Simple 30-day plan

Follow a clear weekly plan so you always know what to do next without getting overwhelmed.

Raised bed setup made easy

Choose the right spot, build or buy one bed, fill it with quality soil, and set up a simple watering system.

Plant with confidence in the desert

Learn how timing works in hot climates and choose 3–5 beginner crops that match the season you’re in.

About the Course

Desert gardening doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does need a plan that works in a hot, dry climate. In this course, I’ll walk you step-by-step through setting up your first raised bed garden in 30 days. You’ll pick the best spot in your yard, build or buy one raised bed, prep the ground underneath it, fill it with good soil, set up a simple watering system, and plant a garden that is set up for success. I’ll also show you the quick daily and weekly checks that prevent most beginner problems, so you can catch issues early and keep your garden going. By the end, you’ll have one raised bed that’s set up, planted, and on its way to a successful harvest.

Meet Your Instructor

Hi, I’m Angela Judd from Growing in the Garden. I’ve been gardening in the low desert for over 15 years, and I’ve learned firsthand what works here and what doesn’t. When I first started, I made all the mistakes. Over time, I learned that desert gardening success comes down to a few simple things: timing, good soil, consistent watering, and a setup that fits your real life. I’ve helped thousands of gardeners grow with confidence in hot, dry climates. In this course, I’ll walk you through the same steps I use in my own garden so you can skip the guesswork and get started the right way.

Course Curriculum

12 Chapters · 56 Lessons

  1. 1

    Introduction

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      30 Days to Your First Arizona Garden

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Welcome to 30 Days to Your First Desert Garden

  2. 2

    Module 1: Planning Your Garden (Days 1-3)

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Planning Questions for You To Answer (Days 1-3)

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Goals for Module 1

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Worksheet Planning Your Garden - Download and Print to Fill Out

  3. 3

    Module 2: Observing Your Yard

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Observe Your Yard

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Goals for Module 2

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Yard Observation Worksheet - Download and Print to Fill Out

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Observing Your Yard Resources & Links

  4. 4

    Module 3: Choose the Best Location (End of Week 1)

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Choosing the Bed Location (End of Week 1)

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Goals for Module 3

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Choosing the Bed Location - Download and Print to Fill Out

  5. 5

    Module 4: Build Your Raised Bed

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Building and Prepping the Raised Bed

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Goals for Module 4

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Bed Material Overview

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Build Your Raised Bed Resources & Links

  6. 6

    Module 5: Fill Your Raised Bed

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Soil and Filling the Bed (Week 2)

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Goals for Module 5

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Soil Calculator Table

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Raised Bed Soil Mix Recipe

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Soil Resources & Links

  7. 7

    Module 6: Set Up Watering

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Watering Setup and Basics

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Goals for Module 6

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Pick Your System

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Garden Grids (Garden in Minutes) install steps

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Dripline (inline drip tubing) install steps

    6. (Included in full purchase)

      Drip tape install steps

    7. (Included in full purchase)

      Soaker hose install steps (one raised bed)

    8. (Included in full purchase)

      Micro-sprays or micro-sprinklers install steps

    9. (Included in full purchase)

      Ollas (oyas) install steps

    10. (Included in full purchase)

      Hand watering steps (one small bed)

    11. (Included in full purchase)

      Test and Adjust Your Run Time (Works for Any System)

    12. (Included in full purchase)

      Watering Resources & Links

  8. 8

    Module 7: Decide What to Plant

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Choosing and Planting Five Easy Crops (Week 3)

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Goals for Module 7

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Understand the Seasons

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Identify Your Season and Select Crops

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      What Should I Plant Right Now? - Download and Print to Fill Out

    6. (Included in full purchase)

      Deciding What to Plant Resources & LInks

  9. 9

    Module 8: Plant Your Garden

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Planting and Watering Basics

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Goals for Module 8

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Planting and Watering Basics One-Page Guide

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Where to Plant in the Bed - Download and Print to Fill Out

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Planting & Watering Resources & Links

  10. 10

    Module 9: Set Up a Gardening Routine

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Daily and Weekly Habits (Days 22-30)

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Module 9 Goals

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Daily, Weekly, Monthly Garden Checklist - Download and Print to Fill Out

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Garden Log (Optional) - Download and Print to Fill Out

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Gardening Routine Resources & Links

  11. 11

    Bonus Module: Pests & Fertilization

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Pests, Fertilzation, and Expecations

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Bonus Module Goals

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Pest and Disease Response Guide

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Beneficial Insects and Companion Planting Quick Guide

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Feed the Soil First: Fertilizer Basics

    6. (Included in full purchase)

      Pests & Fertilization Resources & Links

  12. 12

    Wrap Up & Next Steps

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Wrap Up and Next Steps

What People Are Saying

Discover this course has transformed the gardening experience for our students.

”
“This made desert gardening feel possible for the first time.”
Jessica L.

Las Vegas, NV

”
“I loved starting with one bed. It made it feel doable, and now I’m hooked.”
Anna W.

Phoenix, Arizona

Ready to Start Your Desert  Garden?

Now you know it's possible. Take the first step and get started today. 

Enroll Now