How to set up a Cactus Garden?

I would go to a trusted greenhouse and ask them what amending you need to do to make the area the best for cactus. They could also suggest what cactus will be the best for your area. I would also check with them as to if you need to use a weed barrier and what type and also with what to cover the area, mulch type or rocks. Do some research on cactus to see what type you would like to include and take that list with you to see if they will be good for your area so that you know what you would like to see in the cactus garden.

There is such a HUGE selection of succulents available today. Some are more prickly than others but many have blooms. You might consider adding some non-prickly succulents to add variety in texture, color, and blooms. For example, moss roses around the edge or at the base of your taller cacti might be the perfect contrast to give the garden depth and interest. Find what grows well in your area in neighboring yards or even the desert and take a camera shot of it to take to the local nursery to get more ideas of what you prefer. Hope this helps, Nancy, I really admire you for doing one in all cactus. Great idea!

You have a Prickly Pear cactus and I've been growing mine in MN for many years. I did very little to my soil but made sure they were in a spot that is sunny most of the day during winter. Not sure that even matters because they are really hardy. They will spread easily each year and when you have a few growing they are beautiful when they flower. Mine grow pretty low to the ground since the season is short but even though they may look dead in the spring, give them time, they will come back.

PS They are edible! I haven't tried it but there are recipes online.

Be sure to plant where it will get full sun otherwise it won't bloom. I have only gotten a few blooms on mine and not every year. I think it does not get enough sun. It still looks good though. I used river rock as mulch and added some grasses too. It's a work in process. I live in MN and the cactus survives the winter.

Hey Linda -- did you know you can make a great jelly/sauce from the 'pears' too! depending on your location these guys can get really huge .. and invasive! You may want to look at some xeriscaping sites for ideas .. https://www.plantdelights.com/collections/xeriscape-plants this nursery in is NC, but you may be able to find one in your location ..

How about adding a cholla? A friend gave me 3 small pieces and they grew quite well planted in an old wheel. They are very hardy and survived being moved 2 years ago in the wheel to the present location.

Remove all the grass and put down landscape fabric... cut an X in the fabric for each cactus.... you don't want to have water stand around the cactus for longer than 15 minutes or so... dish it just enough so water won't run off right away.... but not so much that it puddles there when it rains.... use pea gravel or decomposed granite ... or gravel to surround your cactus

Check this link https://www.plantdelights.com/collections/xeriscape-plants