Her mom went out and bought mothballs and distributed them throughout the garden. They'll eventually dissolve but in the meantime they'll keep some critters at bay. Don't expect it to keep out larger animals however as we all know that garlic just means Italian quisine. But it does manage to bring up the subject of cooking and eating which is of course what a veggie garden is supposed to lead to. And what is cooking without herbs and spices, many of which can be grown right along with the rest of your crops.
Peppers fare very well in the Valley climate and most herbs get along well with other plants.
Just remember that you must constantly trim your herbs so that they won't get far enough along to seed. If they go to seed they'll be no good any more. Supplements that may help your garden grow include gypsum, organic humus, manure and compost. Peat moss can help plants to retain moisture, which is useful in our heat and wind which tend to work together like a giant hair dryer. Using the peat moss in your mulch is a good idea.