Sam Liddicott

Deserts are notoriously harsh environments. Hot and dry (excluding Antarctica), with low rainfall, desert soils are challenging for most plants and take years to naturally build fertility. Deserts are found on multiple continents, from Australia to the Desert Southwest in the USA. Compost is an excellent soil amendment and a powerful way to enrich impoverished soil. But as compost requires moisture and plenty of organisms, is it possible in the desert?...

Trees are wonderful. They provide shade, structure, habitat, and beauty to a garden. But if you’ve planted a tree in your yard, it may not be in its natural or preferred environment. Supporting its growth means helping recreate those natural conditions wherever possible. While trees get around 90% of their mass from carbon in the air, the remaining 10% from the soil is equally vital. So, how can you mimic that natural nutrient cycle and the accumulation of organic matter on the ground at home?...

If you live anywhere with deciduous trees, then you have the key ingredient for one of the best natural soil supplements—leaf mold. This organic material improves soil structure, boosts moisture retention, and supports beneficial soil organisms, making it an essential addition to any garden. In this article, we’ll run through the simple process and break down (pun intended) some of the science behind it. What is Leaf Mold? Despite its name, leaf mold isn’t slimy, smelly, or unpleasant....

We’re finally seeing a slow temperature decline in the Desert Southwest, which is wonderful. We’ve passed our yearly highs, and although it wasn’t nearly as hot as last year (thankfully), July and August brought far less rain, leaving us below average for the monsoon storms. Below-average years are inevitable, of course, but it’s still disappointing. That said, a wet winter is predicted, which is wonderful. Here’s a brief look at what’s happening in my garden right now....

Bees are among the most essential—and most overlooked—insects in our ecosystems. With thousands of native species worldwide, they pollinate around 80% of the world’s flowering plants. Unlike honeybees, which were introduced in many places, native bees evolved alongside local plants and are often even better suited to pollinate them. In this article, we’ll go over some of the key issues they’re facing, how your garden can help them to thrive, and what they’ll do for you in return....

It’s been a dry year for the Southwest so far, though things are looking up with a fairly active monsoon season underway. I’ve been helping my garden adjust to the heat, use water more sustainably, and provide better habitat for local wildlife. I’ve lost some plants, but plenty have still thrived. Here’s a look at what I’ve been doing in my Sonoran Desert, zone 9a garden. Some plains coreopsis winning against the heat....

We’ve all envisioned the perfect garden—neatly trimmed beds, clean lines, and not a leaf out of place. Perhaps you’ve admired the stunning show gardens at the Chelsea Flower Show, with their carefully curated designs and lush plantings (I have). These spaces are beautiful and attract a diverse range of wildlife. But step into a wild woodland, meadow, or desert wash, and you’ll notice something different: there’s litter. Twigs, seed pods, spent blooms, and fallen leaves carpet the ground....

Using Woody Cuttings for Plant Trellis Many plants — beans, tomatoes, peas, and more — grow best with support. Trellises and supports can add up in cost, and it’s not always easy to find the right one. Here we’ll run through some tips and ideas for using woody plant cuttings (and plants themselves) as growing supports. If you don’t have any trees or shrubs in your garden, consider asking a neighbour or friend....

A well-planned flower bed can be a visual delight and a haven for pollinators. But crafting a beautiful bed can feel daunting—no one wants to lose plants after all that work! Here’s a 4×8 ft layout that balances structure, color, and bloom succession—plus tips to adapt it for your space. This flower bed is best suited for zones 6-8 (with some wiggle room on either side), and is based on two garden beds I grew a few years ago in the UK....

We’ve covered a good number of considerations that you should make when planning what, when, and where to grow. In this final article, we’ll explore ways to manage yields, store food and herbs, and offer tips for gardening in tight spaces. We’ll also discuss planting strategies, storage techniques, and ways to keep your harvest fresh longer, whether you’re in a small apartment, a large backyard, or somewhere in between. Eating Fresh vs Storing It’s important to consider how you’ll use your harvest....