The Low Desert Gardener

Hi, I’m Diego Torres — a proud certified Master Gardener with a green thumb that didn’t come naturally (believe me, I’ve earned it one plant at a time). When I first set out on this journey, my goal was simple: become a better gardener to support my role as a Health Educator for the CalFresh program. My work…

It began more out of necessity than as a hobby. During my second year of college, I was juggling tuition, rent, and groceries on a tight budget. Ramen and canned beans were cheap—and on repeat. But after weeks of the same processed meals, I started to feel it. My body was sluggish, my mind foggy.The turning…

Welcome to our new blog, where we’ll be sharing the joys, challenges, and discoveries of gardening in one of the most unique climates in California — the low desert of Imperial County.Gardening here is not for the faint of heart. With our blazing summer heat, dry winters, alkaline soils, and occasional high…