Things We Actually Use
Honest recommendations from the instructors and community members at Establishing Roots Phoenix. Some links are affiliate links — we only share what we'd buy again.
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Tools & Equipment
Soaker Hose
The most water-efficient way to irrigate raised beds and garden rows in the desert. Delivers water directly to the root zone — less evaporation, healthier plants.
Olla Watering Pot (Planter Size)
A smaller olla sized perfectly for container gardens and planters. Fill it with water and it slowly seeps moisture directly to plant roots — ancient desert irrigation that dramatically cuts water usage.
Olla Watering Pot (In-Ground Size)
The full-size olla built for in-ground garden beds. Bury it between your plants, fill it with water, and let it do the work — slow seepage directly to the root zone means up to 70% less water use than surface irrigation. A desert gardening essential.
Seeds & Plants
Native Seeds/SEARCH
Tucson-based nonprofit preserving the heirloom and heritage seeds of the desert Southwest. Their collection of Sonoran-adapted tepary beans, chiles, corn, and squash is unmatched — these are the crops that thrived in this climate for centuries. Members get 10% off.
Vilardi Gardens
Our community partner and one of the best sources for desert-adapted seeds and plants in the Phoenix area. You'll find them at the Uptown Farmers Market every second Saturday.
Great American Seed Up
A seed library and resource hub dedicated to preserving open-pollinated, heirloom varieties. Great source for seeds that thrive in the Southwest and support seed sovereignty.
Arizona Fruit Trees
A Phoenix-area fruit tree nursery with a great selection of low-chill and desert-adapted varieties. No website — find them on Facebook for availability, pricing, and pickup details. Worth following if you're looking to add fruit trees to your yard.
Urban Farm — Fruit Trees & Citrus
Phoenix's go-to source for bare-root deciduous trees, citrus, and desert-native plants. Their Anna and Dorsett Golden apples are low-chill varieties that actually fruit here, and their citrus selection is unmatched in the Valley.
Books & Learning
Sunset Western Garden Book — Editors of Sunset
The bible of western gardening. Over 8,000 plant listings keyed to climate zones, 30 plant selection guides, and tips from western garden experts. If you only own one gardening reference, make it this one.
Vegetable Planting Calendar for Maricopa County — UA Extension
A free, peer-reviewed planting calendar from the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension. Covers exactly when to plant dozens of vegetables and fruits in Maricopa County, with notes on climate, seasons, and pests. Print it and put it on your fridge.