6 Steps for Successful Spring Planting
In the desert southwest, spring planting can be surprisingly stressful on plants. Here are 6 steps you can take to minimize their stress and get your plants off to the … 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 to Dig a Hole in the Desert
Digging a proper hole is the first step in plant care. But digging a hole isn’t that simple in the desert. Putting a plant in a half-baked hole will doom … Read more
When is Your Last Frost Date? (and why it matters)
Knowing your area’s last frost date is something that every gardener and homeowner should know. It can keep you from inadvertently damaging or killing your plants. But most “last frost … Read more
The “5 Ds” of Pruning Desert Shrubs
Most desert landscape shrubs are pruned more frequently than needed. This makes them less attractive, and is bad for their health and longevity. There are 5 good reasons to prune … Read more
What to Plant in Spring (Month by Month)
It’s generally accepted that spring and fall are the best times to plant. But things are different in the desert! While spring is the best time for some landscape plants, … Read more
Plants to Protect for Extended Winter Beauty
Most desert landscape plants don’t need covering during normal winter cold. But some die back after a freeze unless protected. If you grow any of these plants, consider covering them … Read more
It’s Cold! Should I Cover My Plants?
When night-time temperatures dip to freezing in the desert southwest, you might be wondering which, if any, of your landscape plants you should cover. Here’s a look at which plants … 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
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
5 Reasons to Plant in the Fall (not Spring)
It’s generally recommended that spring and fall are the best times to plant. But there’s recently been a change of heart among many experts, who now agree that fall is … 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
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