Hi, Desert Gardener!

The Southwest Gardener Newsletter just celebrated it's one year anniversary! It's been thrilling for me to watch the website and newsletter grow. I write them because I love learning about desert gardening and sharing what I've learned with others. My fondest hope it that I can help a few people along the way enjoy their gardens more and stress less over dealing with harsh desert conditions.

If you know anyone that might enjoy or benefit from this newsletter, could you please share this email with them or suggest that they ​subscribe here​? It's readers like you that keep me motivated -- I appreciate you! 🤗

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There are two fruit-related things you can do in the garden now through September.

First, it's time to fertilize some, but not all, citrus.

And, if you're feeling adventurous, you can harvest and prepare prickly pear fruit. You'll find everything you need to know about picking and preparing pears without getting pricked in the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum's article “Prickly Pear Harvesting 101.”

What you'll find in this week's newsletter:

• Featured Plant: Santa Rita prickly pear
• Does the brand of potting soil matter?
• Complete guide to fertilizing citrus
• What to do in the garden in August
• Upcoming gardening classes & events
• and more!

A Reader Asks:

"I grow lots of plants in pots. Does the brand of potting soil matter or are they all the pretty much the same?"

I've wondered the same thing and have often blamed my potting soil on poor results. It's less painful than blaming my gardening skills. 🙄 Epic Gardening did a comparison test of 14 brands of potting soil and found that it mattered more than they expected. If you've ever suspected that your potting soil is letting you down, check out this video. It explained a lot of my past failures.

Citrus Tip!

Not all citrus should be fertilized on the same schedule. The “sours” (lemons & limes) should receive their third (and final) feeding of the year now through September. (Oranges, tangerines, and grapefruit should have had their final feeding in the spring.)

Tucson Garden Events & Classes

There's always more to learn about gardening! Check out these classes and events coming up soon.
​* Seed Starting Basics @ Green Things
​* Prickly Pear Harvest @ Arizona-Sonoran Desert Museum
​* Growing Citrus in the Desert @ Tucson Botanical Garden

Check out Tohono Chul's "Chillin’ at the Chul" for food, drinks, live music, & family activities. (Fri. & Sat. evenings through August.) Admission is free! 🤩

Get the details on these events and more in our Tucson Gardening Events Calendar →

Not in Tucson? Look for classes for everyone offered via Zoom.

In Case You Missed It

​​​Why Desert Succulents Appreciate Some Shade​

​Sacred Datura: Evening Delight​

​Why Desert Plants Get Iron Chlorosis (& what to do)​

Garden Quote

"A no-spray garden isn't just a choice, it's an invitation, and some guests arrive dressed in art." - Paul Avellino, of Avellino Farms

Before You Go...

Do you have a gardening question you'd like to see answered here? Send it to ask@swgardener.com.

If you found this information helpful or interesting, please share it with friends! They can sign up for this newsletter here.

And please stop by the Southwest Gardener Facebook page and "Follow", "Like", or "Share".

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Keep growing and learning,
​Desert Dee