9 Reasons Desert Plants Love the Rain
We’ve all noticed that plants perk up after a rain. They look greener and brighter and suddenly put out new growth and flowers, even though they were regularly watered with … 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.
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
Mulch in the Desert: Gravel vs Wood Chips
In the desert southwest, gravel is often the default mulch used to cover yards. But there are also advocates for using wood chips instead. What are the drawbacks and benefits … Read more
Why Desert Plants Get Iron Chlorosis (& what to do)
If one of your desert landscape plants has yellow leaves, it may have a nutrient deficiency called iron chlorosis. Learn about the symptoms, causes, and treatments here. If you have … Read more
How & Why to “Deep Water” Desert Plants
Correct watering is the single most important thing you can do for your desert landscape plants. But most homeowners water “quick & shallow” which stresses their plants and ultimately wastes … Read more
7 Steps for Successful Spring Planting
In the desert southwest, spring planting can be surprisingly stressful on plants. Here are the steps you can take to minimize their stress and get your plants off to the … Read more
How to Dig a Hole in the Desert
Digging a proper hole is the first step in plant care. But digging a hole isn’t that simple in the desert. Putting a plant in a half-baked hole will doom … Read more
When is Your Last Frost Date? (and why it matters)
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
Agave or Yucca? How to Tell The Difference
Many desert plants have spiky leaves and grow in a rosette. Have you ever looked at a plant and wondered, “Is that an agave or a yucca?” Discover how these … Read more
The “5 Ds” of Pruning Desert Shrubs
Most desert landscape shrubs are pruned more frequently than needed. This makes them less attractive, and is bad for their health and longevity. There are 5 good reasons to prune … Read more