Arizona gardens often suffer from heat and neglect in August. However, as the next planting season approaches, it’s time to prepare the beds and plan for fall. This article covers the essential tasks to help your August garden vegetables, fruit, flowers, and landscape plants thrive. We will also cover which pests to expect and how often to water your garden, trees, and shrubs.

For information about what to plant and harvest in the low desert during August, please see my planting guides or this blog post, “What to Plant and Harvest in August: Low Desert of Arizona.” Low desert includes elevations below 3500 ft in the Southwest, such as the Phoenix and Tucson metro areas.

Gardening has a language of its own, but it doesn’t have to be confusing. Use the Gardening Glossary to quickly look up unfamiliar words and build confidence as you learn.

Click on the title to jump to that section and learn more about what to do during August:

• Vegetable Gardening
• My August Garden Journals
• Pests & Wildlife to Watch Out For This Month
• Container Gardening Tasks
• Flower Gardening Tasks
• Caring for Roses During August
• Herb Gardening
• Fruit Trees and Citrus
• Landscape Plants
• August Watering Guidelines

Looking for more in-depth help? Join me for one of my gardening classes.

Vegetable Gardening

Plan Your Fall Garden

• Read “How to start a garden in 8 simple steps” to get started on your garden if you are a first-timer or are looking for a few tips.
• Plan your garden with this detailed Arizona Vegetable Planting Calendar for the Low Desert, to help you grow successfully in desert conditions.
• Make a plan for fall and winter planting. We usually don’t have enough room to grow everything we want. Think about what is most important to have fresh from the garden. Incorporate different vegetables, herbs, fruits, and flowers into your garden plan.
• If you want to grow garlic, purchase garlic if you haven’t already. Store it in the fridge until it is time to plant in October.
• If you want to plant potatoes next month, purchase organic potatoes and begin chitting them. Learn how here.

Prepare Beds For Fall Planting

• To prepare beds for fall planting, add compost, spent cover crops, worm castings, and other organic matter to the soil. Organic matter decomposes and needs to be replenished.
• If your garden has struggled or has not grown well, consider testing your soil. Then, amend the soil as directed by the soil test. This is the soil testing kit I use.
• If you are not going to plant until September or October, plant a cover crop like buckwheat or cowpeas to cover the soil.
• Cut back cover crops 2-3 weeks before you plan to plant. Cut off at soil level. Pull back the mulch and leave plants on the soil or cover with compost. Learn more about how to grow cover crops here.

Garden Tasks During August

• Remove spent summer-heat-loving vegetables and vegetables past their prime.  
• Cut back peppers, eggplants, and tomatoes to the newest leaves. This rejuvenates the plants for an excellent fall crop. After cutting back, top plants with worm castings and compost.
• Remove debris around plants to discourage pests. 
• Remove spent artichoke heads to save the seeds.
• Harvest any remaining I’itoi onions.
• Pot up any indoor-grown seedlings that are outgrowing their containers if it is not time to plant them outside. 
• Fertilize indoor-grown seedlings every other watering.

If you would like to learn more about the principles of successful desert gardening, my guide, “Desert Gardening: How to Grow Vegetables in a Hot, Dry Climate,” may be helpful.

My August Garden Journals

Twice a month, I send my personal garden journal to members of “Growing in the Garden Academy.” From the first seedling to the last harvest, you can follow my gardening adventures in Arizona’s unique low desert. As a member, you also have access to the past three years of garden journals and monthly classes.

Join me, and let’s make your garden thrive under the desert sun!

Low Desert Arizona in August: Pests & Wildlife to Watch Out For This Month

The best defense against pests is healthy plants. This can be difficult because the heat is stressful for plants. Spend time in the garden each day and catch problems when they are small.

• Grasshoppers show up to feed on new growth. Handpick. Hopefully, the birds help you out, too.
• Spider mites can be problematic this month. Read this post for treatment options.
• Squash and Eastern Bordered Plant Bugs. This article shares prevention and treatment options.
• Whiteflies thrive in August garden conditions. They look like clouds coming off the bottom of leaves when a plant is disturbed. Use a soapy water solution of 1 Tablespoon Dawn to one gallon of water on the undersides of leaves daily to keep infestations down.
• Corn borer larvae cause skeletonized patches on corn leaves. Treat with Bt or a drop of mineral oil on top of each tassel.
• Bird damage on melon and sunflower leaves. Although they damage the leaves, the plant usually survives. Consider putting out a bird bath for thirsty birds.
• Chrysanthemum lace bugs on sunflowers. Read this post for treatment options.
• Bagrada bugs, tomato hornworms, three-lined potato bugs, and leaf-footed bugs are common this month. Hand-pick all stages and drop into soapy water.
• If rollie-pollies are eating seedlings (they love beans!), sprinkle a small amount of this slug and snail bait when you plant. Learn more in this blog post.
• Milkweed and other seed bugs are common on seed pods and best left untreated; they usually don’t cause damage.
• Leaf miners on cantaloupe or other melons. Remove damaged leaves.
• The buzz of cicadas fills the air, and their exoskeletons can be found all around the yard. Damage is minimal; they are seasonal, and there is no need to treat for them.

Beneficial insects and other wildlife you may see during August:

Lovebirds and finches on sunflowers, bees, assassin bugs, wasps, hummingbirds, praying mantids, lizards, and butterflies like Swallowtails and Gulf Fritillary.

Container Gardening Tasks

• Move containers to areas of your yard that receive afternoon shade naturally.
• Group containers and grow bags close together for an insulating effect.
• Refresh large containers with additional raised bed mix if you are planting in them. Organic matter decomposes and needs to be replenished. I love this soil mix for raised beds and containers.
• Keep those small containers put away for at least another month.

If you enjoy container gardening, you’ll love the benefits of elevated beds—check out my guide, How to Grow in Elevated Garden Beds, to learn how to get started

Arizona August Garden Tasks: Flower Gardening

• Keep summer bloomers like zinnia, vinca, cosmos, and gaillardia deadheaded to encourage more blooms.
• Don’t cut anything back severely; it probably won’t recover.
• Plan your wildflower garden for fall. Learn more here.
• Fertilize container-grown flowers this month.
• Save seeds from summer flowers like sunflowers, marigolds, tithonia, zinnias, and four-o-clocks. Learn how to save seeds here.
• If you haven’t already, order fall-planted bulbs like ranunculus, prechilled tulip bulbs, and anemones. (Click the links for bulb sources). Store ranunculus and anemone corms in a cool closet until it’s time to plant. Read grow guides for ranunculus, tulips, and anemones here.
• To remove spent sunflowers, don’t pull them up! Cut them off just above soil level, and the roots will decay instead of pulling a large soil ball with them.

Arizona Annual Flowers Planting Calendar helps you learn when to plant flowers in Arizona and when to start seeds indoors.

Caring for Roses During August in Arizona

• Evaluate your roses. They may look haggard, but if plants are severely burned or struggling, consider moving them to a shadier location in the fall.
• Roses are often chlorotic, as it is difficult for them to access soil nutrients when it is so hot. As the soil cools, the plant will begin to take up the nutrients.
• Keep roses lightly deadheaded (I cut off just under the bloom). Do not fertilize or prune this month.
• Remove rose blooms right away from stressed plants. Blooming adds additional stress.

Make plans for planting roses this fall. Choosing the right varieties helps ensure your roses survive the summer heat. Roses such as Memorial Day, Iceberg, Mother of Pearl, and Julia Child are excellent choices as they are known for their resilience and ability to withstand high temperatures.

I get all of my roses from Heirloom Roses. I love that they are own-root roses (no grafts!) and have the highest standards for diseases. You know you are getting robust, disease-free roses with strong roots when you get them from Heirloom Roses. Use Code GARDENAZ20 for 20% off any rose order through December 31, 2025. Order now and have them shipped when you are ready to plant (up to 8 months later).

Fruit and Fruit Trees

• Keep fruit picked on fruit trees. Clean up rotten, split, sun-damaged, or fallen fruit.
• Don’t prune this month.
• Apply the last round of citrus fertilizer to citrus between August and September. Water well the day before you fertilize and again after fertilizing.
• Lemons and key limes begin to ripen this month. Harvest as needed. They will continue to ripen over the next several months. The flavor is best right after picking. Lemons can be stored in the fridge for a couple of weeks, but it’s best to leave lemons on the tree until needed. Read this article for citrus growing tips. 
• Watch pomegranate trees for leaf-footed bugs.
• Expand the basins around trees to extend 1 foot beyond the drip line as needed.
• Root strawberry runners to make new plants.
• Split fruit (tomatoes, pomegranates, citrus) is a watering issue. Remove split fruit and do your best to provide regular deep watering for plants.

Herb Gardening

• Perennial herbs may look a little spent. Continue to harvest as needed, but wait until September to give them a good trim and decide if you want to replant. Learn more about growing perennial herbs in this article.
• Harvest and use basil. Cutting back basil often encourages new growth and keeps it from flowering and going to seed. This article shares how to grow basil. 

The Arizona Herb Planting Guide helps you learn when to plant over 30 different herbs in Arizona and whether to plant seeds or transplants.

Landscape Plant Tasks in August

• August is a good time to plant hardy desert trees and cacti. Their roots get established best in warm soil.
• Wait to plant shrubs and perennials. It’s too hot. They will establish much better if you plant them in the fall.
• To encourage more blooms, deadhead and lightly prune summer flowering plants and perennials such as oleanders, birds of paradise, Texas sage, and lantanas.
• If cactus are leaning, this indicates a problem with the root system. This can be caused by too much or too little water. Plants may fall over. Contact a professional for assistance if the saguaro is over 8 feet tall.
• Do not top trees. It’s damaging to the plant. Thinning limbs to open up the canopy is okay.
• If a limb breaks during a summer storm, prune back to a main branch and make a clean cut. Clean cuts will heal better.
• Evaluate severely stressed or unhealthy plants. Typical reasons for not growing well are not enough water, too much sun (or shade), or the plant is not suited for a desert climate. Make a plan to move or replace struggling plants in the fall.
• Hose off plants prone to spider mites about once a week.
• Pull weeds that emerge after summer rains. Do not let them set seed.

Arizona Garden in August Watering Guidelines

• Hopefully, we will get nice soaking rain. If you receive .5″ rain, you can probably skip one watering.
• Think about ways to harvest or channel rainfall and direct it on your property. Read this post to learn more about using rainwater harvesting and swales and berms to collect and use rainwater.
• Use a soil probe to check watering depths. Aim to water trees to 3 feet, landscape plants to 2 feet, and annual plants to 1 foot.
• The summer heat and dry soils build up salt levels in the soil. Local water supplies also become saltier later in the summer. Water twice as deep once this month to flush salts from plants’ root zones.
• If you haven’t already, check the irrigation system and timer. Run the system, inspecting all drips and sprinklers for leaks and proper watering. 

