Salty and alkaline soils are common in hot, dry climates and can severely limit plant growth. This guide explains how to recognise salinity and high pH, and how to use organic matter, smart watering and raised beds with living soil mixes to grow healthier plants in arid and semi-arid regions.

In hot, dry climates, bare soil loses water fast and stresses plants. This guide explains how to use dead and living mulches to keep your soil cool, moist and biologically active, with practical tips for beds, containers and living soil mixes in arid and semi-arid gardens.