Spring has sprung in Mesa, and it’s the perfect time for gardening newbies to roll up their sleeves and dig in! With our beginner-friendly tips, you’ll be well on your way to cultivating a thriving garden that brings your backyard to life. From prepping your soil to picking the best plants for our desert climate, we’ve got you covered.
Start with Soil Prep
Healthy soil is the foundation of any successful garden. In Mesa, our soil tends to be heavy in clay and low in organic matter. Before you start planting, loosen the soil to at least 12 inches deep using a garden fork or tiller. Mix in a generous layer of compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil structure and fertility.
If you’re starting a new garden bed, consider investing in raised beds or large containers filled with high-quality potting mix. This gives you greater control over soil quality and makes it easier to manage irrigation in our arid climate.
Choose Desert-Friendly Plants
Not all plants thrive in Mesa’s intense heat and low rainfall. Focus on native and desert-adapted plants that can handle our challenging conditions. Some top picks for spring include:
- Penstemons – These colorful perennials bloom in shades of pink, purple, and red. They’re drought-tolerant and attract hummingbirds.
- Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) – Cheery yellow and orange flowers bloom spring through fall on these tough, low-maintenance perennials.
- Angelita Daisy – Bright yellow daisies cover these compact shrubs from spring to fall. They’re great for borders or containers.
- Desert Marigold – Another yellow beauty, desert marigolds light up the spring garden and need very little water once established.
Herbs like rosemary, sage, and thyme also do well in Mesa and add fragrance to your garden. For more inspiration, check out our guide to top drought-resistant plants for Arizona gardens.
Time Your Planting Right
In Mesa, the best window for spring planting is typically from late February to early April. This allows plants to settle in before the intense summer heat arrives. Keep an eye on the forecast and avoid planting right before a heatwave or late cold snap.
When you’re ready to plant, water the soil deeply a day in advance. Dig holes twice as wide as the root ball of your plants. Gently loosen the roots and place the plant so the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. Backfill with soil, tamp down gently, and water thoroughly.
Water Wisely
Proper irrigation is key to keeping your spring garden healthy, especially for new transplants. Water deeply and less frequently to encourage deep root growth. Aim to keep the top 6 inches of soil moist (but not soggy) while plants are getting established.
As temperatures rise, you may need to water more often. Invest in a simple moisture meter to check soil moisture levels and adjust your watering schedule accordingly. Watering early in the morning or late in the evening minimizes evaporation.
Mulch, Mulch, Mulch
A 3-inch layer of organic mulch, like shredded bark or straw, works wonders in a Mesa garden. It helps retain soil moisture, moderates soil temperature, and suppresses weeds. As it breaks down, it also adds organic matter and nutrients to the soil.
Avoid mounding mulch right up against plant stems, as this can trap moisture and lead to rot. Leave a few inches of space around the base of each plant.
With these tips in mind, you’re ready to embark on your Mesa gardening adventure! Don’t be afraid to experiment, and remember that even seasoned gardeners are always learning. Enjoy the process of nurturing life from the desert soil and watching your garden grow.
