Why Isn’t My Texas Ranger Blooming?
Texas rangers are extremely popular desert landscape shrubs. When they burst forth in flowers, they are spectacular! But when they fail to bloom, it’s disappointing. Learn why they don’t bloom … 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.
How Desert Wind is Tough on Plants (& what you can do)
It’s hot, dry, and windy in the desert Southwest, and wind can be surprisingly detrimental to plants in both obvious and hidden ways. Here are the ways wind is tough … Read more
Is the White Fuzz on Your Cactus Cochineal?
Cochineal scale is an insect pest found almost exclusively on prickly pear cactus. It’s not usually serious, but it can disfigure and weaken your plant. Discover how to identify cochineal, … Read more
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
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 all 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 … Read more