Watering Containers During August

With hot temperatures, monitoring containers closely and watering often is crucial. You may have to water every day. If you’re not sure, use a moisture meter to check soil moisture levels

If containers dry out too much, the soil may become hydrophobic. When watering, check the soil to ensure water is absorbed and not repelled by hydrophobic soil. I usually water my containers every 2-3 days in August and fill up the ollas each time I water. Adding ollas to containers helps with watering during the summer. I use ollas from Growoya.

If you’re using containers in a hot climate, Elevated Garden Bed Tips for Hot Climates shares strategies to help your garden thrive when temperatures soar.

Watering Annuals and Garden Beds During August

During hot weather, annual vegetables, herbs, and flowers need more frequent watering. Water to a depth of about 8-12 inches every 2-3 days, allowing the top of the soil to dry out before watering again. 

I usually water my raised beds every 2-3 days in August. I use the garden grids from Garden in Minutes to water my raised beds. (Use code Angela10 to save $10 off $100 or ANGELA to save 7% on any size order.)

Tree and Vine Watering Guidelines: ¹, ²

Monitor your fruit trees for signs of water stress. Leaf curling is usually the first noticeable sign. Wet the soil from the tree trunk to just past the tree’s drip line.

• Established citrus trees should be watered once every 7-14 days to a 2-3 feet depth.
• Water annual fruit and high water use vines every 2-5 days to a depth of 8-12″.
• Water established fruit trees every 7-10 days to a depth of 18-24″.
• Grape vines need deep watering every 5 days. 
• Water annual fruit and high water use vines every 2-5 days to a depth of 8-12″.
• Desert-adapted trees, shrubs & vines every 7-21 days (water to a depth of 24-36″ trees / 18-24″ shrubs / 8-12″ vines).
• High water use trees every 7-10 days (water to a depth of 18-24″).
• High water use shrubs every 5-7 days (water to a depth of 8-12″).

Gardening in the desert comes with unique challenges, but you do not have to figure it out alone. My Desert Gardening page is a landing page that links to all my desert gardening resources. From monthly planting schedules to strategies for summer survival and winter frost protection, it is designed to help your garden thrive year-round.

Sources:

1 – For additional information on watering practices, visit: “Association of Municipal Water Users Authority. (2023). Landscaping with Style in the Arizona Desert.” https://www.amwua.org/landscaping-with-style.

2 – https://extension.arizona.edu/sites/extension.arizona.edu/files/pubs/az1151-2021%20%282%29.pdf

If this article about what to do in your low desert Arizona garden in August was helpful, please share it.

The post August Desert Gardening appeared first on Growing In The Garden.

Gardening in the low desert of Arizona during July is difficult. Learn how to maximize your Arizona garden’s potential in July and navigate the challenges of hot weather to ensure your plants’ survival. Keep reading to learn which tasks to do, how much to water, and which pests may show up.

For information about what to plant and harvest in the low desert during July, please see my planting guides or this blog post, “What to Plant and Harvest in July: Low Desert of Arizona.”

If you are ready to dive deeper into gardening, explore my gardening classes. I offer both online and in-person classes that cover topics like seasonal planting, raised beds, soil health, and gardening in the low desert.

Click on the title to jump to that section and learn more about what to do during July:

• Vegetable Gardening
• My Garden Journal
• Pests and Wildlife
• Container Gardening Tips
• Flower Gardening
• Herb Gardening
• Fruit Trees and Citrus
• Landscape Plants

July YouTube Videos

What To Do in the Low Desert Arizona Garden in July

July is typically the hottest month in the low desert. Monsoons may bring humidity and moisture, but they may not. It’s essential to pay attention to your plants’ watering needs this month. The average temperature is 107°F (41.6°C), and the average rainfall is 1.22 inches. When you’re in the garden this month, remember to work outside in the cooler morning and evening hours and stay hydrated. Low desert includes elevations below 3500 ft in the Southwest, such as the Phoenix and Tucson metro areas. Find all my desert gardening resources in one place on the Desert Gardening page.

Vegetable Gardening in the Low Desert Arizona Garden in July

A few keys to gardening during July in the low desert include:

• Planting crops that are adapted to high temperatures.
• Providing shade if needed. (Read more in this blog post)
• Watering correctly. (Read more here)
• Good soil. (Read more in this blog post)
• Mulching well. (Read more here)

Plan your garden with this detailed Arizona Vegetable Planting Calendar for the Low Desert, to help you grow successfully in desert conditions.

Vegetable garden tasks during July:

• Prepare for monsoon winds by staking roselle plants, large sunflowers, and other plants requiring extra support. This blog post explains more about monsoon gardening.
• Consider planting sweet potato slips or black-eyed peas as a cover crop in any empty beds. Learn more in this blog post.
• Fertilize sweet potatoes with a balanced fertilizer. 
• Clear out squash and other plants that have stopped producing or show signs of heat stress and disease to make room for monsoon and fall planting.
• Don’t prune or fertilize most plants. Most need to be in summer dormancy to survive. Pruning can expose new areas to sunlight damage, and fertilizing can cause stress. 
• Bell peppers can get sunburned if fruits get direct sun; provide some shade if scalding is a problem. 
• Tomatoes may be finishing up. Remove spent or diseased plants. Note which varieties you liked and which did well. If tomato plants still look healthy, let them stay in the garden and keep them alive. They will produce again when temperatures fall.
• Cucumber production slows or even stops this month as temperatures heat up. Pull plants if necessary if cucumbers are bitter or pests or diseases are an issue. Plant Armenian cucumbers in their place.
• Pot up any indoor-grown seedlings outgrowing their containers if it is not time to plant them outside. Fertilize indoor-grown seedlings every other watering.
• Read this post to see if metal beds heat up more than wooden beds.

• If you haven’t already, order garlic and other fall-planted bulbs like ranunculus and anemone. Also, order prechilled tulip bulbs to plant at Thanksgiving and saffron crocus if you want to grow the world’s most expensive spice. Read how to grow guides for ranunculus, anemones, and tulips.
• Go through your seeds and plan for fall and winter planting. 
• Onion blooms have developed seeds. Save them and try growing your own from seed. You can also save bolted parsley and dill seeds.

If you would like to learn more about the principles of successful desert gardening, my guide, “Desert Gardening: How to Grow Vegetables in a Hot, Dry Climate,” may be helpful.

Vegetable Watering Guidelines:

• Hopefully, monsoon humidity and added moisture will come to the low desert this month. A rain gauge helps measure how much rain you receive. If you measure .5 inches of rain, check that the rain penetrated your soil and then turn off your water timer. You can also insert a screwdriver into grass or rocks to determine whether to water. If it passes easily into the soil, you can wait to water. Monitor plants for signs of stress and ensure they get enough water and have good drainage.  
• During hot weather, annual vegetables need more frequent watering. Water to a depth of about 8-12 inches every 2-3 days, allowing the top of the soil to dry out before watering again. 
• During July, I usually water my raised beds every other day. I use the garden grids from Garden in Minutes to water my raised beds. Use code Angela10 to save $10 off $100 or GITG5 to save 5 percent on any size order.
• If you haven’t already, check the irrigation system and timer. Run the system; inspect all drips and sprinklers for leaks and proper watering. 

My July Garden Journals

Low Desert Arizona in July: Pests & Wildlife to Watch Out For This Month

Monitor plants for pests and diseases. Removing plants is often better than treating them if plants are struggling or overwhelmed with pests. The heat is stressful for plants – they probably won’t recover if overtaken. 

Common Pests During July:

• You may see circles cut out from leaves on roses, pomegranates, and other plants. Leaf-cutter bees are responsible and use the leaves to build their nests. It’s cosmetic damage only and nothing to worry about. These solitary bees are excellent pollinators.
• Monitor squash and melon plants for squash bugs in all stages: adults, eggs, and nymphs. This post will teach you more about preventing and controlling squash bugs.
• Three-lined potato bugs are a common nuisance on tomatillos and ground cherries. If spotted, check plants several times a day. Keep a soapy bucket handy to drop them into. If numbers increase or get out of hand, consider pulling the plant.
• Leaf miners on cantaloupe or other melons. Remove damaged leaves.
• You may still have aphids or chrysanthemum lace bugs on sunflowers, but hopefully, beneficial insects like lacewings and ladybugs will take care of them for you. If not, you can remove damaged leaves and spray them with water.

• Spider mites are common on beans, especially in hot, dry conditions. This blog post explains how to prevent and treat them.
• If rollie-pollies are eating seedlings (they especially love beans) before they sprout, an effective solution is to sprinkle a small amount of this slug and snail bait when you plant. It is iron phosphate with an attractant for slugs. It’s non-toxic to worms and safe to use.
• Monitor tomato, pepper, and eggplants for tomato hornworms. If you see insect frass (droppings) or eaten leaves, look closely for hornworms. Handpick and feed to chickens.

• Monitor pomegranate trees for all stages of leaf-footed bugs. If spotted, daily vigilance and dropping them into a bucket of soapy water are effective solutions to this difficult pest.
• Other common pests include katydids, crickets, and grasshoppers. Birds and spiders are natural predators.
• Milkweed and other seed bugs are common on seed pods and best left untreated; they usually don’t cause damage.

Wildlife and Beneficial Insects:

• During July, the hum of cicadas often fills the air. They emerge from the soil and love warm, humid temperatures. Cicadas are Important pollinators and a food source for other animals.
• Lovebirds and lesser goldfinch are commonly seen on sunflowers this time of year. They love the seeds, and the lesser goldfinch also enjoy eating the leaves.
• Bees, hoverflies, wasps, lacewings, praying mantids, syrphid flies, parasitic wasps, assassin bugs, and other beneficial insects are active now.
• Other wildlife may include lizards, hummingbirds, butterflies, and moths.
• Keep your chickens cool by providing water for them to stand in. Consider adding a misting stand. Keeping them hydrated with extra cucumbers and watermelon can also help. 

Visit my shop for planting guides & more

Low Desert Arizona in July: Container Gardening Tips

• If possible, put small containers away until the fall. Use the soil from the containers as mulch or add to compost.
• Move containers to areas of your yard that receive afternoon shade naturally.
• Group containers and grow bags close together for an insulating effect.

