Blog
Salt River Valley: What Salts Are Doing to Your Soil
The Hidden Desert Variable Phoenix sits in the Salt River Valley, and that name tells you exactly what we’re dealing with. Spanish explorers named the river for the mineral content in its water. The valley we live in is a
Phoenix Soil pH Is Stubborn — Here’s What’s Actually Happening Underground
Most Phoenix area yards have soil with a high pH, that’s not news to anyone. But you’ve probably wondered what you can actually do about it. Sulfur and other acidifying amendments can help, but in Phoenix they often don’t move
Phoenix Soil Is NOT Bad
Stop believing the lies, and stop repeating them…our soil is not “bad” and it’s not impossible to grow anything. If our soil was truly “bad” then how did the Native Americans farm here for centuries before we came along? (You
Bare Root Trees in Phoenix: How to Plant Them Right in Zone 9b
If you’ve been shopping nurseries in late winter and noticed fruit trees with their roots exposed and wrapped in damp packing material, you’ve probably seen bare root trees. They can look intimidating (and dead) at first—but when planted correctly, bare
Growing Strawberries in Phoenix, Arizona (Zone 9b)
Strawberries thrive in cool, moist conditions, yet the Phoenix metro area (USDA zone 9b) has scorching summers and alkaline, salty soils. Daily temperatures regularly exceed 100°f from May through September and frost may occur during winter. Strawberries stop producing when temperatures
How to Grow Mangos in Phoenix (Zone 9b)
Mangos can be a backyard success in Phoenix — but they need special care in our low desert conditions. The challenges are real: extreme heat (and cold), alkaline clay soils, salts, monsoon wind, and frost pockets. With smart placement, soil
Maricopa County Planting Guide: What to Plant and When in Phoenix
Gardening in Phoenix is different than anywhere else in the country. The heat is intense, the air is dry, and winter can sneak in with a frost. Timing is everything. If you’ve ever wondered what can I plant right now?—this
To Honor the Past, We Bloom
In nature, death is constant. Leaves fall, limbs break, animals die. But nature does not mourn in the way we do. It accepts. It absorbs. It transforms. A dead branch becomes food for the soil. A fire clears the way
Battling Aphids in Phoenix?
If you live in the Phoenix area, you’ve probably noticed a recent explosion of aphids in gardens across the Valley. These tiny sap-suckers seem to show up overnight, clustering on tender new growth and leaving behind sticky honeydew and curled
Creating Your Desert Microclimate: Growing Tropical Plants in Phoenix
Growing tropical plants in Phoenix might seem impossible with our scorching summers and occasional freezes, but with the right approach, you can create your own lush oasis in the desert. The key is building a microclimate using a strategic layered
The Lesson is in the Listening
I had a moment recently that made me think about how we learn and grow, not just in gardening, but in life. It started with a question posted in a gardening group on Facebook. Someone was asking if they should
Turn Your Dates In Caramel
My awesome mother-in-law took my Medjool dates and turned them into this awesome date caramel dip! If you’re growing dates, check out this recipe and give it a shot!
How to Fix Clay Soil
If you’ve been struggling with heavy, compacted clay soil in your Phoenix garden, you’re not alone. The dense clay here makes it difficult for water, air, and roots to penetrate, leaving many gardeners frustrated. But don’t worry—we’re about to show
Finding Joy in the Journey of Growing
The most experienced growers aren’t the ones who stress over every plant or outcome. In fact, they’re the ones who worry the least. Why? Because they’ve learned that growing isn’t about perfection. It’s about the process, the journey, and working