Cultivation of crops in a desert environment may seem difficult but is actually quite doable. There exists a group of fruits and vegetables known as high desert crops that have adapted to hot climates.

These plants are able to grow and mature fully even under high temperatures and with little water. Have a look at this list to find out what crops you can grow in your desert garden:

Alfalfa

This is a high protein and high energy crop grown as forage for dairy cows and other livestock. Alfalfa’s deep root system enables it to reach low water tables located underground. This enables the plant to be cultivated all year round.

Alfalfa has been dubbed the “Queen of Forages” due to its high yields and nutritive value. It also has other benefits for your garden, such as nitrogen fixation.

Plant alfalfa seeds at a rate of 30 pounds per acre.  Regular watering and fertilization are essential to keeping the plant healthy. Use pesticides to protect them from stem nematodes and alfalfa weevils.

Onions

Despite being traditionally cool weather crops, there are a few varieties that grow well in hot climates. Short- and intermediate-day type onions are ideal for deserts.

Examples of these are bulging onions, green onions, and walking onions. Apply fertilizers high in phosphorus and water regularly to reap high yields.

Onions should receive approximately 6 to 8 hours of sunlight every day. They typically do well as long as temperatures are kept below 85 degrees. If temperatures get too high, place a shade cloth over them to block some sunlight.

Carrots

Varieties of carrots that do well in the desert include danver, St Valery, and cosmic purple. The soil should be loose, well-draining, and high in humus.

Add compost to your soil to improve the size of the carrots. Plant the carrots in rows on a 40-inch raised bed and fumigate regularly to control pests.

Keep the seeds regularly moist for proper germination. Do this by covering the top of the bed with a moist cheesecloth and water at least twice a day until germination. Remove the cheesecloth after the seeds sprout so that they can receive enough sunlight.

Peaches

Peaches grow easily in desert climates as long as the right variety is chosen. The two best varieties are Florida Prince and Earli Grande. Peaches can withstand an entire day of sun, but it is recommended that they be shaded during afternoon hours.

Bell peppers

Bell peppers thrive in heat and produce high yields as long as they are provided with enough water and nutrients. Use a balanced fertilizer specially formulated for vegetables and water whenever the soil seems dry to the touch.

Protect your bell peppers from the extreme afternoon sun using shade cloth. Exposure to long hours of sunlight leads to sunscald.

Sunscald appears as a gray, white or dull yellow spot on the surface of the pepper that eventually becomes soft and rots. Too much shading is also detrimental to yields. Allow the plants to receive enough morning and afternoon sun.