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
Desert Plant Care
There are many aspects of plant care to keep your desert plants healthy and beatiful. Watering is at the top of the list, but there is also pruning, fertilizing, providing shade and cold protection, and more. Here at Southwest Gardener you’ll find in-depth information on keeping your plants healthy and beautiful while, minimizing maintenance tasks for you.
The ‘Ins & Outs’ of Growing Poinsettias
With the right care, you can prolong the life of a poinsettia well beyond the holidays. In the desert southwest, you can grow it outside as a patio plant. You … Read more
9 Things to Know Before Buying a Desert Landscape Plant
Desert landscape plants are an investment. Choosing the right plant can save you time, money, and disappointment. Here are the top 9 factors to consider before making any major purchases. … Read more
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
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
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 & 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 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
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 during the summer in the desert southwest. But sometimes, we experience even “worse than usual” conditions that further stress already stressed … Read more