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 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
In the desert southwest, spring planting can be surprisingly stressful on plants. Here are 6 steps you can take to minimize their stress and get your plants off to the … Read more
Knowing your area’s last frost date is something that every gardener and homeowner should know. It can keep you from inadvertently damaging or killing your plants. But most “last frost … Read more
It’s a universal gardening “rule of thumb” that spring and fall are the best times to plant. But things are different in the desert! While spring is the best time … Read more
February may still technically be winter, but it’s on the cusp of spring in the desert garden. Here’s a look at what you can plant, what you should prune, how … Read more
March is one of the busiest months in desert gardens. It’s officially spring, wildflowers are blooming, and plants are pushing out new growth. Here’s a look at what you can … Read more
If you’re looking for a large, dramatic succulent that also adds color to your garden, check out Cape aloe. This unusual aloe grows tall and puts out branched candelabras of … Read more
Black dalea is an airy, delicate-looking shrub that is much tougher than it looks. It’s actually a resilient landscape plant that thrives on neglect. Here’s everything you need to know … Read more
Shoestring acacia is a tall, airy, pendulous tree that provides pleasing light shade. It’s relatively low-maintenance, except that it’s fairly messy. Here’s how to plant and care for this Australian … Read more
Weber’s agave makes a bold and beautiful accent plant, but it’s definitely not right for every garden due to its massive size and propensity for forming colonies. Here’s everything you … Read more
Want to learn more about specific plants? Explore our Desert Plant Library, where you’ll find comprehensive plant profiles of nearly 200 popular landscape plants.
Ready to get started, but not sure where to begin? Please visit our “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
