I only have room for one small raised bed in my Phoenix, AZ yard. Last year, I only planted a couple of things and lost almost all of it to the extreme sun and heat. This is a narrow alley on the east side of my house, but the sun is still too intense.
This year, I figured why not try to cram more in? Maybe I can create a microclimate that will preserve some more moisture. Some plants can protect others from the sun.
We still have a ways to go before the real heat kicks in, but so far so good!
A mix of flowers in the front, just to look nice. Cherry tomatoes on the trellis in the back. Roma tomatoes and peppers (Serrano or shishito, I'm not actually sure which seeds took) in the middle. Squash and beans in the corner. Random little herbs and strawberries tucked throughout, where they get some shade protection. The whole thing gets drip irrigated daily.
I'm pruning a LOT of suckers and may have to pull some plants altogether when they get too big, but for now I'm thrilled. Will report back as the summer intensifies.
by scrollgirl24
3 Comments
This is awesome! I also have flowers, peppers and tomatoes “stacked” in my garden. They seem to get along just fine
This looks great! I did the same thing with one of my beds too and I’m excited to see how it goes. Good luck OP.
Try a sun shade for the worst of the heat and see if that helps more of it survive. Looks beautiful!