Container Watering Guidelines:

• As temperatures heat up, monitoring containers closely and watering often is crucial. You may have to water every day. If you’re not sure, use a moisture meter to check soil moisture levels.
• If containers dry out too much, the soil may become hydrophobic. When watering, check the soil to ensure water is absorbed and not repelled by hydrophobic soil.
• During July, I usually water my containers every other day and fill up the ollas each time I water. Adding ollas to containers helps with watering during the summer. I use ollas from Growoya.

If you’re using containers in a hot climate, Elevated Garden Bed Tips for Hot Climates shares strategies to help your garden thrive when temperatures soar.

Flower Gardening in the Low Desert Arizona Garden in July

Arizona gardening in July wouldn’t be the same without sunflowers! I love this branching variety. They are everywhere in my yard, and I love them. There are many reasons to plant sunflowers: they provide shade, can be used as a trellis, attract wildlife and pollinators, and are simple to grow from seed in nearly any spot in your yard.

• Rudbeckia attracts pollinators, grows well from seed, and makes an excellent cut flower.
• Tithonia is a heat-loving favorite that also makes an excellent cover crop.
• Globe Amaranth thrives in the heat with consistent watering. I like to harvest the flowers for cut flowers. I’ve planted them in my flower beds and throughout my garden beds to attract pollinators.
• Cut back spent hollyhocks and save the seeds this month. Leave the roots in place.
• Zinnias are a champion of Arizona gardening in July. Give them consistent moisture, and enjoy the lovely blooms! They are also excellent cut flowers. Get more details about how to use and install trellis netting for cut flowers in this guide.

Flower Watering Guidelines:

As temperatures heat up, annual flowers will need more frequent watering. Water to a depth of about 8-12 inches every 2-4 days; allow the top of the soil to dry out before watering again.

Fruit & Fruit Trees in the Low Desert Arizona Garden in July

• Fertilize blackberries with a balanced fertilizer. 
• If you haven’t already, mulch your trees well. Adding worm castings, compost, and mulch three times a year will prepare and help your trees from high summer temperatures. Learn more in this blog post. Valentine’s Day, Memorial Day, and Labor Day are the best times to do this. However, it is beneficial at any time of year and will not burn plants.
• Keep fruit picked up to discourage insects and pests.
• Pomegranates may drop some fruit this month. Read this article for more information about how to grow pomegranates.
• Anna’s apple harvests finish up this month. Fruit left too long on the plant may cook! Harvest and bring indoors. Here are our favorite recipes to use Anna apples.
• Monitor grapes and blackberries for harvest readiness. Cover to protect from birds if necessary.
• Shade newly planted fruit trees to help them survive their first summer. Monitor watering closely.

Citrus:

• Citrus is developing on all the citrus trees throughout the yard. Last month, the trees self-thinned, and the fruit that is left on the tree is growing well. Citrus trees appreciate the monsoon rains and higher humidity this month.
• Paint or wrap any trunks exposed to sunlight to protect them from damage. Any water-based paint works to paint citrus. I prefer using tree wraps over paint. It’s like wearing sunscreen versus a swim shirt. The wrap offers better protection.

Fruit Watering Guidelines: ¹, ²

Monitor your fruit trees for signs of water stress. Leaf curling is usually the first noticeable sign. Wet the soil from the tree trunk to just past the tree’s drip line.

• Established citrus trees should be watered once every 7-14 days to a 2-3 feet depth.
• Water annual fruit and high water use vines every 2-5 days to a depth of 8-12″.
• Water established fruit trees every 7-10 days to a depth of 18-24″.
• Grape vines need deep watering every 5 days. 
• Water annual fruit and high water use vines every 2-5 days to a depth of 8-12″.

Herb Gardening in the Low Desert Arizona Garden in July

• Lemongrass grows quickly in the heat.
• Lightly harvest perennial Herbs like rosemary, thyme, sage, and oregano. Cutting back too much can be stressful.
• Mint doesn’t look great over the summer. When temperatures moderate in the fall it will rebound.
• Basil is the champion herb of summer. The more you harvest, the more it will grow. Use it and preserve it by freezing or freeze-drying.
• Harvest seeds from bolting parsley, fennel, and dill.

Herb Watering Guidelines:

• As temperatures heat up, annual herbs will need more frequent watering. Water to a depth of about 8-12 inches every 2-4 days; allow the top of the soil to dry out before watering again.
• Water desert-adapted landscape perennial herbs (like rosemary) every 7-21 days (water to a depth of 18-24″).
• Many Mediterranean herbs, such as sage, rosemary, lavender, oregano, and thyme, are more likely to die from overwatering and root rot in the summer than from underwatering. Take care not to overwater them.
• Arizona Herb Planting Guide helps you learn when to plant over 30 different herbs in Arizona and whether to plant seeds or transplants.

Landscape Plants in the Low Desert Arizona Garden in July

• Prepare for monsoon winds by staking any small trees requiring extra support and properly pruning trees and shrubs. If limbs or branches break, prune back to the main trunk if possible. Learn more about preparing for monsoons in this blog post.
• Tecoma is in full bloom and doesn’t mind the heat. Hummingbirds and pollinators love it.
• Yellow Dot is a vigorous ground cover that grows rapidly in well-drained soil and can grow in full sun or shady areas.
• Ornamental Sweet Potato Vine is a fast grower available in several colors. . Learn more about how to grow sweet potato vine in this article.
• July is not the month to prune or fertilize landscape plants, trees, and shrubs. Pruning and fertilizing encourage new growth and expose new areas to damaging sunlight, which is stressful for plants when temperatures are above 100°F (38°C).
• If plants die, don’t replace them. Instead, look around at other plants in your neighborhood growing well for replacement ideas. For desert-adapted plants that require less water, check this guide, Landscape Plants for the Arizona Desert. Wait to plant until the fall.
• If stinknet sprouts in your yard, pull it and dispose of it so the seeds do not spread.

• Palms are an exception to planting. They grow and get established best in warm soils, and July is a good month to plant them.
• If you are considering removing Bermuda grass, July is an excellent time. Learn more in this blog post.
• Provide shade for new plantings (less than 1 year old) if they show signs of stress, and monitor the root ball to ensure it does not dry out. This blog post discusses different ways to provide shade.

Landscape Watering Guidelines: ¹

• Water twice as long at least once. Plan one extra-long watering this month to flush the accumulated salt buildup deeper into the soil.
• Desert-adapted trees, shrubs & vines every 7-21 days (water to a depth of 24-36″ trees / 18-24″ shrubs / 8-12″ vines).
• High water use trees every 7-10 days (water to a depth of 18-24″).
• High water use shrubs every 5-7 days (water to a depth of 8-12″).
• High water use vines every 2-5 days (water to a depth of 8-12″).

Looking for clarity on gardening terms like “bolting,” “perennial,” or “fertilizing”? Check out my complete Gardening Glossary: Practical Terms and Definitions.

Sources:

1 – For additional information on watering practices, visit: “Association of Municipal Water Users Authority. (2023). Landscaping with Style in the Arizona Desert.” https://www.amwua.org/landscaping-with-style.

2 – https://extension.arizona.edu/sites/extension.arizona.edu/files/pubs/az1151-2021%20%282%29.pdf

If this post about low desert Arizona gardening during July was helpful, please share it.

The post July Desert Gardening appeared first on Growing In The Garden.

If you spend time in an Arizona garden in June, you’ll likely enjoy bountiful harvests and beautiful blooms, especially early in the month. Spring and warm-season crops are wrapping up, and harvest baskets are often full. But as the month progresses, the garden shifts from production to survival.

June is typically the driest and one of the hottest months in the low desert. With an average high of 105°F (40.6°C) and only 0.12 inches of rain, your plants, trees, and soil feel the strain. This month can be a turning point—what you do now can help your garden endure the harsh summer ahead.

In this post, you’ll learn how to maximize your garden’s potential in June:

• Which essential tasks to tackle
• How much and how often to water
• Common pests to watch for
• How to keep plants healthy through the heat

When you’re working in the garden this month, stick to the cooler morning or evening hours and stay hydrated.

Wondering what to plant this month? Head over to the What to Plant in June blog post for a detailed list of vegetables, herbs, and flowers that grow well in the low desert this time of year.

Download the June Garden Checklist at the top of this post to stay on track all month long.

This guide is designed for low-desert gardeners in the Southwest, including areas with elevations below 3,500 feet, such as Phoenix, Tucson, and surrounding communities. Explore the Desert Gardening page for everything you need to grow in hot, dry climates.

If you’re wondering what to plant and when, this planting calendar for Arizona is one I refer to all year long.

New to gardening? The terminology can feel overwhelming at first. That’s why I created a Practical Gardening Glossary with simple definitions for common garden terms like bolting, compost, and perennial. I also offer both online and in-person classes that cover topics like seasonal planting, raised beds, soil health, and gardening in the low desert.

Click on the title to jump to that section and learn more about what to do during June:

• Vegetable Gardening
• Pests and Wildlife
• Container Gardening Tips
• Flower Gardening
• Herb Gardening
• Fruit Trees and Citrus
• Landscape Plants

Vegetable Gardening in the Low Desert Arizona Garden in June

Stay Ahead of the Heat

This month, hot, dry temperatures are affecting the garden. Correct timing, watering, shade, and mulching are essential.

• Mulch: If you haven’t already, add a thick layer (3–5 inches) of mulch to your garden beds. I use the wood chip mulch from Arizona Worm Farm.
• Shade: Use shade cloth to protect annual vegetables, or plant them in areas that receive afternoon shade. I use this shade cloth to reduce sun stress.

Harvest and Transition

• Onions and Garlic: Harvest any remaining onions and garlic at the beginning of the month and cure them indoors.
• Cucumbers: If your cucumbers are bitter, heat may be the cause. Remove those plants and switch to Armenian-type cucumbers, which don’t get bitter. Learn more about bitter cucumbers in this blog post.
• Beans: Warm-season bush beans finish up this month. Replace them with heat-loving types like asparagus beans or black-eyed peas. Here’s how to grow asparagus beans.

Tomato Tips for Summer

• High Night Temps: Once nighttime temperatures stay above 75°F (24°C), tomato pollen may not be viable and fruit set can slow.
• Ripening Indoors: If tomatoes are slow to ripen, bring them inside once they show a flush of color. Learn how to ripen tomatoes indoors.
• Plan Ahead: Start seeds indoors for a monsoon tomato planting. Check the planting lists for other seeds to start now.

Summer Soil Care

• Cover Crops: Consider planting a summer cover crop in empty beds to keep the soil alive. Learn more about summer cover crops here.

