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
While September might mean fall elsewhere, it’s still summer here in the desert Southwest. However, the monsoon is winding down, which brings some changes in weather and gardening tasks. Here’s … Read more
Looking for something out of the ordinary? Look no further than mangaves. These unique, whimsical agave hybrids are prized for their unusual leaves that come in an amazing array of … Read more
Arabian lilac is a large, deciduous shrub that has striking two-tone leaves of green and purple, along with purple flowers and stems. Here’s everything you need to know about growing … Read more
Mexican flame vine is a beautiful, perennial vine with vivid orange flowers that butterflies can’t resist. Unlike many desert vines, it stays a manageable size. Here’s how to plant and … Read more
Fishhook barrel is a rugged cactus that looks rather nondescript until it blooms during the monsoon, when it adds a surprising touch of vivid color when many other desert plants … Read more
Desert zinnia is a wonderful wildflower for hot, dry gardens. It blooms intermittently throughout the year and requires virtually no maintenance. Here’s how to grow and care for this native … Read more
Organ pipe cactus is an impressive columnar cactus that grows in large clusters and can make a real statement in the right spot. But due to its large ultimate size … 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 16 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.
