Desert Clay Soil: Unique Problems & Solutions
Growing plants in the desert is already challenging, and growing them in clay soil can make it even more difficult. Learn how to tell if your soil is clay, the … Read more
Pests & Problems
Sometimes, in spite of the best care, desert landscape plants can be beset with insect pests, plant diseases, hungry critters, and other problems. Here at Southwest Gardener you’ll find in-depth information on keeping your plants healthy, beautiful, and pest free.
Aloe Mites: Signs, Treatments, & Prevention
Aloe mites are a microscopic pest found almost exclusively on aloes. They rarely kill a plant, but they can make it look weird and distorted. Learn the symptoms, what to … 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
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
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
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
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
Desert Museum Palo Verde: Unforeseen Flaw
Desert Museum palo verde is a fast-growing, drought-tolerant tree that looks like a wonderland when in bloom. But there’s a big problem with these ubiquitous landscape trees. Here’s what you … 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
Why Desert Plants Get Iron Chlorosis (& what to do)
If your desert landscape plant has yellow leaves, it may have a deficiency called iron chlorosis. Learn about the symptoms, causes, and treatments here. If you have a plant with … Read more
Insecticidal Soap vs Dish Detergent: Which is Better?
There are a lot of DIY remedies for eliminating insect pests on plants, and one of the most common is spraying with a solution of dish washing liquid. Does dish … Read more
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 purported? The truth may surprise you. Most … Read more