Manage Summer Crops

• Melons: Provide support for trellis-grown watermelon and cantaloupe as they begin to grow heavier.
• Squash & Other Warm-Season Crops: Remove any plants that are no longer producing or show signs of heat stress or disease.

Watch for Disease

• Powdery Mildew: This fungal disease is common in June. Learn how to treat powdery mildew to help affected plants recover.

Vegetable Watering Guidelines for June

June can be one of the most challenging months for your garden. Both overwatering and underwatering can stress or damage plants—getting it right is key.

• Check Your System: If you haven’t already, inspect your irrigation system and timer. Run the system to check for leaks, clogged emitters, and ensure all areas are being watered correctly.
• Adjust for the Heat: As temperatures rise, annual vegetables need more frequent watering. Aim to water to a depth of 8–12 inches every 2–4 days, allowing the top of the soil to dry out between waterings.
• Raised Bed Tip: I use the Garden Grids from Garden in Minutes to water my raised beds efficiently and evenly. Use code ANGELA10 to save $10 off $100 or ANGELA to save 7% on any order.

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Join me, and let’s make your garden thrive under the desert sun!

Low Desert Arizona in June: Pests & Wildlife to Watch Out For This Month

Common Garden Pests to Watch for in June

Squash and Melon Pests

• Squash Bugs: Monitor squash and melon plants for squash bugs in all stages—adults, eggs, and nymphs. Keep a bucket of soapy water nearby to drop them into. This blog post explains how to prevent and treat squash bugs.
• Leaf Miners on Melons: Leaf miners can be found on cantaloupe and other melons. Remove affected leaves to slow the spread.

Tomatillo and Ground Cherry Pests

• Three-Lined Potato Bugs: These pests are a common nuisance on tomatillos and ground cherries. If spotted, check plants several times a day and drop them into soapy water. If populations grow too large, it may be best to remove the plant entirely.
• Look for: Eggs, larvae, and adult beetles.

Sunflowers and Roses

• Aphids and Lace Bugs: You may still see aphids or chrysanthemum lace bugs on sunflowers. Hopefully, beneficial insects like lacewings and ladybugs are already at work. If not, you can remove damaged leaves and spray off the bugs with water.
• Leaf-Cutter Bees: Circular notches in leaves on roses, pomegranates, or other plants are caused by leaf-cutter bees. This cosmetic damage is harmless. These solitary bees are excellent pollinators and not a cause for concern.

Tomato, Pepper, and Eggplant Pests

• Tomato Hornworms: Watch for insect frass (droppings) or chewed leaves as signs of tomato hornworms. Look closely on stems and leaves, handpick them, and feed to chickens if you have them.
• Look for: Large green caterpillars and their droppings.

Bean Pests

• Rollie-Pollies (Pill Bugs): If seedlings—especially beans—are being eaten before sprouting, apply a small amount of slug and snail bait containing iron phosphate when planting. It’s safe for worms and pets but effective against pill bugs and slugs.
• Spider Mites: Common on beans in hot, dry weather. This blog post explains how to prevent and treat spider mites.

Grape Vines

• Grapeleaf Skeletonizers: These caterpillars can quickly defoliate grape vines. If caught early, remove affected leaves and handpick eggs and caterpillars. For larger infestations, treat with Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis), using it only on affected areas and as directed.

Pomegranate Trees

• Leaf-Footed Bugs: Monitor closely for all stages—eggs, nymphs, and adults. Daily vigilance and hand removal into soapy water is the most effective method for controlling this difficult pest.

Wildlife and Beneficial Insects:

• Lovebirds and lesser goldfinch are commonly seen on sunflowers this time of year. They love the seeds, and the lesser goldfinch also enjoy eating the leaves. I love watching them in the garden.
• Bees, hoverflies, wasps, lacewings, praying mantids, syrphid flies, parasitic wasps, assassin bugs, and other beneficial insects are active now.
• Gulf fritillary butterflies in all stages, swallowtail butterflies, hummingbirds

Low Desert Arizona in June: Container Gardening Tips

• If possible, put small containers away until the fall. The soil from the containers can be used as mulch or added to compost.
• Move containers to areas of your yard that receive afternoon shade naturally.
• Group containers and grow bags close together for an insulating effect.

Container Watering Guidelines:

• As temperatures rise, closely monitoring containers and watering them frequently is crucial. You may have to water every day. If you’re not sure, use a moisture meter to check soil moisture levels.
• If containers dry out too much, the soil may become hydrophobic. When watering, check the soil to ensure water is absorbed and not repelled by hydrophobic soil.
• Add ollas to containers to help with watering during the summer. I use ollas from Growoya.

If you’re using containers in a hot climate, Elevated Garden Bed Tips for Hot Climates shares strategies to help your garden thrive when temperatures soar.

Flower Gardening in the Low Desert Arizona Garden in June

• Plant sunflowers for bright color and to attract birds—I love this branching variety for longer bloom time.
• Deadhead annuals like zinnias, salvia, coreopsis, gaillardia, marigolds, and cosmos to keep flowers blooming. Learn more about flowers that thrive in hot summers.
• Roses may begin to struggle this month. Read this guide for hot summer rose care tips.
• Enjoy hollyhocks and save seeds to share. When blooms fade, cut stalks back to 6 inches—don’t pull the plant.
• Mulch around flowers to keep roots cool and reduce water loss.
• Remove spent bulbs or corms once foliage dies back. Store indoors to replant in fall.

Flower Watering Guidelines:

As temperatures rise, annual flowers will require more frequent watering. Water to a depth of about 8-12 inches every 2-4 days; allow the top of the soil to dry out before watering again.

The Perpetual Annual Flower Planting Calendar, available in my shop, helps you learn when to plant flowers in the low desert of Arizona and whether to plant seeds or transplants.

Fruit & Fruit Trees in the Low Desert Arizona Garden in June

Fruit Tree Care in June

Mulch and Feed Trees:
If you haven’t already, apply mulch around your trees. Adding worm castings, compost, and mulch three times a year helps protect trees from intense summer heat. Learn more in this blog post.

Shade and Water Young Trees:
Shade newly planted fruit trees and monitor watering closely to help them survive their first summer.

Fruit to Harvest This Month

• Peaches & Figs: Continue harvesting regularly to reduce pest pressure. Learn more about growing peach trees.
• Pomegranates: Some fruit drop is normal this month. Read more about growing pomegranates.
• Anna Apples: Harvest promptly—fruit left too long can cook on the tree! Try these favorite Anna apple recipes.
• Grapes: Begin monitoring for ripeness and harvest readiness.
• Passionfruit: Look for flowers and developing fruit this month.

Citrus Care in June

Expect Fruit Drop:
Some fruit drop this month is normal—called “June Drop,” it’s the tree’s way of self-thinning to match what it can support through summer. No need for concern.

Water Consistently:
June is often the driest month of the year, so consistent, deep watering is essential to help citrus trees handle the extreme heat.

Remove Old Fruit:
Once citrus fruits soften, remove any remaining fruit from the tree to avoid pests and disease.

Protect Exposed Bark:
Paint or wrap exposed citrus trunks to prevent sunburn. Read this blog post to learn how to protect citrus bark from sun damage.

Fruit Watering Guidelines: ², ³

Monitor your fruit trees for signs of water stress. Leaf curling is usually the first noticeable sign. Wet the soil from the tree trunk to just past the tree’s drip line.

• Established citrus trees should be watered once every 7-14 days to a 2-3 feet depth.
• Water annual fruit and high water use vines every 2-5 days to a depth of 8-12″.
• Water established fruit trees every 7-10 days to a depth of 18-24″.
• Grape vines need deep watering every 5 days. 
• Water annual fruit and high water use vines every 2-5 days to a depth of 8-12″.

Herb Gardening in the Low Desert, Arizona Garden in June

• Keep basil cut back above two sets of leaves to encourage branching and a full plant.
• Allow bolting/flowering dill, cilantro, fennel, and parsley to remain in the garden. This is one of the best ways to attract beneficial insects to your garden; learn more in this blog post.
• Harvest perennial herbs like sage, rosemary & thyme lightly throughout the summer. Delay heavy pruning until fall.
• Harvest oregano this month. It will flower soon if it hasn’t already. Enjoy and preserve the harvest by dehydrating or freeze-drying.

Herb Watering Guidelines:

• As temperatures heat up, annual herbs will need more frequent watering. Water to a depth of about 8-12 inches every 2-4 days; allow the top of the soil to dry out before watering again.
• Water desert-adapted landscape perennial herbs (like rosemary) every 7-21 days (water to a depth of 18-24″).
• Many Mediterranean herbs, such as sage, rosemary, lavender, oregano, and thyme, are more likely to die from overwatering and root rot in the summer than from underwatering. Take care not to overwater them.

Landscape Plants in the Low Desert Arizona Garden in June

Hold Off on Pruning and Fertilizing:
Avoid pruning or fertilizing trees, shrubs, and landscape plants this month. It encourages tender new growth that’s easily sunburned when temperatures exceed 100°F (38°C).

Don’t Plant (With One Exception):
June is not the time to add new plants, trees, or shrubs—heat stress makes it difficult for them to establish.

• Exception: Palms. They thrive when planted in warm soil. Keep roots well-hydrated and support the plant while it establishes.

Watch for Stinknet (Oncosiphon piluliferum):
If you see stinknet, pull and dispose of it immediately—before it goes to seed. If the plant is already dry, handle it carefully, bag it, and toss it in the trash to avoid spreading thousands of seeds.

Considering Bermuda Grass Removal?
Now’s a great time to start. Learn more about removing Bermuda grass in this blog post.

Shade for Young Plantings:
Provide shade for any plantings less than 1 year old if they show signs of stress. Monitor the root ball closely to prevent it from drying out. This blog post outlines effective shade solutions

Landscape Watering Guidelines: ²

• Give landscape plants a long, deep soak at the beginning of the month to prepare them for June’s hot, dry weather. Water should penetrate below the recommended 2-3 foot normal depths to leach the salts that build up in root zones and recharge the dry soil.
• Desert-adapted trees, shrubs & vines every 7-21 days (water to a depth of 24-36″ trees / 18-24″ shrubs / 8-12″ vines).
• High water use trees every 7-10 days (water to a depth of 18-24″).
• High water use shrubs every 5-7 days (water to a depth of 8-12″).
• High water use vines every 2-5 days (water to a depth of 8-12″).

