So I mentioned one of the resources that I use to grow edibles in a previous post.  But this book, Extreme Gardening: How to Grow Organic in the Hostile Deserts, is written specifically for those us of who want to grow delicious and healthy edibles in Phoenix desert.

It was written by a guy (The Garden Guy) who can often be seen on local TV.  Now, it is not the prettiest gardening book around, but it’s cram-packed with the most relevant content I’ve found ANYWHERE.  Instead of consulting a resource and then checking the climate zone to see if it works here (or trying to apply info about growing edibles elsewhere to the desert), ALL of the info it contains is relative to the less-than-glorious growing conditions found in Phoenix!  (Somewhere I hear angels singing…)

The first part talks about growing conditions:  sun, water, soils, fertilizers, companion plants, etc.  Then it goes into detail for each vegetable, nut, and fruit that can be successfully grown here, including how to pick, plant, water, fertilize, protect, and enjoy each one.  Finally, he deals with how to manage pests organically.

This is one of those books that will get a workout.  I’m secretly hoping that the next printing will include a spiral binding!

Giddy!  I just pulled these out of the garden, the first of the season.  They’re French Breakfast Radishes, and they have a milder taste than the produce section radishes…less of a bite.  I’m thinking a good breakfast would include these, some nice cheese, a hearty bread, and a bottle of wine.  I’d wake up early for that!

I didn’t have time to thin these before they matured, so they’re on the smallish side.  But I’ve got some purple radishes coming and multi-colored beets (I like color!) and round carrots…perfect for our compacted desert soils.

One of the best resources I’ve found for growing edibles here in Phoenix is the Western Garden Book of Edibles: The Complete A to Z Guide to Growing Your Own Vegetables, Herbs, and Fruits.

While it’s not specific to Phoenix, it does offer suggestions as to the best varieties that will grow in our zone (this would be the Sunset Climate Zone, not the USDA Hardiness Zone).   Zone 13 includes Phoenix and surrounding areas and southwest down to Yuma and into northern Mexico.

The book is packed with beautiful photos of every plant, as well as information about how much sun and water each plant needs.  Plus, it has a “How to Grow It” section with more detailed planting information.  This is one of my go-to books when I’m planning and planting my veggie garden.  (I’ve got another gem that’s specific to growing fruits and veggies in Phoenix…more on that one later…)