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
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.
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 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
Insecticidal Soap vs Dish Detergent: The Winner is Clear
There are many DIY remedies for eliminating insect pests on plants, and one of the most common is spraying with a solution of dishwashing liquid. Does dish “soap” work as … 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
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
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
The Problem with Oleanders (& what to plant instead)
Oleander is a popular landscape shrub in the desert southwest. It has many desirable features, but are they enough to offset this plant’s serious drawbacks? If you’re considering adding oleander … Read more
How to Protect Your Plants From Javelinas
Javelinas’ favorite food is prickly pear cactus, which they consume thorns and all! But they also enjoy a wide variety of landscape and garden plants. Here’s how to stop them … Read more