Growing a vegetable garden in the Mediterranean region

Characteristics of the Mediterranean ClimateThe Mediterranean climate is characterized by very mild winters and hot, dry summers. The spring and fall seasons are wetter, and often experience periods of stormy rain. The crops grown benefit from very good sunshine, allowing for early or late production. However, the soils in these regions are fragile and are the subject of many concerns. The relief, wind, violence, and irregular rainfall contribute to erosion and land degradation.How to grow in a Mediterranean climate?Add organic matter: Soils in Mediterranean environments are generally low in humus, neutral or basic, with low microorganism activity. Adding organic matter will improve the soil's water retention capacity and increase the nutrient content for plants. The importance of mulching! The main constraint of the Mediterranean climate is aridity, a thick organic mulch of a good 7 centimeters (straw, wood fragments, grass clippings, etc.) will help the soil retain water. Control weeds: they consume large quantities of water to the detriment of crops, limit their appearance by mulching. Sow early: By sowing before May in available plots, the soil will contain sufficient moisture, germination and the development of young roots will be facilitated. Plant before April: By the beginning of April, a good part of the moisture in the soil and air has already evaporated. Planting plants when they are still young before the fourth month of the year will allow them to adapt to their environment and develop before the arrival of high temperatures in summer. Space out crops: Spacing crops further apart will allow each plant to explore a larger volume of soil and increase its ability to absorb water, thus giving it greater resistance to drought. Windbreak: Against strong winds that threaten the balance of the plants in your vegetable garden, plant hedges (trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants). A semi-permeable hedge will protect crops from windy events, create a more temperate climate, and slow down evapotranspiration from the soil and plants. Establishing a natural windbreak will provide very little competition for cultivated plants. What to sow or plant in a Mediterranean climate? The reduced size of the leaves and their thickness are characteristics of plants adapted to Mediterranean climates. Thyme and rosemary combine all these characteristics and grow very well in arid soil. Silver-colored plants like lavender have developed a formidable strategy for retaining their moisture: they reflect sunlight. Fruit vegetables are demanding crops that require strong light and high temperatures. Most of the tomato, pepper, chili, and eggplant production is harvested in the southeastern part of France. Root vegetables are relatively tolerant of the Mediterranean climate. Carrots, beets, parsnips, etc. are therefore found in dry climates. On the other hand, lettuce, spinach, and most leafy vegetables are particularly vulnerable in these areas. Chicory and endives seem to have lower water requirements. Annuals such as everlasting flowers and Californian escholzsias easily conquer arid environments by producing numerous seeds, while blue thistles, blue balls, and other plants with powerful roots seek water from deep within and provide a solid anchor to resist winds.