Arizona Garden Update: What We’re Doing Before the Heat Hits

ByV.S. Quinnell

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Arizona heat is coming fast, so BigDog and I are getting the garden ready before the weekend temperatures climb.

So this weekend, we’re planning to make a few changes in the garden before the heat really starts settling in.

What’s Growing Right Now

In the raised beds right now, I have jalapeños, romaine lettuce, and cilantro still trying to grow.

In containers, my bell peppers, tomatoes, and more romaine are doing well so far, which has been encouraging. When you’re still learning as you go, every little sign of growth feels like a win.

Not everything is doing great, though.

I’m honestly not sure the basil or carrots are going to recover. They’re looking a little rough, and that’s part of gardening too. Some things thrive, some things struggle, and some things teach you what to do differently next time.

Why We’re Making Changes Now

One reason I’m not waiting is because I’ve already seen what too much sun can do.

When I was in Texas, my bell peppers and tomatoes got sunburned. That was enough to make me realize I’d rather be early than late when it comes to protecting these plants.

This time, I want to get some shade in place before everything starts looking stressed.

That’s the plan, anyway.

We already bought the shade cover we’re planning to use, and I’m hoping it helps protect the vegetables from the strongest afternoon sun.

What We’re Planning to Do This Weekend

This weekend, BigDog and I are planning to:

  • Set up metal hoops over the raised beds
  • Add shade cover to help protect the vegetables
  • Add more soil where it’s needed
  • Maybe do a little more planting too

We’re both figuring this setup out as we go, so this is very much a real-life garden project and not some polished expert tutorial.

We bought the metal hoops, we have the shade cover, and now we’re going to see how it all comes together over the raised beds.

I’m hoping it helps protect the plants from the strongest afternoon sun and gives them a better chance as the temperatures start climbing.

Here’s what we’re using for this weekend’s garden project:

What I’m Learning Already

One thing I’m learning about gardening in Arizona is that you really do have to pay attention.

You can’t just plant something and hope for the best. You have to watch the weather, notice when plants start struggling, and be willing to adjust before things get too far gone.

That’s where I am right now.

Trying to stay ahead of the heat.
Trying to protect what’s doing well.
Trying to learn from what’s struggling.

And honestly, that feels like gardening in a nutshell.

I’ll Share How It Turns Out

I wanted to share this little garden update now before we start the weekend project, because I know a lot of gardening ends up being trial and error, especially when you’re learning in a hot climate.

I’m planning to take photos while BigDog and I work on the hoops, shade, and soil this weekend, and then I’ll come back next week and share how it all turned out.

So this is the “before.”

We’ll see what the “after” looks like soon.

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