Whether you’re in the arid Desert Southwest or in the temperate regions of Europe, summers can get hot, the rainfall a little more sporadic, and even the most tolerant plants can begin to struggle. Fortunately, there’s a simple, time-tested solution that’s making a comeback: ollas. Used for thousands of years, this low-tech method relies on unglazed terracotta pots buried in the soil to deliver water directly to plant roots. By creating a steady, subsurface source of moisture, ollas help regulate soil conditions, reduce evaporation, and discourage weed growth....

Spring has sprung! Here at Planter we could not be more excited for the start of the gardening season. Our southern-based team members are on the verge of planting out their warm-season crops, while the northerners are in full indoor seed-starting mode. In the midst of all this gardening buzz, we’ve also got some buzz-worthy updates to share with the Planter community. 🐝 What’s Growing On? Weather Data for Gardeners Planter app users already know you can find your frost dates automatically in Planter....

Ocotillo (Fouquieria splendens) is neither a true cactus nor a succulent, but a desert shrub with a distinctive, thorny silhouette and brilliant red flowers. It can drop its leaves during dry spells and quickly leaf out again after rain. Ocotillo is essential to hummingbirds, adored by bees, and used by many desert animals. The Ocotillo family is small, with just 11 species, and Fouquieria splendens is the most widely recognized. They are native to North and Central America, with a distant sister family in Madagascar....

Grasses are versatile plants that can be incorporated into your garden in dozens of ways. They come in a variety of colors, growth habits, and sizes. They’re a key part of many natural environments and are an excellent complement to vegetable gardens, patios, and those awkward spots where nothing quite fits. Additionally, there are thousands of grasses native to the major continents, meaning there’s a grass for just about everything....

There are so many good reasons to start a garden- for the satisfaction of growing your own food, to enjoy spending time outdoors, to continue fond memories of gardening as a family, and to know how your food is raised. Another common reason people start gardening is to save money on food. But, as some like to point out, growing your own food can be more expensive than buying from the store, especially if you factor in your time....

There are hundreds of types of columnar cactus (Cereus, Pachycereus, Cephalocereus, etc.), ranging from the impressively tall and majestic Saguaro to smaller, cluster-growing San Pedro. These plants thrive in dry climates, need very little water, and reward growers with striking flowers. Columnar cacti are relatively simple to propagate, though the method can vary. In part 3 of this series, we’ll cover the ways to increase the number of columns in your garden and care for the parent plant after you’ve taken a cutting....

There are over 200 species of agave in this diverse genus of succulents. They are part of the asparagus family, and most are monocarpic, meaning they flower only once. Agaves bloom on tall stalks that resemble oversized asparagus spears, producing seeds and sometimes bulbils. Agaves are incredibly resilient plants and a staple in desert and xeriscape gardens. Their thick leaves, fibrous roots, and carbohydrate‑rich cores allow detached pups and bulbils to survive long periods with minimal water while they establish new roots....

Landscaping with edibles is becoming more popular with home gardeners. Combining beauty with purpose is especially practical if you have a small yard. Instead of separating the vegetable garden from the ornamental beds, this approach weaves fruit trees, herbs, leafy greens, and flowering vegetables directly into your landscape design. Edible landscaping lets you have a garden that is both productive and picturesque. ​Start with Structure​ When planning a garden from scratch, the best place to start is with “the bones....

Paddle cacti (genus Opuntia) are recognizable for their round-to-oval shaped segments, which are called cladodes, or pads, hence the name. They are incredibly resilient, drought-tolerant, and an important host plant for dozens of species, and a reliable source of fruit and nectar. They are also very easy to propagate, so let’s get into it. Clever Adaptations Paddle cacti grow in distinct segments that are designed to detach. Each pad is a self‑contained reservoir of water and stored energy, and the joint between pads is a natural break point....