When we first moved to our property we quickly discovered that the backyard had thick layer of gravel under years of dirt and weeds. We did not realize just how thick of a layer was laid down by the previous owners. At the time we purchased the property we had slightly different plans for the backyard so gravel was not as big of deal at the time. After many hours of removing the gravel by hand we started adding different types of items to our soil to improve its condition. Here are our favorites…
Add Compost!
Adding compost will add a lot of life to and nitrogen to your soil. If you are trying to grow your own fruit and vegetables in the desert you’re going to need compost. If you soil looks like it needs a life boost add some compost to your soil but make sure not to add too much!
Due to the nitrogen levels found in most compost there is a lot of heat being released and you risk literally cooking your seeds or seedlings.
2. Add Wood Chips!
There is a reason forest floors are so full of life. Wood chips can bring a much needed boost to your garden or fruit trees. One awesome benefit to wood chips is that as they decompose slowly so they be adding nutrients for a long time! If you’re trying to grow in the desert you will want to get your hands on all the wood chips you can.
If you are on a tight budget I suggest checking that your local waste disposal company has a program where you can get free compost and mulch.
4. Cardboard, shredded or sliced!
We purchased a small electric wood chipper several years ago for small branches but, unfortunately, it was not strong enough for our trees. However, the chipper found more frequent use and a new purpose in something much more useful for us. We have been using it to shred our cardboard boxes then adding it to the garden like much.
We rip or cut off the tape or other labels from the boxes before we shred or use them in the garden. We like to only use the traditional uncolored cardboard and not anything that’s dyed.
At Grandview Gardens we strive to do what is best for the environment and the health of our plants but we also understand that what is best may not be available in your area. When coconut coir was not available we have used peat moss in the past. The amount of beautiful birds like hummingbirds, beneficial insects like lady bugs, bees, and other pollinators, and other wildlife that has come to live in or around our yard has increased exponentially. We like to think that despite the negatives of peat moss that the beneficial environment we have created for the wildlife in a once appealingly lifeless yard hopefully offsets
3. Coconut Coir…Peat Moss if it is not available.
Coconut coir is a perfect addition to a vegetable garden in the desert due to it’s ability to absorb water. Coconut coir is also a food byproduct and does not hurt the environment. However, I have trouble finding it in a lot of offline stores so ordering it online might be the best option. Peat Moss is a great alternative because it works well, is available at the local nurseries but also at Home Depot and Lowes.
Earthworms are always an awesome to thing to find in your soil. It means that your soil is not only a good place for the worms to live but that they’re adding their beneficial castings (their poop!) to the soil. By adding the items listed above you will start to see earthworms and other beneficial insects make their way to your garden. If you’re not wanting to wait and wish to add something to your garden that will keep on giving purchase some earthworms to add straight to your beds. I suggest you bury them in the soil so they don’t get eaten by predators!
Peat Moss
Positives
Widely Available
Works Well
“Plug & Play” (Needs No Additional Work)
Not Environmentally Friendly
Negatives
Environmentally Friendly
Beneficial To Your Soil
Easy To Find
Usually Inexpensive
Wood Chips
Positives
Negatives
Depending On Your Source The Chips Can Be Very Green and Leafy
Chips Can Vary In Size Greatly and Can Be Very Large In Some Cases
Tree Treatment Unknown.
Coconut Coir
Positives
Environmentally Friendly
Works Equally Well To Peat Moss
Earthworms
Positives
Negatives
Not As Widely Available
Uses Extra Water. (Natural Salt Accumulation in Coconut Coir Might Require Removal)
Environmentally Friendly
Beneficial To Your Soil
Easy To Find
“Plug & Play”
Long Term Benefits
Negatives
If you’re short on time you may have to purchase the earthworms.