Gardening in Scottsdale, Arizona
- Scottsdale AZ Real Estate for Sale
- Scottsdale AZ Homes for Sale
- Scottsdale MLS Listings
- Scottsdale AZ Real Estate Agents
- Scottsdale AZ Short Sales
- Scottsdale AZ Golf Course Homes
- Scottsdale AZ Vacation Homes
- Remax Scottsdale
If you walk around Scottsdale, you will find an amazing variety of gardens: riots of red and pink bougainvillea, white oleander, oranges, lemons, and limes, and vegetable and herb gardens of all descriptions. It is an unlikely sight in this town on the edge of the Sonoran Desert. Summer temperatures can easily soar over 100 degrees Fahrenheit and winter lows can get close to freezing. The wide range of temperatures can make gardening in Scottsdale a challenge for even the most experienced green thumbs. The rewards are well worth the effort as the right growing conditions can coax the most difficult plants to thrive in the warm dry days that Scottsdale is known for.
The most important consideration when planning your Scottsdale garden is water. The average annual rainfall in Scottsdale is less than 10 inches. This means that many plants, bushes and trees must be irrigated in order to survive the desert conditions. Irrigation is common in Scottsdale and there are many systems available in all price ranges. However, making the best use of the natural rainfall is the first line of defense and the least expensive method of watering available. Directing the gutters into a downspout that diverts to a rain barrel will capture a significant amount of the rain that falls on the roof of the house. When not actively filling, the rain barrel should be lidded to prevent animals from accidentally drowning and to prevent evaporation. The rain barrel should be situated out of direct sunlight to stop heating the water to the point of evaporation. Gardeners can either dip water out of the barrel using a bucket or watering can or can attach a spigot near the bottom of the barrel and attach it to a hose.
The second consideration is the types of plants you want to grow. Many gardens in Scottsdale feature native desert plants that either do not require much water to grow or that can store their own water for times of dryness. Cacti, succulents and many native grasses fall into this category. If you want to grow a food crop, consistent water is the key. You need to ensure that daily water is available, through an irrigation system to continuously hydrate the plants. Many fruits and vegetables will split and crack if their water level varies substantially. Blooming trees have more extensive root systems that can often find water on their own deep in the soil, however, non-native trees will often require water supplementation.
Soil is also an important factor in successful gardening in Scottsdale. The native soil is sandy and chalky. Adding compost to the soil adds in the nutrients that the plants need to absorb from the soil. If you’re not certain how rich your soil is, you can take a sample to the nearby Extension Agent for analysis. The Agency will provide you with a report analyzing the sample and giving you a list of the minerals and additives needed to balance out your soil.
Gardens in Scottsdale are some of the most lush and beautiful in the world despite the challenges offered up by the desert climate. With some planning, you can have a head-turning garden of your own.