Tips for Gardening in Arid Climates

Gardening in
Arid Climates

When temperatures soar above 100 degrees and the air lacks humidity to draw moisture from, even the toughest plants appreciate a little bit of help. If you live in a hot, dry climate, choosing the right plants and planting them at the right time of year can make all the difference. The tips and resources on this page will help you succeed in creating a resilient garden in even the hottest climates.

Plants that Thrive in the Heat

Master Gardener and Sacramento-based content creator, Janey Santos of @DigPlantWaterRepeat, has worked with Proven Winners to develop the Best for the West collection. You'll find it at dozens of independent retailers throughout the region. Based on her own experience plus recommendations from local garden centers and arboretums, these plants have proven to thrive in arid climates.

See the Best for the West Collection

Planting & Maintenance Tips

Check out these 5 tips to gardening success in dry, hot climates.

Establish Roots
in Cool Weather

Most hot, arid climates have a long growing season, but it is still recommended to establish drought-tolerant plants in cooler, wetter weather to give them a good head start.

Water Plentifully After Planting

Even though these plants are tough, they're not invincible, so you'll want to water them plentifully after planting until the plants' roots get established.

Containers: Bigger is Better

When planting in containers in hot, arid climates, consider using larger containers than you normally would. Larger containers hold more soil which has better water retention. That helps the plants withstand hot, dry weather with greater ease.

Attracting Pollinators

Many drought-tolerant plants attract pollinators. Consider enhancing your drought tolerant oasis with a butterfly puddling station or bird bath.

Use Gravel, not Wood Mulch

In place of wood mulch, use rocks and pea gravel to surround your plantings. This will help to conserve moisture and aid in the drainage that many arid climate plants require.

Low-Water Landscape Inspiration

Check out our low-water landscaping ideas below.