You Too Can Be a Desert Gardener
Desert gardening is not a strange concept since the greenhouse effect started warming up our planet. You can have a thriving garden in a desert climate that survives despite the low rainfall, scorching heat, and winds.
Prepare your soil
Your soil will be the medium that feeds the plants all their water and nutrients. Whether you are planting a lawn, vegetables, or trees, your soil needs a little help to get into good gardening form. A good tip from Houston Lawn Mowing Services is that your soil will possibly reach good planting condition over several months.
Compost
Desert soil is sandy and dry. Plants need to have a land that is rich in recycled decomposed organic matter to be able to grow and thrive. Correct your sandy, clay desert soil with compost. Look for nurseries and tree cutters to provide this organic matter and add your scraps of organic matter.
Mulch
Straw and dry grass are most commonly used to mulch, but you can also add any weeds that you’ve removed before they start showing signs of seed development. Try also tearing strips or shredding paper grocery bags, cardboard and even newspaper (only the black and white pages, don’t use color ads, or glossy pages) to boost the mulch. These additions must all be biodegradable.
Mulching retains soil moisture, protects the soil and holds back weeds.
Precision watering
You will need a system of getting water to your plants and lawn so that they draw the most of it, instead of having the water evaporate and of no use to your garden. The hot climate will make it difficult for the plants to draw water through their roots and leaves, so the practical solution is to deliver water as near as possible to the plant roots.
Drip Irrigation
Drip irrigation is a direct way to water your plants’ roots. You have to drill holes in hoses at precisely the point where you have a plant in the ground.
Water catchment
Rig up systems of ‘harvesting rainwater’ by tracking your gutters into tanks and containers. Check that this is allowed in your state. It will save on your water costs and give your plants a better chance to grow healthy.
Get seeds from the area
Acclimatized seeds are familiar with the incredibly raw climate and are equipped to handle the challenges better. Browse through regional farmers’ markets and nurseries to get the plants you want.
Protection from heat and wind
Arid heat scorches plants and dries up the soil. You can protect your garden with shade cloths and by planting companion plants with broad leaves to hold the soil together and provide extra shade.
Tackle desert winds can be tackled by fitting in windbreaks. Use fences, trees, and sitting walls to block the winds’ path and to reduce the water from evaporating and plants getting uprooted.
Final thoughts
You can become a successful desert gardener with some planning and preparations. The soils and the plants will respond to constant nurturing and give you the flourishing garden you want.