Tips For Growing Vegetables In Arizona

Growing vegetables yourself does not just help you save money with groceries but it also ensures that you have access to fresh and good quality food. If you want to successfuly grow vegetables in your garden in Arizona then you need to educate yourself about the ABCs of cultivating vegetables. The four factors that play a primary role in this process are soil, timing, water and of course sunlight. If you reside in Arizona then the best time to plant seeds would be from November to March. For smaller gardens, squash, cucumbers, watermelons, etc will not be a good choice. Instead, you can opt for vegetables that don’t take up so much space, like carrots, onions, peppers, herbs, tomatoes, radishes, green beans, sugar snap peas and so on.

To grow vegetables in Arizona it is would best to use the raised garden system. This way, you will be able to enjoy more control over the soil and the growing conditions. Growing vegetables is just like tending a garden, you need to maintain it well. For instance, if you grew herbs like parsley and they are growing too fast for your needs, thereby overpowering the other plants in the garden then you should pull some out of the soil. If you are a beginner then you should opt for seeds that come with quick gestation times. In other words, vegetables that would produce in two months’ time are the easiest to grow.

If you want to grow vegetables in Arizona successfully then it is advisable to select the vegetables that are easy to grow like zucchini, red onion, basil, radishes, green beans, tomatoes, etc. It is also advisable to start with baby steps, this way you won’t be overwhelmed by the task of growing vegetables. The afternoon sun in Arizona tends to be very hot, therefore make sure that your plants are under a shade so that they are not exposed to the sun all the time. Also, you can plant trees to offer a filtered shade to the vegetables.

You also need to prepare the soil well because it is the base and it strongly affects the quality of vegetables produced. Also, getting a standard spade, shovel and other basic gardening tools would also help.

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Tips For Staying Safe While Camping Or Hiking In The Desert

The sandy wilderness can be a fun place to be, especially for the wanderlust camper. There is a lot to marvel about like the constantly traveling dunes, the site of gem oasis or a caravan of camels longing for their end destination. However, we cannot also forget that behind this beautiful scenic view lies a danger we need to protect ourselves from.

There is a lot to consider when camping out in the desert than just packing a backpack and going. You should be equipped with a few desert hiking safety tips that will ensure your survive whatever situation that may come away. If you are a first time desert camper, here are a few things you need to consider while out there:

Water and Food: Water and food should always be first on the list—but water should be prioritized because the scorch environment of the desert can drain your body to dehydration. Thus carry an extra gallon of water safely with you and ensure you have enough food to last the camping period.

Clothes: You also have to consider the kind of clothes to wear out there. Because the heat will be intense, dressing lightly is advised; dress in bright colors that reflected sunrays away as opposed to dull colors. Sunglasses and a hat are ideal when the sun becomes unbearably hot. A heavy jacket should be considered too because the deserts nights can get quite chilly.

Where to Camp: While out in the desert, beware of the poisonous creatures that lurk in the sandy terrains. Avoid areas that may attract snakes or scorpions like deserted rock, logs, holes or thick bushes. Watch where you sit, where you walk and where you touch at all times. Carry a first aid kit with you in case someone is bitten by a poisonous animal and needs quick medical aid.

Lastly, before setting out to the sandy terrains, always inform someone of where you are going and who you are going with. For extra safety, always hike with friends because this increases your survival chances when something goes wrong.

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