Why Mulch Is King in My Phoenix Garden
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When I first started gardening in Phoenix, I made every mistake in the book. I planted tomatoes in the wrong spot, forgot about shade cloth, and—maybe worst of all—I used gravel around my plants. If I could go back and give myself one piece of advice, it would be this: mulch is king.
My Early Gardening Struggles
Back in my early days, I’d water in the mornings and come out later that afternoon to find the soil bone dry and my plants drooping. I tried watering for longer, but it never seemed to help. The Arizona sun just sucked every drop of moisture out of the ground. My garden beds looked more like a desert than a place for veggies.
Discovering the Power of Mulch
I remember watching a video on YouTube about mulch and thinking, “How much difference could a layer of wood chips really make?” Turns out, it made all the difference. The first time I spread a thick layer of untreated wood chips around my plants, I noticed the soil stayed cooler and moister for longer—even on the hottest days.
What Mulch Does for My Garden
- Keeps the soil cool: Our summer sun can bake the ground, making it tough for roots to thrive. Mulch acts like a natural umbrella, shading the soil and keeping temperatures down.
- Saves water: With mulch, I can water less often, and the soil holds onto moisture longer. That’s huge when you’re gardening in the desert.
- Prevents weeds: Weeds have a hard time pushing through a thick mulch layer. That means less time weeding and more time enjoying the garden.
- Feeds the soil: As the mulch breaks down, it adds organic matter to the soil. Over time, my garden beds have become richer and more fertile.
My Favorite Mulch Method
I like to use untreated, undyed wood chips—nothing fancy. I spread them at least 3–4 inches deep, right up to the base of my plants (but not touching the stems). I refresh the layer once a year in the springtime once all my new plants are established.
A Few Lessons Learned
- Don’t skip the mulch, no matter how small your garden is. Even a single raised bed benefits from a thick layer.
- Avoid dyed or treated mulch. Stick with the natural stuff—your plants (and the soil) will thank you.
- Pair mulch with other desert gardening tricks: Shade cloth, group planting, and good soil amendments all work together to help your garden thrive.
Final Thoughts
If you’re struggling to keep your garden alive in Phoenix, ditch the gravel and give mulch a try. It’s the simplest, most effective thing I’ve done to help transform my backyard from a patch of dry dirt to a place where vegetables actually thrive. I wish I’d started sooner.
Give it a shot—your plants will thank you. And if you have questions about what type of mulch to use or how to get started, I’m always happy to chat and share what I’ve learned along the way.