Thinking of Starting a Garden, Dont Know Where to Begin and When

[AnnaNova]

we have a back yard thats not very large, right now it has one non fruit tree for shade, one young nectarine tree, table and chairs, a patch of grass, and some planter boxes with tomatoes and strawberries along the fence.
i have been thinking about turning the grass patch into a garden. it want be much, but we could grow some stuff there, maybe some lettuce, cucumbers, peas... i dont know where to begin though and how. im guessing i should start prepping it now, but really really dont know where to start.
also, we live in the high desert, so we'll have to put extra soil because ours is not very fertile... and i think it's probably done in the fall prior, but not sure.
any advice will be appreciated. if anyone knows of good books/ online resources, that would be great too
thanks

[lovebug]

!!!!! i am in high desert too! i sooo look forward to what the green thumb mamas have to say!

[7thDaughter]

I have lived in high desert areas for lots of years. I'm no expert, but there are some ideas that seem to work well.

First, you might think about putting in raised beds this fall and filling them with a mix of soil & compost. I highly recommend raised beds, they are so much easier than trying to remove grass and dig up hardpan and amending & balancing the soil. The good soil organisms can settle in and grow over winter, and you don't have to do any preparation in the spring, just plant. Each year just add more compost. You can buy pre-made raised bed boxes at garden shops, or make your own.

Think about adding a drip hose system that will water just by turning it on at the faucet. You don't want to waste water with sprinkers, and in a desert regular thorough watering is essential.

You could add a frame over the bed to support the plants, or supports for tomatoes and bean vines. Another AMAZING great idea is to add 6' posts in the corners and nail up sun netting to protect the plants from the harsh sun. All of this seems like so much to do, but your garden will thank you with years of good results and easy care.

[AnnaNova]

thanks! i thought putting in soil would be easier, but yeah, the beds make sense. i already looked up making my own drip irrigation, it seemed pretty easy. i just wonder how much all the supplies would be...
i also wonder when to start planting seeds. i think i want to sprout them indoors first because planting season starts late here, so they dont always manage to grow and produce by the time the first frost hits...

[mindymom]

if you haven't already taken a look at it, i'd try your state extension service. it sounds like you have a unique growing situation and most gardening books are written to be really general. your state extension and maybe those of neighboring states will probably be more helpful. they may also have links to local gardening organizations who will be able to give you very helpful info about planting times and what varieties work well in your area. good luck