Gardening in Arizona—especially in the Phoenix area—doesn’t really follow the same calendar as most of the country. While many regions hit their peak growing season in the summer and hibernate in the winter, desert climates flip the script. Some of the most productive desert planting happens in the cooler months, while summer is more about survival and smart maintenance.
Understanding the rhythm of seasons in the desert is the key to planting success. When you plant at the right time, your garden requires less water and fewer interventions, while still producing stronger, healthier plants.
Whether you’re growing vegetables, flowers, or ornamental plants, this seasonal guide will help you stay one step ahead and make the most of your Phoenix landscape year-round.
Spring (Late February-Early May): The Prime Growing Window
As is the case in many parts of the country, spring is one of the most forgiving and productive seasons for planting in Arizona. Of course, spring often starts a little earlier in the desert, and the danger of frost is usually gone by mid-to-late February. Mild mornings and warm afternoons create ideal conditions for vegetables and flowers to get established before the intense summer heat arrives.
This is the time to plant anything that thrives in warmth, but needs a head start before the triple-digit temperatures set in.
Popular choices for spring planting include:
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- Squash and zucchini
- Cucumbers
- Beans
- Basil and other herbs
- Marigolds, zinnias, and cosmos
Spring is also a smart time to install new shrubs, perennials, or trees, so that they have time to develop roots before summer stress kicks in. Just be sure to mulch well and water consistently to help them get established.
Note: The earlier, the better for many spring crops. Keep an eye on the temperatures and try to give plants plenty of time to establish before the heat kicks in.
Summer (Mid-May-September): Protect and Maintain
An Arizona summer is less about planting and more about protecting what you already have. Extreme heat can stress plants quickly, so summer is the time to turn your focus to shade and proper watering.
This isn’t the best time to plant delicate vegetables or ornamentals, but there are still select crops that actually thrive in the heat and can be planted this time of year.
Heat-tolerant options include:
- Sweet potatoes
- Peppers
- Eggplant
- Okra
- Armenian cucumbers
- Melons
- Cacti, succulents, and other desert-adapted species
Gardening in a Phoenix summer is not for the faint of heart (for the humans or the plants), but there are a few tips that can help your crops continue to thrive:
- Water deeply, but less frequently
- Use drip irrigation when possible (to reduce evaporation)
- Add shade cloth for vegetables
- Use fresh mulch to cool hot soil
- Avoid heavy pruning or fertilizing
Note: Think of summer as a maintenance season. The goal is to keep things alive and healthy to promote a strong harvest in the fall.
Fall (October-November): The Desert’s Second Spring
As temperatures drop, Arizona gardens come back to life. In fact, many cool-season crops actually perform better in the fall than they do in the spring.
During this season, plants tend to grow quickly and have easier watering requirements, making this an ideal planting season for beginner and experienced gardeners.
Best options for fall planting are:
- Lettuce and leafy greens (spinach, kale, swiss chard)
- Broccoli and cauliflower
- Carrots
- Beets
- Peas
- Cilantro
- Parsley
- Snapdragons
- Pansies
Fall is also an ideal time to overseed lawns, refresh containers, and plant perennials or shrubs. Roots develop well in these cooler months, which sets plants up for strong growth the next year.
Note: Start seeds directly in the ground once daytime highs stay below 90°F.
Winter (December-Mid February): Grow the Cool Crops
While much of the country is frozen, winter in Arizona is surprisingly productive. Desert gardeners can continue planting and harvesting throughout the season (and as a bonus, it’s usually more pleasant to be outside, too!). Mild days and chilly nights create ideal conditions for leafy greens and root vegetables to grow.
Winter favorites include:
- Lettuce
- Arugula
- Cabbage
- Radishes
- Onions
- Garlic
- Herbs like dill and cilantro
Frost in the desert is rare, but possible, so keep frost cloth handy for especially chilly nights. Otherwise, winter gardening in Phoenix is relatively low effort and high reward.
Note: This is also a great time to plan new landscape projects, install hardscaping, or redesign beds while plants are less stressed.
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Arizona’s planting calendar may look different, but once you understand it, the possibilities are endless. By working with the seasons instead of against them, you can conserve water, reduce maintenance and stress, and grow stronger, healthier plants all year long.
Choose your plants, find your rhythm, and enjoy a garden that rewards you season after season.
