About Gardening On The Side
Real desert gardening from a Phoenix backyard. Built for beginners in the Valley.
A backyard garden, years in the making
It started on the side of my house — a narrow strip of Arizona sun and stubborn soil — and turned into one of the most rewarding things I've ever done. I've grown tomatoes, peppers, squash, melons, cucumbers, herbs, and more, learning what actually works in our two desert growing seasons.
This site is everything I wish I'd had when I started: real photos from real grows, Phoenix-specific timing, and honest notes on what worked and what didn't.
What you'll find here
- Dozens of varieties grown — from tomatoes to melons to herbs, tested right here in the Valley. Start with the Grow Guides.
- Phoenix-specific timing — no generic planting calendars. The planting calendar and month-by-month pages are built for our two growing seasons.
- Water-wise methods — desert-smart watering and soil tips that save money and effort, like how to water and amending desert soil.
- The garden journal — what's happening in my own beds, season by season, in the Journal.
Who runs this site
Gardening On The Side is written and run by Dan Young, a Phoenix Valley gardener (and Realtor at danyoung.realestate).
How the site is supported
The guides on this site are free. The site is supported by my own downloadable guides (sold through Gumroad in the Shop), Amazon affiliate links on the gear pages, and display advertising. See the affiliate disclosure and privacy policy for details.
Get in touch
Questions, corrections, or a Phoenix gardening win to share? Head to the contact page, or join the newsletter for seasonal tips.