Gardening has always been one of my favorite hobbies. It keeps me moving, helps me relax, and fills my yard with beauty. Living in El Paso, I’ve learned that gardening here is different from other places. The sun is strong, rain is rare, and the soil can be tricky. But with the right plants and a little know-how, anyone can create a garden that thrives in our desert climate.

If you love gardening or want to start, here are some tips to help you grow a beautiful, low-maintenance garden right here in El Paso.

1. Pick the Right Plants

The secret to a successful garden is choosing plants that love the desert as much as we do. Here are some great options:

• Cacti and succulents – Agave, prickly pear, and yucca are tough, beautiful, and need little water.

• Colorful flowers – Lantana, desert marigold, and red yucca bring bright color and attract butterflies.

• Herbs and veggies – Rosemary, thyme, oregano, and chili peppers grow well with little care.

These plants are easy to grow, save water, and don’t need much fuss—perfect for a low-stress garden.

2. Water Wisely

In El Paso, water is precious. The trick is to use it the right way so your plants get what they need without waste.

• Water early in the morning or late in the evening to keep it from evaporating.

• Use drip irrigation or a soaker hose to give water directly to the roots.

• Put mulch around plants (like wood chips or gravel) to hold moisture in the soil.

• Group plants with similar water needs so you don’t over- or under-water anything.

A little planning goes a long way in keeping your garden healthy while saving water.

3. Find Some Shade

The desert sun can be tough—on both plants and gardeners! Protect your garden and yourself with some smart shading:

• Plant trees or tall shrubs to create natural shade.

• Use shade cloth or a pergola for delicate plants.

• Position plants to get morning sun and afternoon shade when possible.

And don’t forget to take care of yourself, too! A shady spot to sit and enjoy your garden makes all the difference on a hot day.

4. Make Gardening Easier with Raised Beds and Pots

Gardening should be enjoyable, not exhausting. Raised beds and container gardens help take the strain off your back and knees.

• Less bending and kneeling means less stress on joints.

• Easier watering and maintenance keeps gardening fun instead of a chore.

• Better soil control helps plants grow stronger and healthier.

• Movable pots let you adjust for sunlight and seasons.

Adding a comfy chair or garden stool nearby gives you a place to rest while enjoying your hard work.

5. Invite Nature In

One of the joys of gardening is watching birds, butterflies, and bees visit your plants. They help pollinate flowers and add life to your yard. Here’s how to welcome them:

• Plant nectar-rich flowers like milkweed, salvia, and red yucca.

• Put out a shallow water dish for birds and pollinators.

• Avoid chemical pesticides that can harm helpful insects.

Sitting in the garden and watching butterflies flutter by is one of life’s simple pleasures.

Enjoy the journey! Gardening isn’t just about plants—it’s about the experience. It keeps us active, lifts our spirits, and gives us a peaceful place to unwind. Whether you’re growing flowers, herbs, or just a little greenery, every bit of effort is worth it.

So, if you haven’t started a garden yet, why not give it a try? With a little patience and care, you can create a space that brings you beauty, relaxation, and a deep sense of satisfaction.

Happy gardening!

By Silvia Martinez, avid gardener and El Paso resident since 1957