Rocks in Your Pots? Don’t Do It!
You’ve probably heard that you should put rocks, gravel, or styrofoam peanuts in the bottom of your plant containers to improve drainage or act as filler. But this gardening myth … 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.
Get Your Desert Garden Ready for Winter
Many desert gardeners inadvertently make their plants more susceptible to cold damage by not changing their maintenance routine in the fall. Discover four easy steps to protect your plants from … Read more
Variety, Hybrid, or Cultivar: What’s the Difference?
When you read plant labels, you’ll notice that many plant names are more complicated than just genus and species. This indicates that they may be a variety, hybrid, or cultivar. … Read more
Agave or Aloe? How to Tell the Difference
Many desert plants grow in symmetric rosettes and have spiky leaves. Have you ever looked at a plant and wondered, “Is that an agave? Or is it an aloe?” Discover … Read more
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
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 all 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 … 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 in the desert southwest. But sometimes, we experience even “worse than usual” conditions that further stress already stressed plants. Here are … Read more