Seed Packages 101 – Seed Terminology Made Simple(r)

So just what is the big deal about an “heirloom?” What is the difference between that and an F1 hybrid? What about GMO?  Seed packages often include terms such as “heirloom” or “F1 hybrid.” These terms are quite precise, but may be used incorrectly by gardeners. There are also a number of misconceptions about these terms. Plain Language Seed Package Terms Consider this guide a plain-language “go-to” resource. Seed and […]

Starting Seeds Indoors

Starting seeds indoors is relatively easy, and it’s (past) time to start thinking about your spring planting in the Southwest. Starting Out Starting Seeds You will need a well lit space and some way of keeping your seeds and tender young plants protected from household pets and other slings and arrows of misfortune. Necessary Supplies Sterile seed-starting soil mix Seedling trays with clear plastic covers – either purchased or repurposed […]

Winter Sunlight and Plants

Days are getting shorter. Or, more correctly from the viewpoint of an organism that needs sunlight for photosynthesis, nights are getting longer.  Either way – it’s a tough time of year for many plants, and for people too. Not Enough Sunlight Long nights mean there is often not enough hours of sunlight to make enough food to grow. Not just grow but to also do all those complex processes to […]

Garden Calendar for October 2022

It seems that every October is different than the previous one here in the Land of El Sol. Luckily there are some things in common – and thus I can help you plan your October 2022 gardening tasks ahead, so your garden will look great through the holidays ahead.* Watch for The 3 W’s – Winter ,Weeds, Wildflowers We had spotty rain across the Southwest in late September. Rain means […]

25 Plants to Divide in Fall

Fall is time to divide your plants – at least some of them. Yes, it is still fairly hot out there at mid-day, and not so much fun to work outside – but this is a task that will reward you next spring! Why Divide? Just like you separate quarreling sibling humans, you need to separate a clump of sibling perennial plants that are growing too close together. They may […]

Fertilize For Fall – Now and How

Fertilize now – as the season turns towards Fall. Fall is for Fertilizer It is not officially Fall yet (starts September 21), but summer is winding down, and plants know it. For them the nights are getting longer, the suns rays slant in the sky, plus the ground starting to cool off. Plants that go winter dormant are already starting to store in their roots what they need for next […]

Compost & HOA’s – Compost Done Correctly

It is easy to create compost in a dry climate. Properly done, composting is not unsightly, nor does it smell, or invite pests. I discussed the basics last week (here). More than the Basics Do you get my newsletter? One reader who does emailed me via the link at the bottom and asked for help creating an HOA approved compost area. After several missives we determined that it might have […]