Tucson’s summers are too warm to start planting a garden, but it’s never too early to start planning for fall. We have some suggestions of what you should consider before you start planting. 

Location

There’s no shortage of sun in Arizona, but plants do need some shade. Select a location where they will get the sunlight needed, around six to eight hours’ worth, and some afternoon shade to protect them from the sun during the hottest part of the day. Next, consider if you have space in the ground to plant your garden or if you will need to plant in a raised bed due to limited space. Adding wheels to the raised bed is a great option if you want to be able to move your plants between the sun and shade, or to move to a safe spot during inclement weather. 

Plant Choices

Once you’ve determined where you’ll be planting, you can decide exactly what to plant. Due to shorter growing seasons, you’ll want to select plants that are ready to harvest sooner. Radishes, spinach, and tomatoes have the quickest harvest times. 

Prepare Your Tools

A frequently overlooked step in gardening is having the right tools and supplies ready. Your shears and pruners should be sharpened and cleaned. Pots and planters should be rinsed and sanitized to avoid spreading any fungal infections or diseases to your new plants. 

Soil Preparation

Just because you’re not ready to plant doesn’t mean you can’t have the soil ready. You can start as early as late July. Till the soil, remove any debris, mix in fertilizer, ensure it is mixed evenly, and water the soil. You want the soil to be full of nutrients, ready to be the perfect home for your plants. 

If you need help installing garden beds or selecting plants, Complete Landscaping is here to help. We offer comprehensive landscaping services in Tucson, including landscape installation. To schedule a consultation, call us today at (520) 323-8918.