Planets - Desert, how can I make them. (Starsphere)

Since this is more Crossfire related, I think is belongs here more.

Can someone help me texture a starsphere so the bottom (Ground) is Desert, and then the rest of the planet very barren with a few clouds here and there. (The idea is that your ship will be in the higher atmosphere)
Thus all clouds will mostly be on your plain and below you.
I am pretty bad at art and thus this is really hard for me to do (why I look here).

In case you need a better description here is an example of one thats in a Terra like planet.

Any help is much appreciated.

I believe they use TGA files.

Is there such a way I can make a desert like starsphere?

Well I can edit that one that I have I just need help with texturing the damn thing to a desert.