Sources:

1 – For further reading, please refer to the original article: “University of Delaware Cooperative Extension. (2023). Key Strategies for Soybean Management.” https://sites.udel.edu/weeklycropupdate/?p=4489.

2 – For additional information on watering practices, visit: “Association of Municipal Water Users Authority. (2023). Landscaping with Style in the Arizona Desert.” https://www.amwua.org/landscaping-with-style.

3 – https://extension.arizona.edu/sites/extension.arizona.edu/files/pubs/az1151-2021%20%282%29.pdf

If this post about low desert Arizona gardening in June was helpful, please share it.

The post Arizona Garden in June appeared first on Growing In The Garden.

This blog post is your guide to May gardening in Arizona’s low desert. Learn what to prune, when to fertilize, how to adjust your watering schedule, and the best ways to protect your garden from rising temperatures.

As the heat sets in, May brings some of the most important garden tasks of the year. Mulching, watering deeply, and adding shade can make all the difference in helping your plants survive the looming high temperatures.

Wondering what to plant this month? Head over to the What to Plant in May blog post for a detailed list of vegetables, herbs, and flowers that grow well in the low desert this time of year.

Download the May Garden Checklist at the top of this post to stay on track all month long.

This guide is designed for low desert gardeners in the Southwest—including areas below 3,500 feet in elevation like Phoenix, Tucson, and surrounding communities. Find all my desert gardening resources in one place on the Desert Gardening page.

Click on the title to jump to that section and learn more about what to do during May:

• May YouTube Videos
• Vegetable Garden Tasks in May
• Container Gardening
• Flower Gardening
• Rose Care During May
• Fruit & Fruit Trees
• Herb Gardening
• Landscape Plants
• Sources

“It was such a pleasure to sink one’s hands into the warm earth, to feel at one’s fingertips the possibilities of the new season.”

~ Kate Morton, The Forgotten Garden

Vegetable Garden Tasks in May

Prepare & Plant

• Prepare garden beds before planting summer crops. Add compost and worm castings to improve soil health, and mix in a balanced organic fertilizer if needed.
• Use shade strategically. Afternoon shade or shade cloth can help protect tender crops from the intense May sun. If you’re looking for the link to the shade cloth I use, I use this one and this one, too.
• Apply mulch once your summer crops are growing well. A thick layer of mulch helps retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and protect roots.
• Start seeds indoors this month for your monsoon tomato planting. It’s also a good time to check your low desert planting list to see what else you can start from seed indoors.

Harvest

• Tomatoes are usually ready to pick throughout May. Once nighttime temperatures stay above 75°F, fruit set slows, but existing fruit will continue to ripen. Pick tomatoes at the first blush of red and let them finish ripening indoors.
• Beans are best harvested when the pods are small and tender. If left to mature, the pods swell with seeds, and the plant may stop producing.
• Garlic and onions are typically ready to harvest this month.
  → How to Harvest Garlic
  → How to Harvest Onions
• I’itoi onions can be harvested now or left in the bed. Wait until the tops completely die back for the best storage.

Pest & Plant Care

• Watch for squash bugs on summer squash. Check the undersides of leaves daily for clusters of eggs and adult bugs. Handpick when possible. If populations grow quickly, it may be best to remove heavily infested plants. Get more tips for controlling squash bugs here.

Summer Transition Tips

• Consider using cover crops for any garden beds that won’t be planted in this summer. A summer cover crop keeps soil alive, shades the surface, and reduces erosion.
  → Learn more about summer cover crops
• New to gardening in the heat? Elevated Garden Bed Tips for Hot Climates is a great place to start if you’re working with a small space or just want an easier setup to manage.

Vegetable Watering Guidelines:

• As temperatures heat up, annual vegetables will need more frequent watering. Water to a depth of about 8-12 inches every 2-5 days; allow the top of the soil to dry out before watering again. 
• I use the garden grids from Garden in Minutes to water my raised beds. Use code Angela10 to save $10 off $100 or ANGELA to save 7 percent on any size order.

Visit my shop for planting guides & more

Container Gardening

As both cool-season and warm-season vegetables and flowers come to an end, it’s a good time to evaluate your container setup for summer.

Prepare for Summer Heat

• Put small containers away until fall—they dry out too quickly in the summer heat. You can repurpose the soil as mulch in garden beds or add it to your compost pile.
• Move remaining containers to areas that get natural afternoon shade, like the east or north side of your yard.
• Group containers and grow bags close together to help insulate them and reduce heat stress.

Watering & Soil Care

• As temperatures rise, monitor containers closely and water frequently.
• If soil dries out completely, it can become hydrophobic (repelling water). Always check that water is soaking in and not running off the surface.
• Consider adding ollas (unglazed clay watering pots) to help maintain moisture. I use ollas from Growoya.

Fertilizing Containers

• Feed container plants about once a month with a low dose of water-soluble fertilizer like this one. Containers lose nutrients more quickly due to frequent watering.

If you enjoy container gardening, you’ll love the benefits of elevated beds—check out my guide, How to Grow in Elevated Garden Beds, to learn how to get started

For more container gardening tips, refer to my comprehensive guides to container gardening.

Flower Gardening

May is a beautiful time for flowers in the low desert—cool-season blooms begin to fade, and warm-season flowers take center stage. Here’s how to keep your flower garden thriving:

Care for Existing Blooms

• Deadhead regularly to encourage continuous blooms. Remove spent flowers from zinnias, salvia, coreopsis, gaillardia, marigold, and cosmos.
  → Read more about heat-loving flowers
• Remove spent winter annuals that are fading in the heat to make room for summer blooms.
• Mulch around flowers to help reduce soil temperature, retain moisture, and add organic matter to the soil.

Wildflowers

• Let wildflowers go to seed by leaving the plants in place. Shake them gently to drop seeds for next season.
  → Learn more about saving wildflower seeds

Planting Warm-Season Flowers

• Plant more warm-season annuals now, including sunflowers. I love this branching sunflower variety—it adds bright color and attracts birds.
• Hollyhocks bloom from late April through June. Enjoy their beautiful display and save seeds to spread around your garden or share with friends.

Watering Guidelines for Flowers

• As heat increases, water annual flowers deeply every 2–5 days to a depth of 8–12 inches. Allow the top of the soil to dry between waterings to prevent rot.

Rose Care

Roses are still going strong in May. With a little care, they’ll continue blooming through early summer.

Ongoing Rose Care

• Don’t worry about leaf cutter bees—the damage is only cosmetic and won’t harm your roses.
• Deadhead spent blooms regularly to keep flowers coming through early summer.
• Lightly fertilize roses this month to support continued growth and blooming. I use this rose fertilizer from Amazon. As temperatures rise, lighter doses of liquid fertilizer are easier on your plants if you want to continue feeding them.

Refresh and Mulch

• If you’re growing alyssum around your roses, it may begin to fade in the heat. I let mine go as long as possible, then refresh the area once when the alyssum is done.
• To mulch your roses for summer, apply a 1-inch layer of compost around the base of the plant, then top it with 3 inches of wood chip mulch.
  • The compost feeds the soil and supports healthy microbial activity.
  • The wood chips help retain moisture, protect the soil surface, reduce evaporation, and keep the root zone as cool as possible in the summer heat.

Roses typically stop blooming in the extreme summer heat, but this mulch layer can help them survive and recover once temperatures cool again.

For a complete guide to helping your roses get through the summer, see this hot summer rose survival guide.

Fruit and Fruit Tree Care

May is an important month for fruit trees and berry plants in the low desert. Regular harvesting, careful watering, and a few key maintenance tasks can make a big difference in the health of your trees and the quality of your fruit as summer heat approaches. Here’s what to focus on this month.

Fertilize and Mulch

• Fertilize citrus trees this month. Water well before and after applying fertilizer. Use an organic citrus fertilizer or apply compost and worm castings using this method.
• Mulch around fruit trees with a 3–6 inch layer of organic mulch. Mulch helps lower soil temperatures, retain moisture, and improve soil health.
• I’ve started feeding my fruit trees regularly with Nutrient+ from Arizona Worm Farm and have been very pleased with the results. It’s especially helped my trees recover from summer stress and damage. This year, I’m applying it before the heat sets in—hoping it will help strengthen and prepare the trees for the intense summer ahead.

Harvest Time

• Harvest strawberries, blackberries, and mulberries throughout May. Water strawberries consistently to prevent them from drying out. Blackberries are sweetest when they turn dull black, not shiny.
• Early peaches and apricots are often ready this month. If birds start pecking the fruit, pick it slightly early and let it ripen on the counter. Learn more about growing peach trees here.

Pest and Disease Management

• Clean up fallen fruit under both deciduous and citrus trees to help prevent pest and disease problems.
• Support grapevines as they grow, and check the underside of leaves for grape leaf skeletonizer eggs. Remove and destroy eggs if you find them. If caterpillars appear, treat with Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) before they spread.

Other Fruit Tree Care

• Continue to thin fruit on deciduous trees to improve fruit size and overall health. Learn more about fruit thinning here.
• Minor citrus pruning is fine this month. Remove suckers (shoots below the graft/bud union) and prune dead or damaged wood. Save heavy pruning for fall when temperatures cool.

Fruit Watering Guidelines: ², ³

• Established citrus trees should be watered once every 7-14 days to a 2-3 feet depth.
• Water annual fruit and high water use vines every 2-5 days to a depth of 8-12″.
• Water established fruit trees every 7-10 days to a depth of 18-24″.
• Grape vines need deep watering every 5 days. 
• Water annual fruit and high water use vines every 2-5 days to a depth of 8-12″.

Herb Gardening

Warm temperatures in May bring a new burst of growth to many herbs. With a few simple tasks, you can keep your herb garden healthy and productive through the summer months.

Care for Existing Herbs

• Plant basil from seed or transplants this month. Keep basil regularly cut back to encourage full, bushy plants and a steady supply of fresh leaves.
• Allow biennial herbs like dill, parsley, and cilantro to flower. Their umbrella-shaped blooms attract a wide range of beneficial insects, birds, and pollinators. As seeds form, collect them in paper sacks once they begin to turn brown.
• Bay laurel grows well this time of year. Harvest bay leaves as needed.
• Lemon balm and other herbs from the mint family thrive in the warmer temperatures of May. By now, frost-damaged or woody growth pruned in March should be filling in with new growth.
• Cut back spent lavender flowers to encourage a tidy shape and additional blooming.
• Fertilize summer-growing herbs such as basil by adding a layer of compost.
• Apply mulch around the base of herbs to help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
• Lightly prune borage after it has flowered to prevent excessive reseeding.

