Garden Calendar for August 2023

August looms.  And weather is the “hot” topic right now. But really – weather and climate do change. Just a few thousand years ago what is now the desert Southwest was a cool plains area with giant woolly mammoths roaming.  There were people roaming as well – and hunting those now extinct behemoths with spears. So yes, the world weather fluctuates and the climate changes over time even without humans … Read more

June 2023 Garden Tasks

June is normally tough on plants and wildlife, but all bets are off this year. Normally I would remind you that all plants, even succulents, are stressed by this normally dry month, but weather has been erratic with below average temperatures and early rains in parts of the Southwest. Irrigation Did you get a sprinkle of rain? Might not be enough. Make sure you water landscape trees and shrubs so … Read more

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 … Read more

November 2022 Garden Calendar

It’s November and that means weather is cooling off. You will need to keep an eye out for frost – depending on your region of the Southwest. Might have already happened for you. Push Your Zone In Carson City, Nevada they already have some snow. But in other areas of the Southwest, I encourage you to live (a little) dangerously. In Middle and Low Desert go ahead and keep planting … Read more