SW Edible Landscape

I'm looking for plants of all sizes that already grow naturally or that would do well in northeast Arizona. I've read a comment that many Mediterranean herb plants do well. I saw a note that Jujube are good. I'd love any suggestions! How do grapes do if protected and nurtured? What fruit trees will grow best after developing a swale?

I also want to start experimenting with the techniques we will use there while still here in Ohio. There's no reason I can't use a couple ollas now to water my garden in stead of flooding the surface with a sprinkler! Any windbreak or water catchment tricks you have had great success with?

Thanks in advance for your time - I'm looking forward to your replies as I am searching the seed catalogs for what to plant this year in Ohio I can't help but think about the future in Arizona!

Helen

You'll probably find these guys useful:

http://www.nativeseeds.org/

They're a non-profit organization based out of Tucson that collects and distributes seeds from many heirloom vegetable varieties developed in the Sonoran desert. They help fund their charitable activities by making seed available for sale to the general public as well. There's also information on the site about seed collection and good gardening practices for the arid southwest.

Will, thanks for the resource! Perfect for what I need! We can give them some love and support.

Sure thing. I purchased a couple packets of glass gem corn seeds from them a few years back. Beautiful stuff and not bad popcorn either if you can bear to destroy something so pretty.

Hi helen

Check out new mexico forestry conservation seedlings.

I have wondered about crab apples. Itasca nursery really drops the price the more you buy.

If you are looking at NE AZ it's like being on the moon. Think hydroponics.

K

Hi Kevin, I would love to try the walipini that grows food over the tilapia pond. We have an in-ground pool in our back yard here in Ohio and I've teased my husband that I'm turning it into a CEEment pond like Granny Clampett lol

I'm fortunate to live near a good sized hydroponics store. I may go for a visit, it's been a couple of years since I was there.

My seed order came in today! They are fast shipping, packed well. Everything dated and in re-sealable, airtight packs. Spent less on 5 mixed collections than I would have on the few things I would normally have ordered.

I highly recommend Native Seeds if anyone else hasn't ordered yet!