When to Plant in Phoenix, AZ

Phoenix's low desert climate turns the gardening calendar completely upside down. Summer temperatures regularly reach 110–115°F, making vegetable gardening essentially impossible from June through August. The prime growing seasons are fall through spring — the opposite of most of the country.

Phoenix gardeners operate in two main windows: a fall-to-spring garden from September through May, and a very limited spring garden that must be timed carefully to get crops in before the intense heat arrives. Winter gardening is actually excellent in Phoenix.

FAQ

When is the last frost date in Phoenix, AZ?

Phoenix rarely freezes — the average last frost date is around February 8, and many years see no frost at all. But summer heat (110°F+) is the real growing season limiter.

When should I plant tomatoes in Phoenix?

Plant fall tomatoes in September–October for a December–February harvest. Plant spring tomatoes in January–February for an April–May harvest before summer heat arrives.

Can I garden year-round in Phoenix?

Almost — the exception is June through August when temperatures regularly exceed 110°F, making most vegetable gardening impossible. The fall-winter-spring season is excellent.

What's the best season to garden in Phoenix?

The November–February winter garden is Phoenix's finest — cool, dry weather produces excellent tomatoes (planted in fall), broccoli, kale, lettuce, carrots, and all cool-season crops.

How does Plan My Garden help Phoenix gardeners?

Enter your Phoenix zip code and we'll build a planting schedule tuned to the low desert's inverted growing calendar.

Frost dates for Phoenix ZIP codes

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