Watering Guidelines for Herbs

• Annual herbs will need more frequent watering as temperatures rise. Water to a depth of 8–12 inches every 2–5 days, allowing the top layer of soil to dry out between waterings.
• Desert-adapted perennial herbs, like rosemary, need deep but infrequent watering—about every 7–21 days, soaking to a depth of 18–24 inches.
• Mediterranean herbs such as sage, rosemary, lavender, oregano, and thyme are more likely to suffer from root rot due to overwatering than from drought stress. During summer, it’s especially important not to keep the soil too wet—let it dry out between waterings.

Landscape Plants

As the weather heats up, it’s still possible to plant summer-flowering shrubs and do some light maintenance in the landscape—just be mindful of timing and plant needs.

Planting and Spacing

• It’s okay to plant summer-flowering shrubs this month. Be careful not to overplant—choose heat-adapted varieties and give each plant enough space to reach its mature size.
• Avoid shearing shrubs into shapes. Instead, allow enough room for each plant to grow into its natural form without constant pruning.

Pruning Guidelines

• Don’t prune newly planted trees or shrubs. Let them get established first.
• Lightly prune dead or damaged branches on mature trees and shrubs as needed.
• Save any heavy pruning for later in the fall when temperatures have cooled.
• Trim spent blooms on spring-flowering perennials like Texas mountain laurel and penstemon to keep plants tidy.

Mulching

• Apply a 3–6 inch layer of mulch around the base of trees and shrubs to reduce soil temperatures, retain moisture, and improve soil structure over time.

Landscape Watering Guidelines: ²

• Desert-adapted trees, shrubs & vines every 7-21 days (Water to a depth of 24-36″ trees / 18-24″ shrubs / 8-12″ vines).
• High water use trees every 7-10 days (Water to a depth of 18-24″).
• High water use shrubs every 5-7 days (Water to a depth of 8-12″).
• High water use vines every 2-5 days (Water to a depth of 8-12″).

If you’re new to gardening—or just curious about what gardening blogs mean when they mention pruning, mulching, or perennial—check out my Gardening Glossary. It’s a simple reference that helps make all the terminology clear so you can follow posts with confidence.

Ready to grow your skills? Sign up for one of my gardening classes taught online and in person.

Further Reading:

• Arizona Vegetable Planting Guide helps you learn when to plant vegetables in Arizona and whether to plant seeds or transplants.
• Arizona annual flowers planting guide helps you learn when to plant flowers in Arizona and whether to plant seeds or transplants.
• Would you like more information about gardening in Arizona? This blog post shares 7 tips for growing a vegetable garden in Arizona. 
• Arizona Herb Planting Guide features pictures and planting dates for nearly 40 herbs that thrive in the low desert of Arizona.

Sources:

1 – For further reading, please refer to the original article: “University of Delaware Cooperative Extension. (2023). Key Strategies for Soybean Management.” https://sites.udel.edu/weeklycropupdate/?p=4489.

2 – For additional information on watering practices, visit: “Association of Municipal Water Users Authority. (2023). Landscaping with Style in the Arizona Desert.” https://www.amwua.org/landscaping-with-style.

3 – https://extension.arizona.edu/sites/extension.arizona.edu/files/pubs/az1151

Was this post about gardening in Arizona during May helpful?
If so, please share it with a fellow gardener—it helps more than you know!

The post Arizona Garden in May appeared first on Growing In The Garden.

This recipe is simple enough for a weeknight but special enough for company. All it takes is one skillet and a handful of ingredients—just be ready for everyone to ask for seconds.

Blue Cheese Thyme Scalloped Potatoes

Yield: 4 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1¼ pounds russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and sliced ⅛-inch thick
• ½ medium onion, minced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
• ¼ cup crumbled blue cheese (or more to taste)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the butter. Once melted, stir in the onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until translucent and just starting to brown.
3. Stir in the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
4. Add the sliced potatoes, chicken broth, cream, and bay leaf. Stir gently and bring the mixture to a simmer.
5. Cover the skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low, and cook for about 10 minutes. The potatoes should be just starting to soften.
6. Remove the lid and discard the bay leaf. Sprinkle in the fresh thyme and blue cheese and stir gently to combine.
7. Sprinkle the cheddar evenly over the top, and transfer the skillet to the oven.
8. Bake uncovered for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden on top.
9. Let the dish rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, if needed.

Tips & Variations

• Make it ahead: This dish reheats beautifully—just cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through.
• Customize the cheese: If blue cheese isn’t your favorite, swap in Gruyère or Parmesan for a different flavor twist.
• Potato tip: Yukon Golds hold their shape a bit better than russets, but both work well. You don’t have to peel them (I usually don’t).
• Using dried thyme: If you don’t have fresh thyme, you can substitute with 1 teaspoon of dried thyme. Add it with the garlic so it has time to infuse the dish.

This is one of those cozy recipes that brings everything together–creaminess, rich aromas, and the unmistakable flavor of thyme fresh from the garden. If you make it, I’d love to hear how it turns out for you!

Garden-to-Table Tips

One of the best things about this recipe is that many of the ingredients can come straight from your garden. If you’re looking to grow more of what you cook with, here are a few helpful guides to get you started:

• How to Grow Potatoes
• How to Grow Garlic
• How to Grow Onions
• How to Grow Bay Laurel
• How to Grow Thyme

This recipe was inspired by Mel’s Kitchen Cafe’s Blue Cheese and Cheddar Scalloped Potatoes, with a few tweaks to highlight fresh thyme—my favorite herb.

If you enjoyed this blue cheese thyme scalloped potatoes recipe, please share it.

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In this post, I share some of my favorite perennial plants that thrive in the Sonoran Desert and are perfect for supporting pollinators. These long-lasting plants not only add beauty and texture to your garden, but they also play a vital role in creating a balanced and sustainable ecosystem. Whether you’re looking to add color, fragrance, or biodiversity, these perennials will help you build a thriving, pollinator-friendly space that will flourish year after year.

Using Perennials to Attract Beneficial Insects & Pollinators for a Balanced Ecosystem

Perennials are an excellent way to create a sustainable, balanced ecosystem in your garden. They return year after year, providing consistent food and habitat for pollinators like bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. Unlike annual plants that need to be replanted every season, perennials save you time and effort as they establish themselves and continue to grow stronger over the years.

While perennials may have a higher initial cost compared to annuals, their long lifespan makes them a cost-effective option in the long run. These plants require less maintenance, as many are naturally adapted to local climates and soil conditions. Once established, they also need fewer resources like water and fertilizer, making them an eco-friendly choice for gardeners who want to minimize their environmental impact.

By selecting perennials that attract pollinators, you can create a garden that not only flourishes but also supports local wildlife. These plants provide essential nectar, pollen, and shelter, helping to pollinate your crops, control pests, and promote a healthier garden ecosystem overall. Whether you’re growing flowers, herbs, or shrubs, incorporating perennials into your garden is an excellent way to contribute to biodiversity while enjoying a low-maintenance, long-lasting landscape.

Supporting pollinators in the desert takes the right plants and placement. Find out what works in Planting for Pollinators: Create a Simple Insectary Border in Your Garden.

Why plant native plants?

When selecting perennial plants for your garden, it’s often best to choose native species. Native plants are naturally adapted to your area’s climate, soil, and rainfall, meaning they thrive with less water, fewer chemicals, and minimal maintenance. These plants are also more resistant to local pests and diseases, making them easier to care for in the long run.

In addition to being resilient, native plants play a crucial role in supporting local wildlife, including pollinators like bees and butterflies, as well as birds and beneficial insects. By planting native species, you’re helping to protect and preserve your local ecosystem, while promoting biodiversity in your garden.

If you’re interested in learning more about the principles of successful desert gardening, my guide “Desert Gardening: How to Garden in a Hot, Dry Climate“ may be a helpful resource.

Perennial Plants That Attract Beneficial Insects & Pollinators in the Sonoran Desert

Here are a few of my favorite perennial plants that are well-suited for the Sonoran Desert and will help attract pollinators to your garden:

• Angelita Daisy
• Baja Fairyduster
• Blackfoot Daisy
• Blanketflower
• Chocolate Flower
• Coral Vine – Learn how to grow this drought-tolerant beauty in my Growing Guide for Coral VIne.
• Creosote
• Damianita Bush
• Desert Lavender
• Desert Marigold
• Desert Milkweed
• Fairy Duster
• Firecracker Penstemon
• Mt. Lemmon Marigold
• Globe Mallow
• Lantana
• Mealy Cup Sage
• Mexican Bush Sage
• Morning Glory
• Parry’s Penstemon
• Passion Vine
• Rock Penstemon
• Rock Verbena
• Rosemary – Get growing tips for this desert perennial in my Rosemary Growing Guide.
• Salvia
• Sandpaper Verbena
• Shrubby Germander
• Spanish Lavender – Get tips on growing this desert perennial in my Lavender Growing Guide.
• Skyflower
• Tangerine Crossvine
• Turpentine Bush
• Woolly Butterfly Bush
• Yellow Bells

These perennials are great choices for gardeners in the low desert of Arizona or other Sonoran desert areas. They provide year-round color and texture while supporting pollinators and enhancing your garden’s biodiversity.

Download printable “Sonoran Desert Perennials for Pollinators” at the top of the post.

Not sure what to plant or how to grow it? The Ultimate Plant Index covers everything from rosemary and lavender to ranunculus—organized A–Z for easy browsing. It’s your go-to resource when you’re planning your garden or seeking care tips.

References and Further Reading

1. “Native Plants for Pollinators & Beneficial Insects: Southwest – Sonoran Desert“
2. Desert Museum Plant List
3. Plant Partners, Science-Based Companion Planting Strategies for the Vegetable Garden, Jessica Walliser.

If this post about the perennials for pollinators in your desert garden was helpful, please share it.

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April is a pivotal month in the Arizona garden, with warm days and cool nights providing ideal conditions for growth. However, with rising temperatures ahead, now is the time to complete key gardening tasks to set up for a successful season. This guide covers everything you need to do in an Arizona garden in April, including vegetable and herb care, flower and rose maintenance, fruit tree pruning, container gardening, landscape upkeep, watering strategies, and pest control.

The low desert of Arizona includes areas below 3,500 feet in elevation, such as the Phoenix and Tucson metro regions. Gardening in these regions comes with unique challenges, but by taking the right steps now, your garden will be better prepared for the heat ahead. Find all my desert gardening resources in one place on the Desert Gardening page.

