12 Reasons Desert Plants Die (& Prevention Tips)
Every gardener loses plants — it’s an inevitable part of gardening. Each loss can teach you to become a better gardener, provided you understand what went wrong. Here’s a look … Read more
Desert Gardening Basics
Whether you are new to gardening in the desert or have been at it a while, there is always more to learn. Here at Southwest Gardener, you’ll find information on desert gardening basics no matter your level of interest or experience. We strive to base all the information here on science and the latest “best practices” not on garden myths so that you don’t waste your time or money on “garden hacks” that don’t work.
What to Plant in the Fall (Month by Month)
It’s generally been accepted that spring and fall are the best times to plant. But recently, the experts are “warming up” to the idea that fall is the best time … Read more
How to Get Rid of Fungus Gnats for Good
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
How & When to Fertilize Citrus Trees
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
Why Even Desert Succulents Like Some Shade
Assuming that landscape succulents (i.e. cactus, agave, aloes) love full sun is a common mistake that many desert gardeners make. Here’s why full sun can be hard on even the … Read more
How & When to Fertilize Desert Palms
How and when should you fertilize desert landscape palms? Do you really need a special palm fertilizer? Discover why fertilizing is recommended, what to look for in a palm fertilizer, … Read more
Morning or Evening? The Best Time to Water Desert Plants
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
Heat Wave Survival Tips for Desert Gardens
Extreme heat, sun, and wind are to be expected during the summer in the desert southwest. But sometimes, we experience even “worse than usual” conditions that further stress already stressed … Read more
9 Reasons Desert Plants Love the Rain
We’ve all noticed that after a rain, plants perk up. They look greener and brighter. They suddenly put out new growth and flowers, even though they were regularly watered with … Read more
Why Dusty Desert Plants Need a Shower
Hot, dry, windy conditions make for dusty desert landscape plants. And dusty plants are not happy plants. Learn the ways desert dust contributes to plant problems and how simply hosing … Read more
7 Tips for Watering Landscape Cactus (& Other Succulents)
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
Invasive Desert Landscape Plants (Do Not Grow!)
Anyone who has lived in the southwest for some time has heard about invasive plant species such as buffelgrass and stinknet. But there are several landscape plants, including some extremely … Read more