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.
Desert gardening can be challenging. Looking for an advantage? Grow native plants! Here are the top reasons growing natives can make gardening more enjoyable and less of a struggle. There’s … Read more
Cochineal scale is an insect pest found almost exclusively on prickly pear cactus. It’s not usually serious, but it can disfigure and weaken your plant. Discover how to identify cochineal, … Read more
If you grow citrus trees in the desert southwest, it’s important that you fertilize them to keep them healthy, attractive, and productive. But there’s more to it than haphazardly sprinkling … 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
August in the desert southwest is a lively month of contrasts as sporadic storms can bring welcome rain and cool fronts, and beautiful sunsets. But it can also bring pests, … Read more
Mushrooms are a weird and wonderful phenomenon that suddenly appear after rain. If you see them pop up in your yard, you may wonder, “Is their presence good or bad? … Read more
When you hear “aloe vera”, you may think of a healing gel for burns or a popular houseplant… and it is those things. But it also makes an easy-care, prolific … Read more
It’s hot, dry, and windy in the desert Southwest, and wind can be surprisingly detrimental to plants in both obvious and hidden ways. Here are the ways wind is tough … Read more
Desert willow is a delightful, drought-tolerant ornamental tree with pink orchid-like flowers that attract bees and hummingbirds. Here’s everything you need to know about planting and caring for this native … Read more
Bougainvillea blooms so prolifically that it’s been called a “flower machine”. There are hundreds of cultivars and hybrids available in every imaginable color and size, from small to enormous. Here’s … Read more
Mexican hat is a whimsical perennial with flowers that look like small sombreros. It’s native to much of North America, including much colder climes, but is resilient enough to thrive … Read more
Want to learn more about specific plants? Explore our Desert Plant Library, where you’ll find comprehensive “Growing Guides” for 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.