Whether you’re thinning fruit, fertilizing plants, or refreshing garden beds, taking action now will help your Arizona garden in April thrive. For a month-by-month guide to keeping your garden productive all year, visit my Arizona Monthly Garden Guides. For more information on what to plant and when, this planting calendar for Arizona is one I refer to all year long.

If you’re new to gardening—or just curious about what gardening blogs mean when they mention things like seedling, mulch, or compost—check out my Gardening Glossary. It’s a simple reference that helps make all the terminology clear so you can follow posts like this one with confidence.

Looking for what to plant this month? Check out my companion post, What to Plant in April.

Click on the title to jump to that section and learn more about what to do during April:

• April YouTube Videos
• Vegetable Gardening Tasks for April
• My April Garden Journals
• Garden Pests in April
• Container Gardening Tasks
• Flower Gardening Tasks
• Caring for Roses During April
• Herb Gardening
• Fruit Trees, Berries, and Citrus
• Landscape Plant Tasks During April
• Watering Your Garden and Landscape

April YouTube Videos

Vegetable Gardening Tasks for April

Clear out remaining cool-season vegetables to make space for upcoming warm-season crops.

Prepare garden beds by pulling back the mulch and adding a thick layer of compost on top of your soil. Add a generous sprinkle of worm castings. Water in well.

• For more soil-building tips, visit my guide: How to Prepare Your Soil for Planting.
• Want to enhance your garden beds even more? Check out my Composting with Worms Guide to learn about in-bed worm bins.

Thin seedlings and transplants. Give each plant enough room to grow.

Fertilize strawberries, onions and garlic this month. I recommend this fertilizer—great for strong growth.

Feed newly planted grapes in April. I recommend this fertilizer for grapes. (Established grapes should be fertilized in February and May.)

Provide support for tomatoes. Proper support will encourage strong plants and higher yields. I just started using these tomato cages from Garden in Minutes, and they are awesome. It is designed to fit within the watering grids and is super tall, so even indeterminate tomatoes have enough support.

Watch out for blossom end rot, especially on the first tomatoes of the season. Prevent it by watering evenly and consistently.

• For more tips on handling blossom end rot, check out my Blossom End Rot Guide.

Hand-pollinate early squash blossoms in the morning. The first squash fruits often need help setting fruit. Gently transfer pollen from male to female flowers (the ones with a tiny squash at the base) remove the male blossom or use a small paintbrush or cotton swab.

Install shade cloth when temperatures consistently reach above 90°F (32°C). This can cool the air by about 10 degrees and give you more time for crops to produce before it gets hot.

• Need more details? Here’s my Shade Cloth Guide.

Add a thick layer of mulch (about 3-4 inches) around your vegetables to keep moisture in and soil temperatures stable.

• Read my Mulching Guide for extra tips and benefits of adding mulch to your Arizona garden in April.

Get my April Garden Journals in GITG Academy

Twice a month, I send my personal garden journal to members of “Growing in the Garden Academy.” From the first seedling to the last harvest, you can follow my gardening adventures in Arizona’s unique low desert. Access the past three years of garden journals and monthly classes as a member.

Garden Pests in April

Aphids
Aphids are especially active this month. I prefer letting beneficial insects—like ladybugs and lacewings—take care of the problem rather than stepping in right away. Encouraging helpful bugs by allowing cilantro and dill to bolt (flower) and planting nectar-rich flowers such as alyssum goes a long way in keeping aphids under control. Learn more ways to attract beneficial insects in this guide.

Alyssum can also act as a valuable companion plant. Learn how to grow alyssum in this guide.

Ladybugs are a gardener’s best friend against aphids. Learn to recognize every stage of their life cycle—from larva to adult—so you can protect them and let them work their magic in your garden! Learn more in this guide.

Potato Bugs (Roly-Polies)
These curious little crustaceans can become a nuisance in spring. For tips on managing them organically, check out my Potato Bug Management Post.

Genista Broom Moth Larvae
You might spot these on Texas Mountain Laurel. Some leaf damage is normal and usually doesn’t harm the plant long-term. If the infestation becomes severe, you can use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) to help control them.

Container Gardening Tasks

• Wrap Up Small Containers
  As small containers finish producing, I often repurpose their soil by adding it to my garden beds, using it as mulch around trees, or mixing it into my compost. Then, I clean and store those small containers until cooler weather returns.
• Keep Growing in Large Containers
  Containers of 20 gallons or more can withstand Arizona’s intense summer heat more effectively. If you plan on planting summer crops in these larger containers, refresh the potting mix first. Learn how in my Potting Soil Refresh Guide.

A Note About Oyas in Containers

Oyas are small, porous clay pots you bury in the soil. They release water slowly as the soil dries, providing steady moisture right where roots need it. This reduces how often you need to water and helps plants survive hot, dry weather.

Click here to purchase Oyas and see if they’re right for your container garden.

Flower Gardening Tasks

Collect Seeds
Harvest seeds from spring wildflowers and other cool-season annuals you sowed in October and November. Save and reseed your favorites next season!

• For more tips on wildflowers, check out my Wildflower Guide.

• Once winter-growing flowers and other annuals have finished blooming, remove them. Keeping worn-out plants invites pests, so clearing them out helps maintain a healthier garden.
• Give young summer flowers enough space to grow by thinning out any overcrowded seedlings.
• Pinch back basil, zinnias, dahlias & marigolds to encourage branching.
• Arizona’s heat arrives fast, so skip planting new cool-season annuals this month. Their window to thrive is simply too short. Focus instead on warm-season blooms.

Need ideas? Check out my Favorite Heat-Loving Flowers for blooms that can handle our intense summer days.

Plant Sunflowers
Sunflowers can be planted through July. They can provide welcome afternoon shade. I like planting them on the west side of my garden beds to help shield other plants from the hottest sun. For more details, visit my How to Grow Sunflowers Guide.

The Perpetual Annual Flower Planting Calendar, available in my shop, helps you learn when to plant flowers in the low desert of Arizona and whether to plant seeds or transplants.

Caring for Roses During April

April is a beautiful month for roses—often, their peak bloom in the low desert.

• Fertilizing:
  • Established Roses: To encourage continual blooming, consider using a water-soluble fertilizer twice this month rather than a single application of granular fertilizer. This steady supply of nutrients encourages abundant blooms.
  • New Roses (in the ground less than one year): Always use a water-soluble fertilizer only. This gentler approach helps new plants establish strong, healthy root systems without burning the roots.
• Own-Root Roses: I love planting own-root roses from Heirloom Roses in my garden. You can see my favorites here. Use code GROWINGAZ20 to save all year long.

For more detailed tips on rose care for your Arizona garden in April, check out my Rose Growing Guide.

Herb Gardening

• Let dill bloom! Its flowers attract pollinators and beneficial insects, making it a great companion for many vegetables. Learn more in my How to Grow Dill guide.
• Once it flowers, collect the seeds (known as coriander) to replant or use in your kitchen. Need details? Check out my How to Grow Cilantro post.
• Hold off on pruning woody herbs like lavender, rosemary, sage, or thyme until fall. It’s fine to trim summer herbs—basil, lemongrass, and mint—this time of year.
• Consider planting basil beside each tomato plant. The bees—and your tomatoes—will thank you. Learn more in my How to Grow Basil guide.
• Keep basil pinched back to encourage branching until plants grow large and bushy.

For more tips on pairing herbs with summer vegetables, see my Warm-Season Companion Plant Guide. And if you’re looking for ways to keep herbs thriving year-round, don’t miss my How to Grow Herbs in a Hot Climate guide.

Fruit Trees, Berries, and Citrus

• Check Tree Tags
  Trees grow quickly and can outgrow their tags, which might girdle branches if left unattended. Move or reattach tags to smaller branches.
  • Learn more about how to label trees in my Labeling Guide.
• Wrap Citrus Bark
  Newly exposed bark is vulnerable to sunburn. Use tree wrap or a 50/50 mix of water-based paint and water. Avoid over-pruning—lower branches help shade the trunk.

• Light Citrus Pruning
  Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches, and watch for water sprouts on lemon trees. See my Guide to Citrus Suckers and Sprouts for details.
• Thin Fruit on Deciduous Trees
  Thin fruit before it’s about an inch in diameter (usually within a month of full bloom). Leave 4–6 inches between fruit.
  • More details in my Guide to Thinning Fruit Trees.
• Fertilizing & Feeding
  • Blackberries and Deciduous Fruit Trees: After bud break, feed with a fruit tree fertilizer or apply compost or worm castings. (See my Organic Fruit Tree Feeding Guide.)
  • Water Thoroughly: Always water deeply before and after fertilizing.
• Harvesting
  • Grapefruit (Rio Red): Harvest from December through summer. Juice extras—my Citrus Juicing Tips can help.
  • Early Peaches (Earligrande): Might be ready now—pick before birds do! See my Peach Tree Guide.
• Train or Prune
  • Pomegranates: Prune to a manageable size or train against a wall. Growing Pomegranate Guide.
  • Grapevines: Prune before they leaf out. Growing Grapes Guide.

By thinning, fertilizing, and pruning your fruit trees and citrus properly this month, you’ll set them up for a strong growing season and abundant harvest!

Landscape Plant Tasks During April

Clean Up & Refresh

• Remove any dead or struggling plants. Scratch the bark to check for green tissue (life) before deciding to replace.
• Apply a 2–3 inch layer of mulch around shrubs and trees to keep soil cooler.

Prune

• Cut out dead or damaged branches for better airflow.
• Prune spring-flowering shrubs after they finish blooming; water well afterward.
• Trim frost-damaged plants like hibiscus and lantana.
• Avoid pruning or fertilizing newly planted trees and shrubs—let them settle in.

Weed Control

• Pull weeds before they go to seed.
• Remove stinknet (an invasive weed) promptly, and bag it—don’t compost.

Planting

• April is great for most trees, shrubs, and perennials, including frost-tender varieties.
• Give new plants enough space to grow.
• Plant early to help them establish before the heat arrives.

Fertilizing

• Fertilize only established trees and shrubs if needed. Native plants often don’t require extra feeding.
• Consider using Nutrient +, compost or worm castings for an organic boost.
• Skip fertilizing new plantings until they’re established.

Watering Your Garden and Landscape

Check Your Irrigation System
Run your system, look for leaks, and ensure proper coverage.

• I use Garden Grids from Garden in Minutes in my raised beds for even watering and easy adjustment. Use code Angela10 to save $10 off $100, or GITG5 to save 5% on any size order.

Deep Water Landscape Plants
Give established shrubs and trees a thorough soaking to flush out salts and prepare for summer’s heat.

