Does Desert Mistletoe Kill Trees? (You May Be Surprised)
Desert mistletoe is a natural part of the desert ecosystem. Is it a parasite that kills trees? Or is it less harmful than generally purported? The truth may surprise you. … 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.
7 Reasons I Appreciate Gardening in the Desert
Desert gardening has its challenges, but there is much to love about gardening in a hot, dry climate, too. Here are some of the many reasons I appreciate gardening in … Read more
6 “Green” Ways to Get Rid of Your Nursery Pots
Swamped with plastic nursery pots? Not sure how to get rid of them responsibly? Here are the best ways to repurpose your pots, while helping others and the environment. Have … Read more
Why I Hired an Arborist to Check My New Trees
When my young desert trees were ready to be pruned, I hired an arborist. Here’s a look at why I hired a professional, what actions she took, instructions she gave … Read more
Agave Weevil: Little Bug, Big Problem
Agave weevils infest agave crops and desert landscape plants and are a global problem. Learn the symptoms, what you can do if your plants are infected, steps to take to … Read more
How to Grow Desert Wildflowers (the Easy Way)
If you’ve ever seen a field of desert wildflowers and wish you could capture that beauty in your garden, you can, and it’s surprisingly easy! Learn where to find seeds, … Read more
5 Reasons to Plant in the Fall (not Spring)
It’s generally recommended that spring and fall are the best times to plant. But here in the desert Southwest there’s been a change of heart among the experts, who now … Read more
Can You Water Plants with AC Condensate?
Air conditioning condensate is an overlooked source of free “grey water.” But is it good for your plants? And can you collect enough of it in a hot, dry climate … Read more
Are The Weird Growths on Your Plants Witches’ Broom?
If you notice weird, unsightly growths on any of your desert landscape plants, it might be witches’ broom. Here’s a look at the underlying causes of witches’ broom, how to … Read more
How to Protect Your Trees From Storm Damage
Every monsoon, an alarming number of desert trees lose large limbs or are completely uprooted. It can be upsetting to see a beautiful tree meet such a devastating end. Why … Read more
How to Protect Your Plants From Javelinas
Javelinas’ favorite food is prickly pear cactus, which they eagerly consume thorns and all! But they also enjoy a wide variety of landscape and garden plants. Here’s how to stop … Read more
Leafcutter Bees: Garden Friend, Not Foe!
Do the leaves on your plants have small, perfect circles cut out of them? They’re the amazing work of leafcutter bees, which are native, non-aggressive, and important pollinators. What, if … Read more