How to grow plants in a desert climate
Have you purchased a home in a desert climate?
Are you trying to figure out how to grow plants in an area that receives only a few inches of rain each year? If so, you are not alone. Millions of Americans call the desert home, basking in the impressive rock formations of Utah or relaxing in the sandy warmth of New Mexico. The American West is wide and invites many people, despite the harsh conditions.
There are several ways to enhance the desert landscape in your garden without raising your water bill or introducing non-native plants. You may not be able to grow a field of tulips or plant tropical fruit trees, but that does not mean you will not have a beautiful yard. Follow these tips for efficient, beautiful and eco-friendly gardening.
Buy plants designed for the desert landscape
The easiest way to succeed in your gardening endeavors is to look for local vegetation. These are plants that are naturally found in your area and grow successfully without human intervention. If a plant can survive on its own in the wild, then you will not have to work too hard to create a perfect environment in your yard.
Start by visiting the parks and nature reserves in your area. Take a walk and pay attention to the plants around you. You can even take pictures and use plant recognition apps when you find different species you like. (If you do not have time for this, walk around your neighborhood and notice common plants that thrive in nearby yards near your home.)
Then visit local nurseries and find their local vegetation section. Many nurseries specialize in local plants because they want their customers to have successful gardens. You will find the plants you have identified on your trips and discover new ones designed to thrive in the desert.
This is the easiest way to find plants with high success rates without actually researching the care and maintenance of the plant.
Look for plants and shrubs of all sizes
When it comes to designing a desert landscape, you are not limited to planting durable cacti and shrubs in your yard. The idea that the desert is too harsh to grow plants is a myth that many homeowners in dry and arid countries work to break. Many universities and parks create guides for identifying and growing desert plants, such as a comprehensive book by the University of Utah or the Arizona National Parks Guide for Desert Vegetation.
As you develop your landscaping plan, try to balance your yard with trees, shrubs and small plants (like flowers). Good gardening combines different plants to create a visual appeal. By choosing short, medium and tall plants, you can create a diverse yard that looks visually appealing.
Different plants will also attract different species of animals and have created a healthy ecosystem. You can build a yard full of butterflies and buzzing bees just by incorporating different plants in your landscaping plan.
Consider grass alternatives
More homeowners are planting grass in the desert landscape to create an eco-friendly experience. You have several options to create an ecological desert landscape without compromising on a yard of sand and dirt.
Rocks and shells can provide ground cover while improving your garden. The best part is that you do not have to worry about mowing or watering grass that is mostly made of rocks. Some desert homeowners also cover their yards with a sponge, which is useful in preventing evaporation. When you grow beautiful and exciting plants, you can save water by scattering cladding around them.
Drive around your area to see alternative grass conservation options. You can get inspired by other homes and landscape styles.
Synthetic Grass
Another option to replace real grass is with synthetic grass. Fake grass has come a long way since its development. Modern synthetic grass does not feel as plastic as what you may have experienced in your youth. This form of gardening is also growing in popularity. The synthetic grass market is expected to grow by $ 12.59 billion from 2021 to 2025 (an eight percent growth rate).
There are several reasons to consider this option. First, you can get a completely green lawn all year round without having to pay for its watering. It enhances the look of your home without raising your electricity bills. You also do not have to worry about fertilizing your lawn, and further protecting the environment. People who suffer from grass allergies and other sensitivities also use synthetic grass so they can spend time outdoors without experiencing itchy eyes and runny nose.
Despite its ease of use, synthetic grass also comes with its own care guidelines. You may need to weed the grass if unwanted plants are pushed in. You will also need to clean the lawn periodically to keep it green and vibrant. Consider maintenance costs, grass texture and appearance as you explore synthetic grass options.
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Buying a home with a large yard is like getting a pet. In order for it to stay healthy, you will need to water, feed and maintain your plants. Some people like to spend their weekends pruning shrubs and transplanting flowers, while other homeowners want a yard to take care of themselves.
Before you start buying hundreds of dollars worth of plants, evaluate how much effort you want to put into maintaining the yard. You may want to choose plants that do not require much care and yard material that does not come with maintenance (like rocks). Failure to care for your yard may leave it overgrown - or dead. Know what you need for your lifestyle when building a desert landscape plan.
Work with a realtor who knows desert gardening
Landscaping is usually the first thing buyers notice when they get home. If the yard is poorly maintained, then it makes buyers think the property is neglected and not worth the listed price. Beautiful landscaping can make a home look large and inviting.
If you are looking to buy a home in a dry area or are planning to sell your existing home, contact a realtor who understands the desert climate. They can help you improve your garden to appeal to buyers. They can also help you understand the work that comes with owning a desert home.
Is grass harmful to the environment?
Grass is often considered harmful to the environment. It uses expensive water resources, which are limited in desert areas. Lawn lawns also often replace the local vegetation, which is necessary for birds, insects and other animals to survive. You can plant grass, but consider the environmental impact it has on your area.
What plants can I grow in my area?
Plants require certain soil types, temperatures and water levels to survive.
Desert plants need to be durable. They have to survive dry and sandy soil and limited rainfall. Many cacti thrive in the desert, along with small shrubs capable of storing water. These plants often bloom when it rains, and evoke desert life with a variety of bright colors.
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