic store-bought produce works well too, since organic crops are typically grown locally. Set plants up for success by strategically sowing them at the appropriate time of year. Similar to root crops, some plants will require trellis support like tomatoes, deeper soil like potatoes, or partial shade like leafy greens and herbs. Experiment with companion planting in shared pots, by putting tomatoes with basil, carrots with onions, and marigolds with various vegetables to repel pests and attract pollinators. Consistently plucking ripe harvests, reduces stress on plants and encourages them to keep producing.
Lastly, another option for desert container gardens, is growing from seed-to-harvest entirely indoors. This works well for leafy greens, herbs, microgreens, carrots, beets and dwarf tomatoes that only grow to be 2-4 feet high. This makes them perfect for container gardening in small spaces. Also, consider determinate dwarf tomatoes that produce fruit all at once, making canning and fermenting projects a breeze.
Watering Tips
In the arid low desert, keeping the soil moist is crucial for plant life and development. Rather than frequent shallow waterings, it's better to water plants deeply and less often. This helps filtrate excess salts and encourages deep root growth. Pay close attention to plants daily. Droopy, limp leaves may signal that the plant is thirsty. Poke a finger in the soil to make sure. On the other hand, tiny mushrooms popping up in a container, usually indicates the soil is over saturated.
Watering in the early morning helps plants stay better hydrated throughout the day. Container gardens require more water than root crops. To determine how often to water depends on several factors - the size and placement of the container, absorbency of the soil, wind activity and obviously the temperature.
Another little trick, that has been used for 4000 years, is the Olla (OY-yah) watering method, which uses a porous, clay pot filled with water that is buried in the ground next to a plant. When the soil is moist the clay pot won't release any water, when the soil becomes dry it gives the plant's root system a refreshing drink. This deters over and under watering, that can stress or damage plants. Today, there are Olla watering spikes that work the same way but on a much smaller scale, making them ideal for container gardens.
Managing Desert Heat
One word - SHADE! Extreme heat is stressful for most plants and can actually cause them to go dormant and stop growing, even if well watered. It can also kill the pollen, ending any chance of fruiting, and can cause plants to bolt and go to seed sooner than they should. So shade is a must in the low desert, regardless of the garden type. The great thing about container gardens is they are mobile and can be moved to shaded areas during peak temps. However, that can be a burdensome task to perform each day. A better solution is using a 50% shade cloth. Shade cloths filter sunlight, which lowers the temperature by at least ten degrees. They also prevent sunburn and protect plants from getting overheated. Another way to keep plants cooler is by clustering the pots close together. This creates a microclimate that helps maintain moisture levels, while protecting plants from wind damage.
One last tip before I close. If you live in the low desert, and have never gardened before but are interested in starting a container garden, begin in the fall season. This way you will have more knowledge and triumphs under your belt before tackling the extreme heat of summer. I say this because, I began my gardening journey in the spring and it was a struggle. At first, I thought I simply lacked a green thumb, until a veteran gardener told me,
No, it's not you. It's the heat.With a few, much appreciated, words of advice, this gardner inspired me to stay the course. I continued to get better and better and in the end, my determination paid off. I learned so much from my mistakes and through trial and error, I was eventually able to identify which vegetable varieties grow best in my area, and figured out the simplest way to protect my garden from the elements. Oh, and those dang birds? Well, even they added to my victory, by forcing me to construct an awesome, sturdy and secure set up, that will last for years to come.
I hope these tips have been helpful and inspire you to dig in and begin growing your own little container garden in the desert.
Wishing you much success and baskets full of delicious harvests!