Gardens in Phoenix (green thumbs only please) (Maricopa: transplants, subdivisions)

[oak999]

I have family in Phoenix and visit every year. In their backyard they have the cactus, palm trees and the pool takes up a big part of the yard.

My question is can you grow any food plants like corn or green peppers etc if good soil is brought in for the area you are planting in?

[snowthedirtbub]

Yep you can grow all of those, i have a garden where i'm at now and i have grown peppers (red, green), squash, banana squash, corn and some other stuff... cant think of right now...

[cap1717]

Not necessary to replace soil for most vegetable gardening. .. the Salt River Valley (greater Phx area) was tradtionally a major agricultural area before the "sprouting" of subdivisions. . .
The "trick" to gardening in Phx is to get things planted in the "right" season, totally opposite from the east and midwest. .. . winter tends to be the best season for most veggies. In actuality, we have two very short "growing seasons". .. spring and fall. Frost protection is usually needed in the winter with the exception of frost tolerant plants such as lettuce, cabbage, etc. The Maricopa cooperative Extension has published a book (can't remember it's name, right now) that specifically addresses vegetable gardening in the valley. Gives proper planting times for both seed planting and transplants, etc. Good Luck