Step #2: Healthy Start

CALLER

• Eric’s second question is should he apply fertilizer monthly for his trees?
  • Recalls fertilization schedule for trees: Valentines Day, Memorial Day, 4th July, Labor Day type schedule

CALLER

• Hector has a pruning question about his 7 year old mesquite tree. Justin explains he should thin about a third of the tree and avoid over pruning

COMMENTARY

• Step #2: Healthy Start
  • Growing from seed or starter plants
  • Identify packet seeds from a trusted source to avoid possible bad seeds in the mix

Step #3: Healthy System

COMMENTARY

• Seed talk
  • Seeds stored indoors are the best to plant
  • Store in a cooler environment
  • Note the packet expiration date
  • Cooler months are best when ordering seeds on line
• Step #3: Healthy System
  • Avoid binge gardening
  • Functional watering system
  • Watering tips
    • For vegetables, water down 12 inches
    • Watering frequency when the first inch of dirt is dry
    • Frequency varies based on dirt conditions
• Weed extraction by placing plastic over moist soil allowing any weed seed to grow and remove

Find Trusted Seed Sources:

Some of Justin’s favorites:

• https://www.johnnyseeds.com/ – Good for bulk buying
• https://www.nativeseeds.org/ – Local Arizona source
• https://www.sweetcornorganicnursery.com/ – Loca
•  Arizona source

Routine Gardening

COMMENTARY

• Develop a daily or weekly calm routine to care for the garden
• Tasks like weeding, watering, soil check, light pruning, planting, harvesting
• Seed start suggestions
  • Arugula, asparagus, herbs, beans, beets, broccolli
• Knowing where the microclimates are can mean nearly year round growing