For the past couple of years, I cut my Red Birds of Paradise down to a stump before the winter. I hesitated to do it because it seemed so extreme, but they were starting to look so bad I figured I had nothing to lose, and they grew back beautifully. This year, they still look ok even though we’re halfway through the winter and am wondering if I should cut them down to a stump again, do a less severe pruning, or leave them alone?

Finally I successfully have poppy seedlings. If my overnight lows are low 40s, is that too cold to put them outside?

I would appreciate any ideas, tips or recommendations for a low maintenance garden.

I recently bought a place in Northern AZ that already has some raised gardens beds in place within a deer proof fence, there is also an automatic watering system set up. I travel a lot and have an unpredictable schedule so I was hoping to start a garden that would require very minimal upkeep and wouldn't be high maintenance. Anything from herbs, cut flowers, fruits and vegetables. The garden beds are in full sun but I could possibly build some partial shade structures if needed.

I know its a little early to be planting anything now but I just wanted to be prepared for when the weather starts to warm up.

Google varies on deciding what zone I am in so it ranges between 7a, 7b, and 8a. Elevation is 5,100 ft.

Thanks in advance for any notes.

Our side yards (one is north-facing and the other is south-facing) are about 55 inches wide. I was thinking about trying to put raised planters along the fence-side of them (with a water barrier, of course). Are metal and/or plastic planters feasible to use here in Arizona. I'm worried that the ones on the south side would either melt or heat up way too much for the plants to survive. I'm planning to try and start doing vegetables and herbs in them, but I'm also wondering if this is even feasible. Thanks!

We live in the west valley and are trying to decide what bushes to plant that will serve as a “wall” in front of some pool equipment. Looking for something that will grow 4-5 tall, is not too wide, and won’t drop leaves in the pool. Any ideas/suggestions welcome.

I want to grow a few unusual chile pepper plants this year. But rather than grow from seed, I was planning on buying some plants instead. Haven't had a lot of luck growing from seed.

I found an online nursery that has an awesome variety. However, they won't ship them until mid-March, to avoid the plants getting cold-damaged in transit.

Which I understand, but I'm concerned that planting in mid-March is going to be too late.

(FYI, in downtown Phoenix area)

Looking for a company that specializes in irrigation repair to do several different things to my existing system. Does anyone have a company that you love?

Looking for a reputable company as opposed to someone's "yard guy" as my lawn guy, who did minor irrigation repairs in the past with no issues, ended up doing something that ended up breaking a pipe and flooding my lawn.

Hi! I'm still very new to AZ and gardening. I know a lot about companion planting except if they have to be already established plants or do I plant seeds?

I'm starting with tomatoes growing inside and when it's time to go out they will be in containers. So do I plant already established marigolds and/or basil (or whatever) or just sow some seeds in and pray for the best?

(My carrots and some others will be sowed directly into the pot outside.)

Also I don't have irrigation so I'll be hose watering everything daily. Any recommendations on how long each day? I assume as it gets hotter it'll be at least 2 times a day and lots of shade.

Thanks for any advice!!

I am a brand new gardener and was so excited to start my garden in Mesa. Life got in the way, mostly sickness and now I’m worried I’m too far behind for planting winter crops.

What can I plant from seed or transplant this last 2 weeks of January or in Feb & March??

I have a few large containers and one large raised bed. I have full sun spots, shady spots and can always add shade cloth if needed. I also have grow lights inside I could use to start seedlings indoors.

I’m open to any suggestions - thank you so much in advance!!!

Hello! I am installing a large trellis on the side of our patio and looking for a vine that will stay green all year round. If it flowers that’s would be even better. Any suggestions?

I would appreciate any experienced advice. We purchased a home over the summer and learned the old irrigation has tons of leaks, I mean tons. The whole thing needs to go and right now until we have the money to do so, I need to water the plants by hand. I asked my gardener and all they could offer me was to use the hose and water for 5 to 10 minutes, 2 to 3 times a week. I asked if he meant the whole yard or per plant. He then just said 5 minutes. I don't know what to do. If he means per plant, I will be watering by hand for a few hours two to three times a week, there are THAT many and it seems unreal and impossible.

Can anyone PLEASE give me some advice, it's a mix of desert plants and bushes, plus three trees.

Need some plant suggestions for this space. We put in a Mexican fence post and aloe plant, and both died quickly due to too much sun/heat.

1633 W Taylor st. Must be picked up. I suggest bringing a pitchfork. I will remove this post once it’s gone. Thank you!

We decided to pull the last of our beets tonight before the first freeze of the season is supposed to hit us. We still have brussels sprouts, spinach, peas, peppers, and celery, so we just covered those.

I moved to AZ from Chicago in June and this weather (and having nice plants) is still newish to me. I'm in the west valley (9b) and I have only potted plants - various flowering, some cacti and other succulents as well as some nice little herbs. I haven't moved any inside or covered them yet but the weather is looking quite frosty and I'm not sure what to do. When do you cover or move inside and which ones, if any, can stay out. Also, do you cover/uncover (move/move back) daily or just leave covered for days?

Any advice you can offer is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

This black spot has continued to spread on my young avocado tree. It’s on the main branch so I’m hesitant to cut it off.

Any thoughts on what it is and how I fix it?

Consists of 3 cherry tomato plants propped up with a sunflower stalk+trellises Gets 15 minutes of water in the morning and afternoon

I've been debating whether to pick these tomatoes and ripen them indoors, now that the temperatures are dropping overnight. Or leave them on the vine. The day time temperatures still feel fairly warm (Close to downtown Phoenix) but it's the overnight temps that have me worried.

https://preview.redd.it/ia8ulw2rog9e1.jpg?width=3000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=51a6085f88b01bc1c78b5100a17d1222d8f83590

https://preview.redd.it/9zcvdw2rog9e1.jpg?width=3000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d8f565e1c8420cfe246e6414b5163d92f795e1d9

About to close on our first home and we have an all paved small backyard area. I’d love to get some garden beds started since the whole backyard is paved. I can place the garden beds along the north, west, or south side of our patio but the west and south sides will have some shade due to close adjacent buildings. I was looking at getting a garden bed like this and I’m wondering if there’s a plant(s) that would do well in this? I’m especially wanting roses that could eventually climb this but understand that only certain kinds could do that and being in a bed versus the ground may not be good for this.

Would love some advise on where to start with this or other suggestions for getting some greenery in a small paved backyard.

You guys have been great. I'm a farmer's daughter. We planted, then thinned and let nature do the rest of the work with water and prayers until harvest. I can't believe how many tomatoes are on this plant, it's just one plant. Do I take some out and let them ripe on their own? Do I just keep letting them ripe on the vine? Trying to learn one day at a time. Thanks for any guidance.

What variety are they ?