Types of soil in the Southwest

Types of Soil in the Southwest: Caliche, Clay, Sandy and Rocky Soil

Types of soil in the Southwest. If you have ever tried digging a planting hole in Las Cruces, you already know that our soil can be challenging. In one part of town, you might find loose sandy soil that drains almost too quickly. A few miles away, the soil may be hard, rocky or filled […]

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Front yard flower bed with bright orange and yellow daisy-like blossoms, bordered by bricks and a sidewalk beside a beige house.

Best Flowers to Plant in Early Fall in the Desert Southwest

If you have lived in Las Cruces or the Desert Southwest for any length of time, you know that fall does not arrive overnight. August can still be extremely hot, and even September can give us plenty of 90-degree days. But eventually, you walk outside early one morning and notice something different. The air is […]

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Chinese Pistache shade tree providing cooling shade to a Southwest home in New Mexico

Why You Should Plant Shade Trees in New Mexico

Why Every New Mexico Home Should Plant More Shade Trees If you’ve lived in New Mexico for any length of time, you know how relentless the summer sun can be. Triple-digit temperatures, low humidity, and intense sunlight can make your yard uncomfortable and increase your cooling bills. Fortunately, one of the best long-term investments you […]

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How to care for Mimosa trees

How to Grow Mimosa Trees in the Southwest

The Mimosa tree (Albizia julibrissin), also known as the Persian silk tree, is a fast-growing deciduous tree with a broad, spreading canopy. Its delicate, fern-like foliage and fluffy summer flowers give it a soft, tropical appearance. Despite that tropical look, an established Mimosa tree can tolerate the intense heat, alkaline soil, and dry conditions found […]

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Desert-style front yard with a green lawn, pebble border, and yellow flowers in the foreground, beige stucco house in the background.

How to Remove Weeds After Monsoon Rains

How to Remove Weeds After Monsoon Rains. Monsoon rains can bring much-needed moisture to your Southwest landscape. They cool the air, help replenish dry soil, and give trees, shrubs, lawns, and flowering plants a welcome break from the intense summer heat. Unfortunately, the rain also creates ideal conditions for weeds. They seem to pop up […]

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Fast growing shade trees Southwest

Best Fast-Growing Shade Trees for the Southwest

Best Fast-Growing Shade Trees for the Southwest. If you’ve lived in the Southwest for any length of time, you know one thing for certain—shade is valuable. During the summer, a well-placed shade tree can lower temperatures around your home, make your backyard more enjoyable, and even help reduce cooling costs. The problem is that many […]

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Close-up of a shrub with brown dried leaves and some green leaves; pink blossoms on the right, a street visible in the background.

Why Are My Plant Leaves Turning Brown? 9 Common Causes in the Southwest

Why Are My Plant Leaves Turning Brown? Have you noticed brown tips, crispy edges, or entire leaves turning brown on your favorite plants? Don’t panic just yet. Brown leaves are one of the most common gardening problems in the Desert Southwest, especially during the long, hot summer months. The good news is that brown leaves […]

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Care of Portulaca

How to Grow and Care for Portulaca (Moss Rose) in the Southwest Desert

How to Grow and Care for Portulaca. If you’re searching for one of the easiest flowering plants to grow during the hottest months of the year, Portulaca (Portulaca grandiflora) deserves a place in your landscape. Commonly called Moss Rose, this colorful annual thrives where many other flowers struggle. Even during weeks of 100°F-plus temperatures, Portulaca […]

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Keep Potted Plants Alive

How to Keep Potted Plants Alive During 100°+ Weather (Southwest Heat Survival Guide)

How to Keep Potted Plants Alive During 100°+. If you’ve ever walked outside on a hot July afternoon and found your beautiful container plants wilted, you’re not alone. Potted plants are much more vulnerable to extreme heat than plants growing in the ground. During the summer months in Las Cruces, El Paso, and throughout the […]

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Monsoon Season Southwest New Mexico

How to Prepare Your Southwest Garden for Monsoon Season (10 Essential Tips)

Prepare Your Southwest Garden for Monsoon Season. The arrival of the Southwest monsoon is welcome news after weeks of scorching temperatures. Afternoon thunderstorms can bring much-needed rain, cooler evenings, and relief for stressed plants. However, monsoon storms also bring strong winds, heavy downpours, flash flooding, hail, and sudden changes in soil moisture that can damage […]

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