Maintaining a thriving vegetable garden in Arizona is possible with the right vegetables and the proper care. Keep reading for our garden suggestions and ways to reap the best harvest.
Malabar Spinach
This summer spinach alternative is an Asian vine that’s high in vitamins A and C. The leaves are a delicious addition to salads and summer soups. Malabar spinach is best planted March through May and can be harvested throughout summer and fall. Make sure to keep the soil moist or else the plant will dry out and turn bitter. Malabar spinach can grow on the ground, but it is best if the vines, which can reach up to 20 feet long, are grown on a trellis or arch.
Armenian Cucumbers
Armenian cucumbers aren’t true cucumbers (they’re actually melons), but they taste almost the same as the crisp veggies you’re familiar with. These can be planted anytime from February to July and will thrive in the summer heat. They are best picked between 12-18 inches long. Leaving them on the vine too long can slow or stop production.
Sweet Potatoes
This delicious vegetable grows best in hot weather and has more beta carotene than carrots. Plant transplants or slips (not seeds) March through June. The green leaves will keep your garden beautiful throughout the summer and will be ready to harvest in the late fall. Make sure to water deeply, letting the soil dry between watering. When the leaves and vines begin to turn yellow, it’s time to harvest.
Asparagus Beans
Also known as snake beans, these beans can be planted from March to July and will produce all summer long. Plant them in loose, well-drained soil where they will get full sun. These beans will happily climb 6 to 8 feet, so give them something to climb. This also makes harvesting easier and keeps them from being eaten by ground insects.
For help with all your landscaping needs, including choosing appropriate plants for the Tucson climate and soil, trust Complete Landscaping. Find out about all our landscaping services in Tucson by calling (520) 323-8918.