Month: February 2016

Growing Tropical Fruit Producing Plants in Arizona

Living in the Valley of the Sun is great, especially if you are interested or into growing tropical fruit plants. This blog entry is going to offer up some tips on growing these gorgeous and beneficial tropical plants, so if you have been curious about trying your green thumb, or even if you have one that is already established, stay with us and get growing!

Avocados are great to grow in the valley. Make sure the soil you plant them in is very rich with soil amendments such as Texas Greensand, volcanite, and rock phosphate.  After coming up with the appropriate mix, make sure to top your soil off with compost in order to produce the most robust and delicious avocados.

Mangos also do very well in the desert southwestern climate of the Valley of the Sun. The process of starting mangos is a little bit different. Start by coating the seeds in compost and laying them down flat in a bed of compost in a bucket. The germination process will take between ten and thirty days, after which you can place the seeds into a larger pot that is appropriate for facilitating healthy mango growth. Papayas are grown in a similar fashion and will produce fruit in approximately nine months.

Another great option to grow in AZ is the Pineapple. You can start grown pineapples by planting the top of a pineapple that you have already eaten. Make sure that you place it within well drained potting soil and place it in a spot that is shaded in the afternoon. The time frame for producing fruit is about two years, so patience is definitely needed, however the plant itself is very appealing visually and will serve you by enhancing your gardens aesthetic quality. Make sure to keep your tropical fruit bearing plants slightly damp as they need to constantly be in a state of slight dampness.

Fruit bearing trees and plants are beautiful and productive which make them an attractive and beneficial addition to any outdoor spaces that your home may have. Growing your own food is fulfilling and will save you money while also giving you the benefit of relaxation and accomplishment that comes with successfully fostering a garden. Arizona is an ideal climate for quite a bit of fruit and vegetable bearing plants and trees, so why not take advantage and expand the functionality and productivity of your property? Do yourself a favor and invest some money and time in diversifying the plant life in your outdoor spaces.

Desert Landscapes or Xeriscape

Living in the desert southwest and it’s extreme climate limits the kinds of gardens you can successfully cultivate in the state of Arizona. The selection of available trees and plants that can successfully thrive in the Valley of the sun are limited, especially if you are anything short of an expert gardener. Desert landscaping is a beautiful and simple process that expresses the spirit and aesthetic of the southwest while necessitating little to no maintenance and watering. The reason for this is the plants that are used in desert landscaping, or xeriscape, are native to the desert and thrive in the Arizona climate naturally. The arid climate has caused plants to develop and evolve with means to retain water between rainy seasons. This means that watering your plants will not be necessary as they will retain water for long periods of time. You can choose to water you plants in a xeriscape, you just don’t have to very often.

Xeriscape landscapes can be extremely beautiful and serene as they lend themselves to being shaded sanctuaries with a balanced and clean look that is serene and soothing. Cacti, agave, aloe, palo verde trees, and rocks are among the common elements found in xeriscape gardens. Grouping these elements together with sculptures, water fixtures, and yard adornments will create a brand of garden that you won’t find in other regions of the country and will be hard pressed to find aside from a few select locations across the planet. The simplicity of xeriscape leaves plenty of room for creativity, which means gardeners can express themselves and create unique, one of a kind desert landscape creations.

Adding a xeriscape garden to the outdoor spaces of your home will enhance your every day experience as well as the appeal and value of your home and property. The spacious nature of xeriscape gardens make them ideal for entertaining guests and hosting out door parties or events. Adding paths, ponds and outdoor furniture among other elements can help you seamlessly transition the theme and feel of your indoor spaces into your outdoor spaces which can make you feel like you have a much larger home. Living in the Southwest means you experience some of the best weather in the world during the winter months. During the fall, winter and early spring, the temperature is perfect for spending time with loved ones enjoying the outdoors, whether you are partaking in outdoor activities or enjoying fresh air at home.

A & P Nursery in Gilbert, AZ is home to xeriscape experts as well as plants, sculptures, fountains and other garden supplies and accessories. If you are looking to create beautiful outdoor spaces that require minimal watering and care, xeriscape is definitley for you. The aesthetic of xeriscape is pure southwest and will make your home feel like it ‘s right where it’s supposed to be, blending seamlessly into the natural landscape and environment that surrounds it. We offer landscape services as well as planning and consultation for you garden projects. Visit www.apnursery.com or call us at 480-892-7939 today!