Arizona Chickens

[BlueBaby]

@EmmaDonovan Since it wouldn't let me do the quote thing this time, I'll do it this way.

Serene is doing good, and her adoption day will be 1 year next month. She's put on about 20 pounds, and is spoiled. She gets a nail trim every 6 week's and during her next appointment she will also be getting her yearly check up. She just can't get enough belly rubs.

 

[EmmaDonovan]

I'm looking for some raised beds for vegetables. They'll be in full sun covered with a shade tarp (95%).

Those of you who garden in desert areas: do you use these kinds of steel planters? I like that they're durable and not very expensive. They're often used in community gardens. But doesn't anything growing inside them bake to death in our high temps?

I know there's a gardening forum but it's tough to appreciate our temps and the damage they do if you don't live here so I thought I'd ask here.

 

[cavemanrich]

I'm looking for some raised beds for vegetables. They'll be in full sun covered with a shade tarp (95%).

Those of you who garden in desert areas: do you use these kinds of steel planters? I like that they're durable and not very expensive. They're often used in community gardens. But doesn't anything growing inside them bake to death in our high temps?

I know there's a gardening forum but it's tough to appreciate our temps and the damage they do if you don't live here so I thought I'd ask here.

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The raised beds do contain the soil, and also conserve some of the water you use there. Inground gardening, the water just vanishes into the soil. (unless you have unlimited source of H2O)
There are creative ways to use the raised beds. You can line the bottoms, with cardboard, to slow the water escape.
Also use the Hügelkultur method. That also retains much water for your plants to use. Look into it.

 

[EmmaDonovan]

The raised beds do contain the soil, and also conserve some of the water you use there. Inground gardening, the water just vanishes into the soil. (unless you have unlimited source of H2O)
There are creative ways to use the raised beds. You can line the bottoms, with cardboard, to slow the water escape.
Also use the Hügelkultur method. That also retains much water for your plants to use. Look into it.

But what about the heat? How do those metal things not bake everything in them to death in 100+ temps? Are they only useable as planters from Nov-Feb?

 

[BenisonsChickns]

But what about the heat? How do those metal things not bake everything in them to death in 100+ temps? Are they only useable as planters from Nov-Feb?

I do in ground myself but have done quite a bit of research when planning my garden, you would need to plant away from the edges of the container as the soil temps about 6-12 inches from the edges get to high for the roots. The only other down side to raised bed gardening is water loss occurs faster then in ground gardens.

 

[BenisonsChickns]

I do in ground myself but have done quite a bit of research when planning my garden, you would need to plant away from the edges of the container as the soil temps about 6-12 inches from the edges get to high for the roots. The only other down side to raised bed gardening is water loss occurs faster then in ground gardens.

 

[igorsMistress]

I'm looking for some raised beds for vegetables. They'll be in full sun covered with a shade tarp (95%).

Those of you who garden in desert areas: do you use these kinds of steel planters? I like that they're durable and not very expensive. They're often used in community gardens. But doesn't anything growing inside them bake to death in our high temps?

I know there's a gardening forum but it's tough to appreciate our temps and the damage they do if you don't live here so I thought I'd ask here.

View attachment 4096349

I have raised beds. When it starts to warm up you will definitely want shade over the top. No more than 50%, and you will want a way to take it down for winter. Learn to start your seeds inside about six weeks before you want to put them outside, we can grow all year but those seasons are short.

Despite the warm temps I haven’t put up the shade yet and my corn is quite happy. Also have sunchokes and Armenian cucumbers right now. Oh and melons and luffa.

I’m in the gardening thread. Most folks in there are not in our climate but they’re still fun.

Check out Native Seed Search online. They are down in Tucson and sell seeds for produce that will actually grow here.

 

[igorsMistress]

I do in ground myself but have done quite a bit of research when planning my garden, you would need to plant away from the edges of the container as the soil temps about 6-12 inches from the edges get to high for the roots. The only other down side to raised bed gardening is water loss occurs faster then in ground gardens.

Water loss and bed temps will depend on whether there’s shade and what you use for soil. We’ve had pretty warm temps so far and I haven’t watered all week. Even with it getting up into the 100’s I am not having a heating issue in the beds.

 

[EmmaDonovan]

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That's an excellent garden. Do you have any problems with ground squirrels?

What kinds of grass and greens are in that lawn patch for your chickens?

 

[EmmaDonovan]

Woohoo! Caught a big male squirrel this morning.

Edit: caught two more females, one in the Squirrelinator and one in the tube trap. Hat trick! They really like peanuts in the shell.