a few pictures from my garden

Well after letting my last successful garden venture go to seed, it was time to till the soil last month with hopes of growing a bountiful late spring to summer garden again this year. I find gardening in Phoenix to be a bit challenging which is why I write about it. Having lived in Florida where I could throw seed in the ground and grow anything without watering or fertilizing, without *working* at it, I find growing things in downtown Phoenix to be a bit more trial and error.

Because many things have failed for me, I also try not to spend a lot of money on expensive container plants at the nursery. I look for bargains and experiment with different seeds.

What I've planted from seed this season: beets, carrots, green beans, cilantro, basil (I let my beautiful crop die. Booo.), marigolds, assorted herbs, and assorted wildflowers.

What I've planted from transplants: tomatoes (better boy, grape and roma), rosemary, and spearmint.

What I managed to keep from last year: bell peppers, jalapenos, thyme.

While doing my gardening shopping last month, I came across some succulents, cheerful cosmos daisies, and beautiful tulip and daffodil bulbs (very cheap!) at a big box store and was so happy I had extra pots to accommodate them on my back patio. The daffodils got blooms within a few weeks of planting.

I am already seeing beet and carrot sprouts, so fingers crossed for a bountiful harvest!