I've been thinking about your problem, but I'm not sure I have any good answers. The first thing that comes to mind is that your kids probably won't like that spot as a play area any more than plants will as a garden. Could you post a bit more info? How big is the area? What about the water: Is it a drip system, a faucet and hose, ??? Was it 'designed' as a row garden, square foot, or just left flat?

This illustrates (at least to me) the difference between a landscaper and a gardener. Not the same thing at all. A landscaper will dump Bermuda clippings in your compost; a sane gardener never would. Don't despair or give up just yet; I'm sure we'll come up with some ideas - and some of 'em might even be good ones!

Thank you for your response. The space is roughly 9x7 feet. I'm not sure what to call the water lines that are run to it, they aren't drips. They are almost like mini sprinklers that you stick in with stakes. Right now the space has just been left flat.

Any thoughts or feedback would be very helpful!! Thanks!

If the area is shady in winter and sunny in summer, it sounds like it's a north facing section. Always troublesome to work that area. I'm trying to picture why it would be sunny in summer if it's trees that are currently providing the shade. This should give you dappled shade in summer, which isn't so bad. Could the trees also act as the support structure for some shade cloth?

One aspect you have not mentioned is the soil. I cannot tell what part of the Valley you live in but nearly all parts of town need the soil amended. Until you tackle that issue, the rest is moot.

A raised bed is not a bad idea either but remember that raised beds are harder to grow in during summer because the soil heats up faster than in-ground plantings.

Start small. Do *something* and just begin. See how it goes, adjust as needed. A good way to start is to figure out what produce you and the family like to eat, and try to grow one or two of them. Go from there. Good luck and keep us posted!!

Question have you tried digging in this soil? You need to check for tree roots first. Dig down about 1 foot and check it out. Citrus roots will take all the water and stunt anything you grow. If no roots, you will need to amend the soil if you want plants or seeds to grow. AZ has the worst soil and I am sure this area has been tramped down. Sun vs. shade - veggies will find away to grow, tomatoes like sun , eggplant and spinich not so much. Every plant is different.
I like raised beds as they are not so back breaking.
So- ck for tree roots if good to go, amend the soil and start planting. Start small like Mary stated. See what works. For people like me who have large gardens every year it is always trial and error and it will be for you as well. But the end results- you grew your own healthy vegtables.

Thank you for your response. The space is roughly 9x7 feet. I'm not sure what to call the water lines that are run to it, they aren't drips. They are almost like mini sprinklers that you stick in with stakes. Right now the space has just been left flat.

Any thoughts or feedback would be very helpful!! Thanks!