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
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.
9 Reasons Desert Plants Love the Rain
We’ve all noticed that after a rain, plants perk up. They look greener and brighter. They suddenly put out new growth and flowers, even though they were regularly watered with … 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
7 Tips for Watering Landscape Cactus (& Other Succulents)
Correct watering is the single most important thing you can do for your landscape plants, including cactus. Cactus are often watered too much, too little … or not at all. … 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
How & Why to “Deep Water” Desert Plants
Correct watering is the single most important thing you can do for your desert landscape plants. But most homeowners water “quick & shallow” which stresses their plants and wastes water. … Read more
7 Steps for Successful Spring Planting
In the desert southwest, spring planting can be surprisingly stressful on plants. Here are the steps you can take to minimize their stress and get your plants off to the … Read more
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 a universal gardening “rule of thumb” that spring and fall are the best times to plant. But things are different in the desert! While spring is the best time … 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