Gardening in the desert has its challenges, but with the right information, it’s possible to have a beautiful garden filled with low-maintenance plants. Southwest Gardener will show you how.
If you have gnats hovering around your houseplants, they are probably fungus gnats. There are loads of DIY fungus gnat remedies promoted online, but most fail for one simple reason. … Read more
When should you water your plants — in the morning or in the evening? How much does it matter? Discover what the experts have to say about the best time … Read more
Extreme heat, sun, and wind are to be expected in the desert southwest. But sometimes, we experience even “worse than usual” conditions that further stress already stressed plants. Here are … Read more
Correct watering is the single most important thing you can do for your landscape plants, including cactus. Cactus are often watered too much, too little … or not at all. … Read more
Looking for a sturdy yet manageable garden hose? Stainless steel hoses are nearly indestructible. They withstand intense heat and sun. You can drag them across gravel or impale them on … Read more
In the desert southwest, July means the arrival of monsoon storms, which bring higher humidity and much-needed rain. Discover what you should and shouldn’t do in the garden this month, … Read more
Looking to add more shade to your desert garden but are daunted by the potential mess? Enjoy your garden more and stress less with this assortment of trees that thrive … Read more
Flame acanthus is a delightful, colorful shrub that isn’t as well-known as similar-looking shrubs, but it’s worth seeking out. Its orange-red flowers make it wildly attractive to hummingbirds. Here’s everything … Read more
Screwbean mesquite is a native mesquite that can be grown as either a large shrub or small tree. It’s easily recognized by its distinctive spiral seed pods and is one … Read more
Boojum tree is every bit as weird as its name implies. Here’s what you need to know to decide whether this desert native would be a good choice for your … Read more
Looking to entice more hummingbirds into your desert garden? Turn your yard into a “hummer haven” by planting flowering shrubs, perennials, vines, trees, and succulents that our beloved feathered friends … Read more
Queen of the night is an elusive cactus that’s rarely seen in the wild. But it’s widely regarded for its nocturnal flowers that simultaneously bloom once per year. While you … Read more
Want to learn more about specific plants? Explore our Desert Plant Library, where you’ll find comprehensive plant profiles of over 200 popular landscape plants.
Ready to get started, but not sure where to begin? Please visit the “Welcome” page.
About Me
Hi, I’m Deane Alban, the creator of Southwest Gardener. I’m a science writer with a bachelor’s degree in botany from the University of South Florida. Gardening is my lifelong passion. I’ve been gardening in Tucson for over 15 years.
Whether your interest in gardening is casual — you simply want to learn to take care of the plants you have — or gardening is your passion, I think you’ll find what you’re looking for at Southwest Gardener
Want to learn how to take care of your plants? Check out Desert Gardening Basics for the best care practices based on science and experience, not fads.
