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
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.
Are The Weird Growths on Your Plants Witch’s Broom?
If you notice weird, unsightly growths on your desert landscape plants, they might have witch’s broom. What is it and what should you do if you see it on your … 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 a … 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 several popular desert landscape plants that go by the common name “bird of paradise.” It can be confusing! Learn the difference between red, yellow, Phoenix, and Mexican birds … 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
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