vegetables
Why Are My Plants Wilting Even Though I’m Watering Them? (Heat Stress or Lack of Water?)
Why are my plants wilting? If you’ve been watering regularly but your plants still look wilted, you’re not alone. This is one of the most common questions gardeners ask during late spring and summer in New Mexico, West Texas, Arizona, and other parts of the Desert Southwest. The surprising truth is that a wilted plant […]
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Perlite vs. Vermiculite: What They Do for Soil and Plants
If you have ever opened a bag of potting soil and noticed little white pieces mixed into the soil, you were probably looking at perlite. If you see tiny brown or gold flakes that almost resemble fish scales, that is usually vermiculite. Both are commonly used in gardening, but they each do different jobs. In […]
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Why Do Plants die in the Desert? (And How to Fix It in Las Cruces, NM)
If you’ve ever planted something in Las Cruces and watched it struggle—or die—you’re not alone. This is one of the most common frustrations for gardeners in the desert. You buy a healthy plant, bring it home, plant it… and within weeks, it starts to decline. The truth is, it’s usually not the plant. It’s the […]
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Best Vegetables to Grow in Las Cruces, NM (Month-by-Month Planting Guide)
If you live in Las Cruces, you have one big advantage when it comes to gardening—you can grow vegetables almost year-round. But here’s the catch. Our climate is not forgiving. Between the intense summer heat, low humidity, and fast-draining soil, not every vegetable will perform well here. If you choose the right vegetables—and plant them […]
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Best Vegetables to Plant in Autumn
Vegetables to Plant in Autumn (Desert Southwest Focus) Cool-Season Vegetables (Ideal for Fall) Vegetables to plant in autumn. These thrive as temperatures drop and offer harvests extending into winter: Leafy Greens: Lettuce, spinach, arugula, kale, mustard greens, Swiss chard — all cold-tolerant and well-suited for fall planting. Brassicas: Broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, collards, Chinese […]
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What Really Causes Tomato Leaf Curl
What Really Causes Tomato Leaf Curl? Simple Answers and Solutions [2025] What Really Causes Tomato Leaf Curl. You check on them every morning, hoping for perfect green leaves, and then out of nowhere, they start curling or twisting. Leaf curl is a common problem, and it can be pretty frustrating, especially when you’re hoping for […]
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Signs Your Garden Needs More Water
Signs your garden needs more water. Watering is the heartbeat of a healthy garden, especially in and around the Southwest. When I slip outside in the early morning, I can almost tell at a glance if my plants are thirsty. Too little water, and my garden starts to look limp and tired. Too much, and […]
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Top 6 Organic Fertilizers for Flowering Plants
Top 6 Organic Fertilizers for Flowering Plants. People often ask me what the best organic fertilizers on the market today are. When you’re trying to get more blooms from your plants, organic fertilizers can work wonders. Compost is my number one go-to. You can purchase bags of compost at most local garden stores or make […]
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Marigolds in your vegetable garden
Planting marigolds in your vegetable garden is one of the simplest ways to blend beauty with function. These hardy, vibrant flowers not only add a splash of color but also naturally deter pests that could wreak havoc on your crops. Thanks to their pest-repellent properties and ability to attract beneficial insects, marigolds can become your […]
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Caterpillars eating Winter Vegetables
Green Caterpillars eating Winter Vegetables Are caterpillars eating your winter vegetables? Winter gardening offers a real sense of accomplishment when you see those hardy vegetables thriving despite the cold. Yet, this serene image can quickly unravel with the appearance of green caterpillars. These small creatures can pose a significant threat to your winter crops, munching […]
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