December Kitchen Garden Guide
Fall is a prime planting time in the low desert Arizona.
Nighttime temperatures begin to cool but the soil is still warm thanks to the daytime temperatures, which help seed germination. This is the time to take advantage of the plants that grow easily from seeds sowed outside. While other parts of the country are winterizing their crops in their gardens, we are still thinking about planting seeds or transplants
you might’ve started earlier or purchased from a nursery center.
Photo provided by Gardenary.com
Explore Cool Season Vegetables
Arugula
Beets
Broccoli
Brussels sprouts
Cabbage varieties
Cauliflower
Carrots
Celery
Collards
Kale
Lettuce
Radish
Spinach
Sugar Snap Peas
Swiss Chard
Turnips
It’s so simple and satisfying to GROW HERBS!
Grow Cool Season Herbs
Cilantro
Chives
Dill
Garlic
Mint*
Onions
Oregano
Rosemary
Sage
Thyme
Parsley
Some herbs grow easily from a seed start while it’s still warm outside. Just
germinate according to the package directions.
*Mint is a simple start from seeds. Be sure to plant any kind of mint alone as they
don’t play well with others in the garden.
Always add pollinator plants to a vegetable garden
They bring bee’s and other beneficial insects to your garden. The below are just a few of the great options:
Marigolds
Calendula
Yarrow
Even though these plants will tolerate the cool weather they do appreciate a cozy
blanket, so be sure to mulch your garden beds. You can use pine needles, cedar
mulch, straw, among others.
Consider row covers or a cloche to cover new seedlings and keep the birds out.
When we get closer to December add wildflowers to your gardens.
Pro Tip:
Mix your favorites with some sand to get more even coverage.
Recipe for Garden Success
1) You need a good location. Look for an area in your yard or patio that ideally
receives 6 hours of sunshine each day.
2). Heathy and nutritious soil is mandatory for great tasting vegetables! There are
plenty of great soil combinations, but here is one of my favorites:
I’ll put a recipe for raised bed soil in notes.
3). Make sure that your water is consistent. If you don’t have a timed system,
there are several small irrigation systems that attach to a hose bib.
4). Spend time in your garden every day. Observe the changes, growth, and note
what these natural jewels are doing. This is not only good for your plants, it will
also make you a better gardener. And spending time in the garden can be
absolutely magical.
Garden Maintenance
Adjust irrigation to a schedule for cooler days. Watch your plants carefully while
you make this transition.
Thin your vegetable seedlings!
If you plant seeds, you almost always have too many
that germinate. Check seed packets for spacing between plants and selectively
remove the extra seedlings.
Don’t forget to manage weeds. Pull cool season weeds as soon as they germinate
As soon as you see the little buggers!
And you can use mulch to help control them.