I live in the desert Southwest and it was costing and arm and a leg to water my plants even though we have no lawn and plant desert adapted versions of plants. Trying to water sparingly just killed plants and made the survivors look droopy.
Finally, I bit the bullet and put in a drip system, which in the summer we run at night to reduce evaporation. Our water use was cut by 75% and the plants have never looked better.
To keep the drip working in this hard water area, every few weeks I pull all the drip tips and soak in vinegar, or CLR if they are really bad. Some of the desert adapted plants are versions of plants grown elsewhere, such as desert gold peaches, and some types of roses which bloom almost all year here with very little care and not much water. So we are able to have a nice, pretty yard that isn't all cactus, eat fresh fruit, and not spend a fortune.
By Chiismychi from Tucson, Az
Here are the questions asked by community members. Read on to see the answers provided by the ThriftyFun community.
I am looking for ideas for non poisonous shrubs for desert gardening. I would like color with flowering plants.
Hardiness Zone: 8b
Cuppie from North Las Vegas, NV
I love my Desert Willow. It produces pink flowers from Spring to Winter. It grows fast and sways in the wind. I have only watered it once this year after the rains stopped in the Spring.
Check out these photos.
While visiting my friend Tone', I enjoyed her potted dessert rose in full bloom. I imagined what a treat it would be to come across in the desert.
Many vegetables such as tomatoes, squash, and peppers grow well in the desert heat. You will be able to grow more types of veggies by planting earlier in the year to avoid the summer heat.
ThriftyFun is one of the longest running frugal living communities on the Internet. These are archives of older discussions.
Tips for gardening in the southwest. Post your ideas.
