Any recommendation on type of dwarf citrus tree to plant in backyard? Ideally something of the orange, tangerine, mandarin, or naval families; better for picking and eating (not juicing); no thorns if possible since I have young ones.

I am in north Phoenix new build suburb, so hardiness zone 9 I believe.

Thanks!

Mesa, AZ: Mature olive tree has a discoloration of leaves and branches. The discoloration started in one small patch at the beginning of the year, but now there are several areas on the tree that are affected. The leaves aren't dry, dead, or falling off, and they feel like the green leaves. I couldn't find anything online directly relating to this issue, so I thought to try here. Could anyone shine a light on this situation and possibly offer a solution? Thanks!

https://preview.redd.it/h28jukfebzrd1.jpg?width=2600&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7327afbdee4f874e9b38c0e826f88ce5841ee7d4

https://preview.redd.it/49dvxf2v96rd1.jpg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=bd49a9d7812373cdfaf0e7bc3362cb70bc8ac673

https://preview.redd.it/61c6pf2v96rd1.jpg?width=2732&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=da6a9073ceab96c66a521ee7359725a01758cdaa

https://preview.redd.it/vzxm5h2v96rd1.jpg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=be501878f43620b7f1f40fe46543c65dd243d7fe

Survived the worst of the heat. Has some brown areas from under watering. Once you water regularly those sections fill in rather quickly. Way heartier than grass. Right now I’m battling some Bermuda grass that’s competing on the outskirts. Fortunately, the Bermuda can’t thrive where the Lippia is already established and is easily pulled out.

Like, I didn’t miss anything? It’s not somehow still mid-July?

Hello - what is a good amendment for breaking up our native caliche/clay soil? I have used the soil conditioner from Moon Valley and it helped my fruit trees. But no idea what’s in it.

I have been amending with mulch, compost, and fertilizer as needed.

Thanks!

Bought a house that had a slab poured out to the property line to make a third parking spot. Decided to remove part of it and now in the process of loosening the soil and getting some organic matter back in there. Those bags of spent grounds from Starbucks are working well so far.

Hey y'all! I want to attempt growing some of those gorgeous black and red peony poppies this year, I've had great success with corn and california poppies and have been thinking about some arizona poppies to mix in with my desert bluebells, but does anyone have tips on growing papaver somniferum cultivars? I bought some culinary seeds from the store and have spread some out and am putting some in the freezer in case they need a colder winter than what we've got.

Also if anyone has tips for growing perennial Violets here that would be appreciated as well 🖤

I’ve grown some sorghum where I live so I know I have the proper thing s to grow sugarcane but I was wondering where I could actually get some at. I’m located south of south mountain park

Hi all, I moved to Gilbert last November, and waited to plant my garden until about March-April. I tried to keep it Sonoran Desert in nature (for the most part), but ended up losing some purple hopseeds, a golden barrel, a bottlebrush, and a cardon that is really struggling from bad sunburn. On the flip side, most of my opuntias, creosote, desert ironwood, and brittlebush have thrived. Is there an optimal time to plant new varieties to give them time to root and adapt to the sun out here in AZ?

I have a large saguaro that is leaning badly, and I’ve been informed that it’s full of rot and should be removed before it falls and takes the block wall with it. I’ve got starlings and woodpeckers that live and nest in it. I hate the idea of it just disappearing suddenly. Two questions. Should I start trying to scare the birds off by spraying water at it in the evenings? And/or should I put some nest boxes up on the nearby palm tree? Once it’s gone I plan to have a few native trees planted in or near the same area. I would love some advice on how to ultimately help the bird population. (I know starlings are invasive, so I’m more concerned with the native species)

Has anyone grown a cashew tree in valley?

Hi there fellow gardeners! This is my first year gardening here and need some advice.

I have had 50% shade cloth on my garden throughout summer and it has done so well! I’m wondering, when do you take off the shade cloth? Is there a certain temp? Month? Do you keep it on through the year?

Thank you in advance! Happy gardening :)

I have gardened in Arizona in the past but due to a change in housing I wasn't able to have a garden. I'm now back in a place where I am able to have one! I haven't been in the game since 2018. I was a fan of Arcadia color's starts, but they are gone now and I'm looking for recommendations. I'm willing to drive.

I primarily grow veggies and fruit organically in raised beds or containers using the square foot method and succession planting. I'm beyond excited to get back into it and am really glad to have found this subreddit.

Is it too late to save my potted bougainvillea? I have a few growing in the ground around our property and I'm in shock that I couldn't keep this one going. My others grow like weeds! What did I do wrong? The leaves and petals are turning soft and almost jelly like.

North Phoenix, 10a

We moved into a house in late July, and I built a raised bed to get some stuff in the ground for a harvest in November (corn, beans, pumpkins). However, with the heat, nothing has sprouted, even with covering the bed in shade cloth.

We’re staying in the 100’s until mid-September at least, so I’m debating if it’s worth it at this point to try and get something growing, or just take the time to get other projects done and get more beds built and ready for winter.

What would cause a Chinese elm to start drying out. One is doing great the other bigger just started to decline? Both get watered deeply twice a week. The ends of the drying one are brittle and break off. The truck still appears to be alive but I’m not optimistic for it’s survival.

I planted strawberries in the early spring season in my garden. Now preparing my beds for fall planting, I found the strawberry root balls. They seem pliable still. If I wrap them in paper towels and put them in the fridge to put them in a dormant state and later replant them will they grow? Or do these versions of strawberry plants have a single fruiting season?

Okay! I’m starting from a blank slate, going into September what should I be plants or what will go good with the upcoming temperatures? I’m looking for a little bit of everything, veggies herbs flowers

I have a mini golf turf area ( putting green) in my backyard which I want to remove because drainage around it really sucks. Also I want to put some trees in that section. My backyard isn't big and hence I would love to use this place for gardening.

Sadly I have no idea what is underneath such a turf. Is it possible for me to lift up the turf , dispose the sand or whatever underneath, put soil and grow trees ?

What are some things that I should look out for? Any pointers or experiences? How to dispose of the waste? How deep should I dispose off ? Where to get good soil to replace? Tools I might need ?