Growing in the Garden
Backyard Garden
We focus on South West indigenous crops and seeds, but expanding to crops not native to this continent. We provide extensive hands on experience and knowledge for locals, and crops you don't see grown on Navajo land, For the last 5 to 6 years we have raised different crops with high nutritional value, assessing to see how they grow in the high desert plateau.
With this effort we will become a resourceful demonstration site in creating a space for the community to gather and learn. After COVID-19 there has been an increased interest in self-sustaining gardening and access to fresh foods.
Here at Red Earth Gardens we have an annual community garden start up event in early spring. Which consist of demonstration workshops including; transplanting of seedlings and stone fruit trees.
Our garden has tripled in size over the years thanks to these workshops. Expanding to new growing areas, encouraging new methods of cultivation such as food forest application.
Types of Crops Grown
- Japanese greens
- Celery
- Carrots
- Tomatoes
- Chiles
- Fruit trees
- Egg Plants
- Brasicas (Broccoli, Cabbage, Kale, Cauliflower)
- Cucumbers (3 different types)
- Watermelons 2 types, melons: 3 types
- Herbs: 7 types; Basil, cilantro, sage, parsley, chives, stevia, dill, mint
- Onions, garlic
- Corn, squash, beans, flowers
Types of Watering Methods
Red Earth Gardens has a Rainwater Catchment System that is scheduled to be completed by Spring 2025. Having a rainwater catchment system installed will help in this high desert climate by conserving our water usage and resources. Currently, the farm's water consumption is supplied from the local utility company water tap. Then hook up to a drip irrigation system.
Ancestral Dry Land
Dryland farming, also known as dry farming, is a method of growing crops without irrigation or additional water sources in areas with limited water resources. It relies solely on natural rainfall, soil moisture, and groundwater to grow the crops. Dry land farming is used in semi-arid regions that receive limited annual precipitation such as the southwest region of the United States. In addition, drought-tolerant seeds are used in this method. This process of growing has been used for thousands of years by indigenous people such as the Pueblos, Athabascan tribes, and South American people. Some techniques also used in dryland farming can include; tilling the land shortly after harvest, keeping the land free from weeds, leaving stubble in the fields after harvest to trap snow. Along with using cover crops like grains, to reduce water loss from the soil, providing a mulch, and to create a hyphae root system in the earth. This will provide nutrients for the next growing season through the decomposition of the organic matter left behind. Red Earth Gardens still practices some of these dry land farming techniques to this day.
Double Dug Lasagna Garden Method
The double Doug lasagna garden bed method involves layering of organic matter into native soils. So, that the decomposition of the organic matter provides nutrients to that soil over time. Here at Red Earth Gardens, this technique involves digging out a 4ft by 4ft square section of the native soil, and about 1ft to 1.5ft deep. After this has been dug, a layering of organic materials begins. Such as cardboard, newspapers, dried leaves or straw bale, aged animal manure, compost, fresh kitchen scraps (not including dairy or meat). Also, watering in between each layer. When the layering is completed, the soil that has been removed is placed back on top of the layers. This will begin the decomposition process within the garden bed. Providing the native microbiology with nutrients to create a healthy soil structure. About 60% of all the growing space here at Red Earth Gardens is comprised of this method. This process has enabled us to grow more crops in a resistant red clay soil.
Hoop House (Season Extender)
Hoop house growing methods consist of a constructed enclosed area to create a balanced microclimate where different crops can be grown. Also known as a greenhous, or high tunnel, these structures can be very large or small. Here at Red Earth Gardens we have a 100ft by 18ft hoop house that we have been growing in for the past 4 years. Our hoop house is covered with plastic, and also a shade Cloth. This combination of covers provides a controlled growing space that protects plants from rain, wind, and cold temperatures with passive solar heat gain, which allows us to cultivate healthier crops through an extended growing season. This means we can grow plants sooner in the spring, harvest later into the winter, and protect delicate summer crops like tomatoes and cucumbers from the elements of nature. This is a more modern take on growing for us here at Red Earth Gardens that has worked for us tremendously.