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Hi, Desert Gardener,
Happy 2026! I hope your holidays were exactly like you like them to be -- whether quiet and contemplative or full of festivities.
π π₯³ π
Every year there's a slew of articles on New Year's resolutions. As I read a few "Top Resolutions" lists, it occurred to me that many of them -- losing weight, getting healthier, and starting a new hobby -- can be fulfilled by gardening.
And if you like to grow your own food, you can check a few more off the list -- saving more money and eating healthier. So ditch the "doomed to fail" resolutions and just get out there and garden instead! π
π΅ π΅ π΅
In this week's newsletter, we cover:
- What to do in the garden in January
- Aloe hybrid that hummingbirds adore
- Are your plants confused? (& what you can do)
- Why it's time to take down Santa hats π
- Upcoming gardening events
- and more!
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January Gardening Guide
January is the second coldest month, but there are still plenty of things to be done in the desert garden. Hereβs a look at what you can plant this month, how to adjust your watering schedule for winter, how to care for holiday plants, and more.
βGet the details here ββ
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A Reader Asks:
"Some of my plants are blooming months earlier than usual. Should I be concerned? Is there anything I can do?"
Plants are responding to the triggers of unusually warm, wet weather. There is nothing you can do about that, however, don't be lulled into thinking it will continue and that we will not be having "winter" this year.
But what you can do is treat your plants like it's winter -- turn off irrigation and don't prune or fertilize. You want to prevent stimulating new growth which will be hit hard when we get our first freeze. Learn more about getting your plants ready for winter here.β
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Featured Plant
βBlue Elfβ Aloe: Petite, Hardy Hybrid
Every winter, when little else is blooming, this compact aloe sends up showy 2-foot flower stalks covered with bright orange-red flowers that last several months. (Hummingbirds love them!) It is more cold hardy and heat resistant than many other aloes.
βRead more ββ
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Upcoming Garden Events & Classes
Now that the holidays are over, classes and events are picking up again. Here are some upcoming highlights:
* Edible Landscapes @ University of Arizona
* Growing Tomatoes in the Desert @ Pima County Master Gardeners
* Pepper Growing for Beginners @ Green Things
Get the details in our Tucson Gardening Events Calendar β
Not in Tucson? Look for online classes denoted with this icon. π»You can participate in these no matter where you live.
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Post Holiday Tip!
If you put hats on your cactus for the holidays, remove them now. Ideally, they should not be covered for more than a few days in a row. You can put them back on if frost is on its way. Columnar cactus that benefit from cold protection during freezes include totem pole, fence post, and young saguaros.
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Garden Quote
"Every gardener knows that under the cloak of winter lies a miracle."
β Luther Burbank, botanist, horticulturist
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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 new Southwest Gardener Facebook page and "Follow", "Like", or "Share".
Keep growing and learning,
βDesert Dee
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113 Cherry St #92768, Seattle, WA 98104-2205
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