Starting a Garden in Arizona (tomatoes, vegetables, spring, north)

[thegirlinaz]

I live in the Phoenix-Metro area and I want to plant a spring garden this year. I am going to plant vegetables.. tomatoes, jalapenos, etc. Lately it has been around 75 degrees in the day time here... so I am wondering if now is a good time to begin my garden? Or should I wait another month or two? I am not sure when to begin it... I know it is kind of early, but I do not want to start too late either.

Also, since it gets around 110 degrees or more in the summer should I plant it in direct sunlight.. or should I have it partially shaded in the day? Any suggestions would help, thanks!!

[starkynuke]

I'm also in the Phoenix area (Laveen). I'm interested in starting a tomato, basil, oregano, and parsley garden. I've never tried this before so I just grabbed seeds and started. Now I have dozens of 3-6" sprouts on my table in the house.

My question pertains to the amount of sunlight these plants will need. I've tried putting a couple of the tomato plants out in the direct sunlight around 9-10 am and they immediately wilted up. After bringing them back into the shade, they recovered quickly. I brought them up from seeds on the sill of a west-facing window getting only evening sunlight (inside). I'm considering putting my garden on the narrow stretch down the north side of my house. Even right now, peak summer with the sun as far north as it's going to get, the ground on the north side does not get any direct sunlight at all during the day. When the sun moves more south, closer to winter, I don't think there's a chance. It's not dark however because of the radiated light off the wall and neighbor's house.

How much direct sunlight do tomato, basil, oregano, and parsley plants need in the Phoenix, Arizona area? If I have to move it, is morning, afternoon, or evening sun exposure the best?

Sorry I couldn't help you thegirlinaz...maybe a few more posts will bring more attention.