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What does it really take to grow food successfully in the Arizona desert?

In this episode of the Harvesting Wisdom Podcast, Dr. Joe Roselle sits down with Arizona gardening educator, author, speaker, and founder of Growing in the Garden, Angela Judd.

Angela has spent years helping thousands of gardeners learn how to successfully grow food in hot desert climates through practical, beginner-friendly education. What started as frustration trying to grow food for her family in Arizona eventually became a mission to simplify gardening for others through articles, classes, videos, and online resources. Her work focuses on sustainable gardening, soil health, organic growing methods, and making desert gardening approachable for everyone.

Together, Angela and Dr. Joe Roselle explore:
-Why gardening in Arizona is completely different from other regions
-The biggest mistakes beginner gardeners make
-How living soil transforms plant health
-Vermicomposting and microbial soil life
-Why mulch is essential in extreme heat
-The importance of hands-on learning and experimentation
-Building sustainable backyard food systems

Angela also shares insights from teaching gardening classes across the Valley and explains how understanding soil, water, sunlight, and timing can dramatically improve gardening success.

Whether you’re an experienced grower or just starting your first raised bed, this episode is packed with practical knowledge and inspiration for anyone interested in sustainability, food security, and growing their own food.

Why Listen
-Learn how to garden successfully in Arizona’s desert climate
-Discover beginner-friendly strategies that simplify gardening
-Understand why soil biology is the foundation of healthy plants
-Hear practical tips on watering, mulch, sunlight, and timing
-Learn sustainable gardening techniques from a trusted educator
-Get inspired by Angela Judd’s journey from beginner gardener to widely respected gardening resource

Important Timestamps

0:00 – Introduction to Angela Judd and her gardening background
1:05 – Moving to Arizona and struggling with desert gardening
2:15 – Why traditional gardening advice often fails in Phoenix
3:30 – Discovering the Master Gardener Program
5:10 – Starting a blog and helping beginner gardeners
7:00 – The four fundamentals of successful gardening
9:05 – Understanding microclimates in your yard
11:15 – Best resources for beginner gardeners in Arizona
13:20 – Why healthy soil is the foundation of gardening
15:10 – Vermicomposting and keeping soil alive
17:25 – The benefits of mulch in desert climates
20:00 – Teaching desert gardening classes across Arizona
22:00 – Final thoughts on sustainable gardening and learning by doing