6 Reasons to Ditch Landscape Fabric
There’s a long-standing belief that putting landscape fabric or weed barrier over the soil will prevent weeds. While it may work temporarily in some situations, there are many reasons it’s … Read more
Myths & Misinformation
Don’t be fooled by gardening myths and misinformation. Here at Southwest Gardener we love to “dig deep” to find the truth based in science and “best practices” according to the experts, not the latest social media fad. So here you’ll find articles on gardening topics that are commonly misunderstood.
Desert Broom: Maligned Native Shrub
Desert broom is a controversial plant that people love to hate. It’s often mistakenly accused of being invasive and causing allergies. Discover the crucial roles this southwest native plays in … Read more
Insecticidal Soap vs Dish Detergent: The Winner is Clear
There are many DIY remedies for eliminating insect pests on plants, and one of the most common is spraying with a solution of dishwashing liquid. Does dish “soap” work as … Read more
Does Desert Mistletoe Kill Trees? (You May Be Surprised)
Desert mistletoe is a natural part of the desert ecosystem. Is it a parasite that kills trees? Or is it less harmful than purported? The truth may surprise you. Most … Read more
Purple Fountain Grass: Sterile or Invasive?
It’s a well-established fact that fountain grass is invasive in the desert southwest. Purple fountain grass is often recommended as a “sterile” alternative that can be planted safely instead. But … Read more
Agave Weevil: Little Bug, Big Problem
Agave weevils infest agave crops and desert landscape plants and are a worldwide problem. Learn the symptoms, which agave species are the most susceptible, what you can do if your … 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
Are The Weird Growths on Your Plants Witches’ Broom?
If you notice weird, unsightly growths on any of your desert landscape plants, it might be witches’ broom. Here’s a look at the underlying causes of witches’ broom, how to … Read more
The Problem with Oleanders (& what to plant instead)
Oleander is a popular landscape shrub in the desert southwest. It has many desirable features, but are they enough to offset this plant’s serious drawbacks? Oleander (Nerium oleander) is an … Read more
Leafcutter Bees: Garden Friend, Not Foe!
Do the leaves on your plants have small, perfect circles cut out of them? They’re the amazing work of leafcutter bees, which are native, non-aggressive, and important pollinators. What, if … Read more
Desert Bird of Paradise Plants Compared
There are so many popular desert landscape plants that go by the common name “bird of paradise” — it can be confusing! Learn the difference between the various birds of … Read more
My Agave is Blooming – What Now?
Agaves are iconic plants of the southwest that are symmetrically beautiful and add architectural interest to any spot. Eventually, they send up an impressive, fast-growing flower stalk that can soar … Read more