Hello gardening friends!
As we move deeper into November, we’re settling into one of the most rewarding seasons for gardening in the Desert Southwest. Temperatures are cooling and it’s a perfect time for winter gardening! Now is the time to enjoy growing cool-weather vegetables, bring some color to your garden with native blooms, and to prepare your plants for the winter chill.
Planting crops like broccoli, cauliflower, kale, and Swiss chard right now will set you up for a fruitful winter harvest. These vegetables thrive in the cool sunny conditions of our desert winter. Don’t forget to add a few desert friendly herbs either – cilantro and dill make a great fresh touch in your kitchen.
For those looking to add vibrancy to their landscapes, consider planting desert marigolds, globe mallow, or penstemons. These native flowers provide pops of color while attracting pollinators and conserving water. It’s a great way to create an eye-catching garden that remains hardy through these cooler months.
As winter approaches, remember that frost can sneak up on desert gardens. Protect tender plants with frost cloths, mulch, or strategically placed windbreaks. This ensures that your efforts to cultivate thriving winter beds don’t go to waste when the nighttime temperatures dip.
Feeling unsure where to start or how to make the most of this season? I’m here to help; let’s keep growing and thriving together through these cooler months!