New to Las Cruces? A Beginner’s Guide to Gardening in the Desert

New to Las Cruces

Welcome to Las Cruces! If you have recently moved here, you have probably already noticed our beautiful desert views, sunny skies, and wide-open landscapes. You may have also discovered that gardening in southern New Mexico is quite different from gardening in other parts of the country.

New to Las Cruces

Las Cruces has hot summers, low humidity, strong spring winds, and relatively little rainfall. We can also experience freezing temperatures during winter. These conditions do not mean you cannot have a beautiful landscape. However, choosing the right plants and learning how to water them properly will make gardening much easier.

One of the first things you should do is become familiar with your property. Notice which areas receive morning sun, afternoon sun, or shade. Afternoon sunlight is especially intense in Las Cruces, and reflected heat from gravel, sidewalks, and west-facing walls can make certain locations even hotter.

Our local soil can also be challenging. Some properties have sandy or rocky soil, while others contain heavy clay or hard layers of caliche. Before planting trees or shrubs, check the drainage and prepare a wide planting area so the roots can spread. Adding compost can help garden beds, but good drainage remains important.

Newly planted trees and shrubs require regular watering while they establish their roots. Even drought-tolerant plants need additional water during their first growing seasons. Deep watering is generally better than frequent, shallow watering because it encourages stronger root development.

Take your time when landscaping a new home. Start with correctly placed shade trees, make sure your irrigation system is working properly, and then add shrubs, perennials and seasonal flowers. Always consider a plant’s mature size before placing it near a home, wall, walkway, or utility line.

Guzman’s Garden Centers has helped Las Cruces residents garden successfully for many years. Bring us photographs and measurements of your yard, along with information about the sunlight it receives. Our staff can help you choose plants that are better suited to your particular location.

Population and Elevation of Las Cruces, NM.

  • Las Cruces population: 116,978
  • Doña Ana County population: 229,091
  • People living in the county outside Las Cruces: approximately 112,113
  • Elevation: approximately 3,900 feet above sea level
  • Plant Hardiness zone. 

These are the U.S. Census Bureau’s July 1, 2025 population estimates—the most recent available. The Doña Ana County number includes Las Cruces and is the clearest measurement for the surrounding area. Las Cruces Census QuickFacts and Doña Ana County Census QuickFacts.

Download Our Free Gardening Welcome Packet

Gardening in Las Cruces can be challenging when you first arrive. Our hot summers, strong sunlight, alkaline soil, caliche and limited rainfall are probably different from the growing conditions you are accustomed to.

To help you get started, Guzman’s Garden Centers created a free Welcome to Las Cruces Gardening Packet. This easy-to-read guide covers:

  • What makes the Las Cruces climate different
  • Local soil, caliche and drainage
  • How to water plants in our dry climate
  • Dependable plants for a new landscape
  • The best planting seasons
  • A helpful first-yard checklist

Download the packet, save it to your computer or print it for future reference. It will help you avoid some of the most common mistakes newcomers make when landscaping a Las Cruces home

Get Your FREE Las Cruces Gardening Packet by clicking below – 100% Free

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