If you live in a hot climate, growing herbs may seem like a daunting task. Don’t worry, it’s possible! With the right knowledge, you can grow herbs that thrive in the heat. Not only will they add flavor to your meals, but they will also attract beneficial insects to your garden. In this blog post, I’ll share tips on how to plant, care for, and harvest perennial herbs in hot summer climates so that you can enjoy a bountiful herb garden year-round. 10 Tips for Growing Delicious Herbs in Hot Summer Climates 1. Learn about the herbs you want to grow and the best times to plant Herbs are classifie ..read more

How to Freeze Basil: A Gardener’s Guide to Preserving Your Harvest For gardeners and home cooks, basil is a summertime staple. However, when the cold weather hits, it can be challenging to grow fresh basil. Freezing basil is a simple and effective way to ensure you have a steady supply of this flavorful herb throughout the year. In this guide, I’ll detail the steps to freeze basil so you can enjoy its delicious taste all year round. 1. Harvest fresh basil Harvesting fresh leaves is the first step to freezing basil. It is best to use fresh leaves as wilted or yellowed leaves will not taste go ..read more

If you live in a hot summer climate, plant these ten perennial herbs once, and you’ll enjoy harvests for years! A perennial is a species that completes its life cycle over three or more years, with the ability to survive both winter and summer and can be harvested without killing the plant. Each one of these herbs has survived for several years in my low desert Arizona garden. Perennial herbs are a simple way to increase production and yield in the garden. Once you plant them, you can harvest them for years to come! 10 Perennial Herbs Every Gardener in Hot Summer Climate Should Grow 1. Bay L ..read more

Gift ideas for gardeners? I’ve got you covered! This list of items is perfect for any gardener, whether just starting or a seasoned pro. From handy tools to favorite things to wear, here are my current garden favorites. I hope you like these gift ideas that will make any gardener happy. Something to read I picked up this book at a garden shop recently in England. It’s filled with beautiful quotes and thoughts about many of the reasons we love to garden so much. I’ve loved reading it. See it on Amazon Something to wear I love wearing overalls in the garden, but they can be too heavy and ..read more

Article and photos by Kara Adams I’ve spent the last year building new sunken garden beds in Southern Arizona. I live in the Sonoran Desert, about 25 miles from the Mexico border. This region is very hot from May through October. We do get monsoon rains from July through September, but it is very dry otherwise. The heat, intense sun, and dry conditions create challenging conditions for gardening. However, it is possible to create a productive garden in the desert. I want to share how I’ve been able to do just that. To begin, I had a few requirements: Water Efficiency: I needed to find a way ..read more

If you live in a hot summer climate, you may have wondered if a greenhouse would be beneficial. Questions like:  Would a greenhouse get too hot in Arizona? How many months of the year could I use the greenhouse? This article discusses the benefits of having a greenhouse (even in a hot summer climate), the challenges to consider, and the best ways to make the greenhouse a productive space during the year’s hottest months.  Benefits of having a greenhouse Extends the growing season, whether in cold or warmer weather. The ability to control the environment, including sunlight, temper ..read more

Growing roses can be daunting, especially in Arizona, where the desert climate can be formidable for any plant. Although the summer heat can be challenging, growing beautiful roses is still possible. Learn how to grow roses in hot summer climates with these tips.  Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. See my disclosure policy for more information. Where to plant roses in Arizona and other hot summer climates: Choose a location in your yard where your roses can receive sunlight from morning to mid-afternoon with at least 6 hours of sun and afternoon shade. Avoid pla ..read more

Although I consider myself a vegetable gardener, flowers have become essential to my garden. Flowers are crucial in attracting pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Pollination is vital for most plants’ growth and the production of fruits and vegetables. The best part is that growing flowers is simple. Once you understand a few flower-gardening basics, you’ll be ready to grow flowers for their beauty and pollinators. Your vegetables will thank you! Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. See my disclosure policy for more information. Why plant flowers? B ..read more

A New Favorite for the Festive Season: Hibiscus Holiday Sauce With the holiday season just around the corner, I’m always looking for ways to incorporate garden harvests into our holiday meals. Hibiscus Holiday Sauce has replaced traditional cranberry sauce at our house. I’d love for you to give it a try. A perfect blend of fresh hibiscus, zesty ginger, and juicy oranges, this sauce is delectably sweet and tangy and pairs perfectly with many dishes. The best part? It’s very easy to make. If you have an abundance of roselle from the garden like me, here’s a fantastic way to make good use of the ..read more

Gophers can do enormous damage in a very short period of time. Learn how to trap a gopher correctly to get rid of gophers in the garden. How to Trap Gophers the Right Way Guest post by Zach Brooks, Owner of Arizona Worm Farm Gophers eat the roots of trees and vegetables and can kill a full-size tree in less than two days. If left alone, gophers will damage your underground infrastructure, like water pipes (especially plastic irrigation lines) and electrical cables, disrupting water and electrical supply. Even worse, they can find their way to the foundation of a house, where they be ..read more