Refrain from fertilizing your herbs if you've amended the soil with compost.
According to the Arizona Herb Association, the desert regions within the state have not been blessed with the type of soil that is conducive to growing herbs. Therefore, gardeners must amend the soil to produce a thriving herb garden. Popular herbs to grow in the desert include chives, cilantro and parsley. When figuring out what you would like to grow, think of the types of food you enjoy cooking. For example, gardener who frequently cook Italian food can grow herbs like cilantro and rosemary.
Instructions
1. Dig a 6-inch hole in the shape of a V in the area where you want to plant your herb garden. Collect half of a cup of soil from the bottom of the hole and pour it into a sealable container. Send the container to your local Cooperative Extension to have a soil pH test. Wait roughly three weeks for the results. It is best to have your soil tested at least three months before planting, because it takes that long to change the pH range.
2. Spread lime over acidic soil or gypsum over alkaline soil. You may also have to spread gypsum over your planting area if it was indicated on your soil test. Desert soil consists of clay and calcium carbonate, which make the soil very alkaline.
3. Till to a depth of 18 inches to break up compacted soil. Spread 6-inches of compost over the area and work it into the first 12 inches of soil.
4. Press a stake at one end of your herb garden bed and another stake at the opposite end. Tie a string from one stake to the next to give you a straight line to plant your herbs.
5. Dig planting holes into the soil that are twice the size as the plant's root ball and at the same depth as the herb has been planted in the container. Dampen the root ball a few hours before planting. Try to plant in the morning to avoid having their root system dried out. Place the plant inside of the hole and pack soil around its base.
6. Pour one-quarter of a teaspoon into a gallon sprayer filled with water. Spray around your plants, so that the soil is moist but not saturated. Spread mulch 3-inches away from the base of the plants to lock in the moisture.
7. Remove the string. Write the type of herb you are growing in the row on a piece of paper. Glue the paper onto the stakes.
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