What would you say if I told you about one little thing you can do for your plants that will reduce watering needs, increase the disease-fighting capabilities of the plants, help them become more heat tolerant, and add to the overall health of the soil? You’d probably say, “Wow, Garden Guy, I always knew you were brilliant!” It’s mulch. I wish I could take credit, but the idea really belongs … Read More →
We are coming up on the most productive time of year for gardening in the Southwest. The first thing to remember is that the soil needs a lot of organic material. This makes for a richer, more productive, chemical-free garden. To achieve good soil, lay down a 6-inch layer of compost, then add blood meal and bone meal (about 5 pounds per 50 square feet). Use a hard rake and … Read More →
This spring’s glorious wildflower show can be re-created in your own garden — be it a flower-filled meadow, a few pots on a patio or balcony or anything in between. Wildflower gardening may be enjoyed by all gardeners, from beginners to advanced. Wildflowers can also be incorporated into any style of landscape from naturally wild to a more manicured landscape. With some planning, some cooperative rain and a little patience, … Read More →
Adding a water garden to your home’s outdoor environment has some fantastic benefits. Not only are they beautiful to see and hear, but they attract insect eaters like hummingbirds and dragonflies. In a well-balanced water garden, the fish clean the water by eating algae and their waste fertilizes the plants to stimulate growth. Such ponds are relatively inexpensive and easy to set up. To build your own, gather the following … Read More →
Well, the hot weather is here. To get a great summer vegetable garden, you have to think about which plants work well in the heat. To start, it is important to remember to give your plants a well-prepared garden bed. I recommend raised beds that receive afternoon shade. If you would like to try your hand at a summer vegetable garden, start with a few of my favorites (listed below). … Read More →
There are many ways to start a garden, but one essential, often overlooked, element is structure. It not only adds dimension to your garden, but structure in any garden provides stable, beautiful areas with which to stabilize your plants. There are three types of structures that work in just about any garden — I’ve outlined them below. Teepee Trellis: This structure can be made of wooden stakes, bamboo poles or … Read More →
These days, Valley homes have smaller yards, which means less space for gardens. And for folks in apartments, having a garden seems like an impossible dream. If you grow a garden in a container, though, you can grow almost anything, almost anywhere. All you need is water, sun and afternoon shade. One of my favorite container gardens is a hydro-garden. In this garden, plants grow in a solution of water … Read More →
If you’ve never seen a scorpion up close, our rising temperatures might cause that to change. The summer’s heat brings the scorpion population to life. As long as you’re aware of them, though, you shouldn’t be afraid. Here are a few tips to help make you aware of the types of scorpions in the desert, prevent infestation and more. Types of Scorpions: Giant Hairy — 2 to 4 inches long, … Read More →
Some folks I work with here at 3TV have asked me recently about problems they are having with cactus. And I’ll tell you what I told them: Most problems with cactus stem from too much water. Most people tend to overwater, but it’s also possible that the soil is not draining well enough and the roots of the cactus are just sitting in water. You have to remember that cactus … Read More →
I love to grow my own organic fruits and vegetables, but sometimes even I need to run to the store for some last-minute ingredients. And when I do, it can be tough to find organic produce at the supermarket. To qualify as organic, produce must contain at least 95 percent organically produced ingredients, so check the sticker. Those fruits and vegetables that are not grown organically will usually have a … Read More →
