The dry, thin, and sandy soil, combined with the harsh weather conditions and limited biodiversity, make it a high-maintenance task: the soil is dry, and when it rains, the water runs through it quickly without soaking in.
Few plants can thrive in such conditions, but if you live in a desert climate and wish to grow some flowers, vegetables, and trees, fear not, for the following tips will make it possible for you to do so:
#1: Choose your plants wisely:
Choosing the right plant for gardening is an important step.
Before you begin your garden, take your time and do some research.
Choose plants that will thrive in the dry, warm climate of the desert.
The staff at your local nursery is likely to be very knowledgeable about plants that are suitable for your area. Inquire about their opinions.
One of the most important requirements is the selection of non-drought tolerant plants suitable for the desert environment.
The following are examples of warm-season vegetables that are common and cultivable in desert climates: beans, cucumbers, eggplants.
#2: Prepare your soil:
For plants to grow, each soil requires Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium (also known as NPK).Nitrogen is found in abundant quantity in our plants and gardens.
Phosphorus is kept out in the rocks, making it out of reach of plants and is essential and crucial for the roots and stems of plants.
Desert soils are unlike any other type of soil.
They consist of sand, gravel, and clay, and must be transformed to make them suitable for gardening.
In dessert soil, Nitrogen and Phosphorus are in low quantity.
Since it lacks organic components, we must actively add them to the soil.
To compensate for the imbalance, the soil needs to be fertilized.
To prepare the soil for planting, mix it with some fertilizer.
Another option is to add some soil from an external source and mix it with the existing soil.
Both options will encourage the activity of microbes in the soil, which in return will preserve a good ecological balance in the soil.
Purchase an all-purpose plant fertilizer and/or ask a generous neighbor to hand over you some good soil.
#3: Let there be (less) light:
Light is the fundamental component of growing vegetables and plants in any area or climate.But, when it comes to growing plants, is there too much light? Yes.
Most plants need six to eight hours of light per day.
Too much or too little light can be harmful for them.
Naturally, desert areas are exposed to sunlight during many hours of the day.
The sun in the desert area is very direct and intense.
This not only pops water related problems, but too intense sun light can burn the plants and withhold their growth.
To avoid plants from being exposed to too much sunlight and heat, use shades: cover your vegetation areas with some shade clothes using pipes or wooden sticks.
Another time taking but long-term solution is to plant shady trees alongside of your vegetation area. This will shade the plants beneath them.
#4: Water excess and irrigation:
Some of the most difficult tasks in desert gardening are watering and irrigation. Vegetables require a lot of water, while fruit and flowers require a moderate amount, and shrubs and herbs require even less.When it comes to watering desert vegetables, a drip or soaker system is a good choice.
The amount of water required is influenced by the location of the plants, day and evening temperatures, and the variety of non-drought tolerant desert plants chosen.
These plants, on the other hand, require at least two inches of water per week and should be watered twice daily.
Desert soil is dry and sandy, as previously stated.
It doesn't have a lot of water-holding capacity, and the scorching sun makes things worse.
For deserted land, soil mulching is extremely beneficial.
Mulch the ground with organic scrappers, leaf litter, dry straws and hay, and so on.
This not only enriches the soil with nutrients, but also prevents water evaporation and encourages soil particle bonding.
#5: Support against strong winds:
Wind is another obvious issue in desert gardening. In the desert, strong winds usually blow in the morning and evening.
These winds have the power to uproot or lay down your delicate vegetative plants.
Strong winds can also cause the vegetables to fall unripe, wasting your time and effort.
These winds can be avoided by erecting a temporary barrier around a vegetative area or, conversely, by using straw bales to support your plants.
This will act as a wind barrier and breakpoint, reducing wind pressure to a minimum.