Hiya from Gilbert, AZ

Hello All,

I'm new to Arizona and new to SFG (and gardening in general). My mother is an excellent gardener back in New Jersey aka the Garden State, and I often helped but Arizona is SO different. I just looked through the Mesa & Glendale topics, BEAUTIFUL JOB fellow AZers!

I bought Mel's new version of the book and am trying to apply his techniques but am really concerned about the summer burning up (105 is typical temperature in the summer.) So far, I have some seedlings sprouting in indoor peat pots, I take them outside a few hours a day as it's been around 80 degrees out lately.

I have a few questions, of course...
Soil Mix: I read that hot climates need a different ratio than the typical thirds so I was going to try mostly commercial Potting Soil & Compost, then some Humus, cow manure and some vegetable fertilizer. Is there a "perfect ratio" that anyone can recommend for desert climate? If my calculations are right, the mix I'm planning to use is very expensive so any money-saving tips would be greatly appreciated.

Planting Schedule: Again, my seedlings are currently indoors, looking good. I'm afraid to put them in the ground too early or too late, any advice? It's only February, but it's 80 degrees already! I have pole beans, butter lettuce, heirloom vine tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, parsley, dill and basil. I also started artichokes but won't put them in my SFG because they overgrow and do great on their own.

Garden Layout: I hear lettuce burns very easily, are there any tricks for keeping them shaded? I notice a lot of people allow for sheeting to cover from frost or extreme heat. Should certain things be put next to each other? My plan is a 3' x 6' with a climbing fence for the vines.

Sorry if ALL of this has been asked a hundred times, I did look through the boards but there is so much information out there. I'm really glad I found the forum, thank you for all the insight already