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
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.
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. Here’s why fall is the best time of year to add new plants to your desert garden. … 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 purchase. … Read more
How to Water Desert Shrubs: How Often? How Much?
90% of desert homeowners don’t water their shrubs correctly. This stresses the plants, wastes water, and costs you money. Learn how to water the right way for beautiful, healthy desert … Read more
How to Water Desert Trees: How Often? How Much?
90% of desert homeowners don’t water their trees correctly. This stresses the plants, wastes water, and costs you money. Learn how to water the right way for beautiful, healthy desert … Read more
When Is a Desert Plant “Established”?
Is your new desert plant “established”? If so, it may be time to give it less water. But how can you tell? Learn two ways to determine when a new … Read more
Should You Fertilize Desert Plants?
Should you fertilize desert landscape plants? Or is this a maintenance step you should skip? Here’s a look at the pros and cons of fertilizing, synthetic vs organic fertilizers, and … Read more