Watering Frequency

• Annuals: Water to about 12 inches deep, then let the top inch of soil dry before watering again.
• Containers: Check moisture with a meter or by feeling the soil; they dry out faster than in-ground beds.
• Citrus Trees: Water established trees every 2–3 weeks.
• Fruit Trees: Water established trees once every 7–10 days.

Conserve & Plan
For guidelines on efficient watering, visit WaterUseItWisely.com or check out my Watering and Water Conservation Resources. Consistent, deep watering now sets the stage for strong, resilient plants all summer long.

Gain confidence in the garden with step-by-step instruction—join me for a gardening class today.

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I got this recipe from my sister-in-law Julie (I’ve texted her more times than I can count asking for it!), so I’m adding it here on the blog for easy access. You can try it too—thanks, Julie!

When the lemons begin to soften, it’s a clear sign that it’s time to harvest them. We squeeze the lemons assembly-line style and freeze the lemon juice in pint jars. One jar makes one batch of lemonade, so it’s easy to thaw and use the juice when the mood strikes. 

If you’re interested in expanding your citrus garden, check out my posts on how to grow citrus and how to grow citrus in containers.

Citrus Season in Arizona

When lemon season ends (and trust me, lemon trees are prolific!), you’ll often have more fruit than you can use immediately. That’s why I freeze any extra lemon juice in pint jars at the end of the season. With this simple trick, you’re always ready to mix up a cool, refreshing pitcher of homemade lemonade when the fresh lemons are gone and the heat kicks in.

Freezing the Extra Juice

Here’s how I do it:

Harvest and Squeeze:
Anytime during the harvest window, rinse of the lemons, cut them in half, and then use a juicer to extract as much juice as possible. For tips on getting the most juice from your citrus, check out my guide on how to juice oranges (and lemons!).

Pour Into Jars:
We love lots of pulp, but if you prefer a smoother texture, strain the juice to remove any seeds or extra pulp. Pour the juice into clean pint jars, leaving a little space at the top to allow for expansion when it freezes. These are the jars I use. Here are the leak-proof lids I use.

Freeze:
Pop the jars into your freezer. When you’re ready to make lemonade during the summer, remove a jar and let it thaw overnight in the fridge or on the counter for a few hours. Freezing in pint jars makes it easy—one jar equals one gallon of lemonade.

Homemade Lemonade Recipe

Now, here’s the family’s favorite recipe I use every time:

Ingredients:

• Sugar: 1 1/2 to 2 cups – to taste (start with less, you can always add more).
  
• Lemon Juice: 2 cups (use freshly squeezed juice in season or thawed juice from your freezer).
  
• Water: A little warm water to dissolve the sugar, then enough cold water to fill a gallon pitcher.
  

Instructions:

1. Dissolve the Sugar:
   In a gallon pitcher, add your sugar and pour in a little warm water. Stir well until the sugar is completely dissolved.
   
2. Add the Lemon Juice:
   Pour in 2 cups of lemon juice.
   
3. Fill with Water:
   Add enough cold water to fill the pitcher. Stir well to blend all the flavors.
   
4. Serve:
   Pour your homemade lemonade over ice and enjoy the refreshing flavor.
   

Enjoy fresh-squeezed flavor all year

This recipe is a family favorite at potlucks and barbeques all year long. I hope you enjoy it as much as we do.

For more insights on selecting and enjoying citrus, you might also be interested in learning about different citrus varieties.

Cheers to fresh, homemade (and homegrown) lemonade and the simple pleasures of summer!

If you enjoyed this homemade lemonade recipe, please share it.

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March is a transition month in the low desert garden—cool-season crops are wrapping up, fruit trees are setting fruit, and warm-season planting is in full swing. Pruning frost-damaged plants, thinning fruit trees, and pulling weeds before they go to seed are just some essential tasks to keep your garden thriving before temperatures climb.

This is also one of the most beautiful months of the year in the garden. Wildflowers bloom, citrus trees are fragrant with blossoms, and mild temperatures make it the perfect time to enjoy your outdoor space. Many local gardens offer spring garden tours this month—these are a great way to see what’s thriving in Arizona landscapes and gather ideas for your garden.

Whether tending to fruit trees, refreshing raised beds, or planning your warm-season crops, this month’s garden checklist will help you stay on track.

If you’re wondering what to plant and when, this planting calendar for Arizona is one I refer to all year long.

Note: The low desert includes elevations below 3,500 feet in the Southwest, such as the Phoenix and Tucson metro areas.

“Spring makes its own statement, so loud and clear that the gardener seems to be only one of his instruments, not the composer.”

Geoffrey Charlesworth

Click on the title to jump to that section and learn more about what to do during March:

• March YouTube Videos
• Vegetable Gardening Tasks for March
• My March Garden Journals
• Garden Pests in March
• Container Gardening Tasks
• Flower Gardening Tasks
• Caring for Roses During March
• Herb Gardening
• Fruit Trees, Berries, and Citrus
• Landscape Plant Tasks During March
• Watering Your Garden and Landscape

March YouTube Videos:

Wondering what terms like pruning, bolting, or perennial really mean? My Gardening Glossary breaks down practical gardening vocabulary in simple, plain language. Use it as a quick reference for my videos and blog posts so you’ll always know exactly what to do in your garden.

Vegetable Gardening Tasks for March

March is a busy month for vegetable gardening in Arizona. While cool-season crops are finishing up, it’s time to prepare beds, maintain healthy soil, and establish warm-season crops before summer’s heat arrives.

If you’re wondering what to plant this month, check out my What to Plant in March blog post and my Arizona Planting Calendars for a complete guide.

Prepare Garden Beds for Spring Planting

A successful spring garden starts with healthy, nutrient-rich soil. March is a great time to refresh garden beds:

• Add compost and organic matter to improve soil structure and fertility.
• If your soil level has dropped, that’s a good sign—it means organic material has broken down and fed your plants. Now, top up your beds with worm castings, compost, and a raised bed mix. I get all of those things from Arizona Worm Farm.
• For beds with existing plants, feed them by layering compost and worm castings over the mulch, then water deeply to soak it in.
• Add a balanced organic fertilizer if needed.

For more soil-building tips, check out my guide to preparing your soil for planting.

Vermicomposting: Natural Fertilizer for Your Garden

I don’t use much fertilizer in my garden because my worms do the work for me!

• In-bed vermicomposting is one of the easiest ways to create nutrient-rich compost right where your plants need it.
• Worms break down kitchen scraps into a powerful natural fertilizer, improving soil structure and microbial life.
• If you haven’t started vermicomposting yet, now is a great time to add a worm bin to your raised bed.

Learn more about how to add in-bed worm bins to your garden beds in my Composting with Worms Guide.

My March Garden Journals

Twice a month, I send my personal garden journal to members of “Growing in the Garden Academy.” From the first seedling to the last harvest, you can follow my gardening adventures in Arizona’s unique low desert. Access the past three years of garden journals and monthly classes as a member.

Garden Pests in March

As temperatures rise, stressed winter crops attract pests. Instead of treating infestations, it’s often best to remove struggling plants—cut them off at the base to leave roots in place for soil health. Keep bolting herbs like dill and cilantro to attract beneficial insects that help control pests naturally.

• Aphids love tender new growth, but ladybeetles, lacewings, and hoverflies will take care of them if given time. Companion planting with alyssum, marigolds, and nasturtiums can also help.
• Genista caterpillars on Texas Mountain Laurels cause some defoliation but usually don’t harm the tree. If needed, treat with Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) while caterpillars are small.
• Companion planting supports natural pest control—flowers like alyssum and marigolds attract predatory insects, while basil and cilantro deter pests. Learn about more warm-season companion plants in this guide.

Container Gardening Tasks

If you’re growing vegetables in containers, remember they typically need more frequent watering than in-ground beds. March is also a great time to fertilize containers, especially if you’ve noticed slowed growth or pale foliage.

Choosing the Right Container Size

• Bigger is better—for tomatoes, peppers, and other larger plants, at least 10 gallons is ideal, but 20 gallons is even better.
• Larger containers retain moisture longer and provide more root space, leading to healthier plants.
• Need help choosing the right size? Check out my Guide to Container Sizes.

Feeding Container Plants

• Worm castings are an excellent organic boost for container soil. If you harvest from your garden beds, mix them into your containers to support healthy microbes and plant growth.
• No worm castings? This organic fertilizer works well for container gardening.

Watering Containers Efficiently

Because containers dry out faster, check moisture levels often and adjust your watering schedule as temperatures rise. Instead of watering daily, I use oyas to keep containers evenly hydrated with minimal effort.

What Are Oyas & How Do They Help?

• Oyas are porous clay pots buried in the soil and filled with water. The water slowly seeps out as the soil dries, delivering deep, steady moisture directly to plant roots.
• This means less watering, less evaporation, and stronger, deeper roots. Perfect for hot, dry climates.
• Prevent overwatering: Pop off the lid—if it’s empty or the water level is low, it’s time to water. If there’s still plenty of water inside, the soil has enough moisture.

Want to try oyas in your container garden? Click here to purchase oyas.

Flower Gardening Tasks

March is a spectacular month for flowers in the low desert, with wildflowers in full bloom and cool-season hardy annuals blooming.

Wildflowers & Perennials in Bloom

• Fall-planted wildflowers—including poppies, lupine, and blue flax—will continue blooming through much of March. Enjoy the show!
• Purple lilac vine is in full bloom now. This Australian native thrives in Arizona winters and looks beautiful on a trellis or as ground cover. Its glossy green foliage remains even after the flowers fade.

Sunflowers: Long Blooming & Heat-Tolerant

• Sunflowers can be planted from February through July, meaning you can enjoy their blooms nearly year-round.
• These bright, cheerful flowers add color and variety to any summer garden. For growing tips, check out How to Grow Sunflowers.

Making the Transition to Warm-Season Annuals

• Avoid planting new cool-season annuals—their growing time is short, and heat will stress them soon. Instead, plant warm-season annuals as they become available at nurseries. Keep seedlings thinned for better blooms.
• Want to know which flowers to plant this month? Check out my Flower Planting Guide and Arizona Flower Planting Calendar for the best options!

Caring for Roses During March

March is a key month for pruning, fertilizing, and planting roses to ensure strong growth and beautiful spring blooms.

• Prune & Clean Up: If you didn’t prune in January, do it now. Remove dead or damaged branches, thin weak growth, and clean up fallen leaves to prevent pests and disease. For younger roses, prune lightly.
• Fertilize: Once new leaves appear, start feeding. Use liquid fish emulsion for newly planted roses and granular organic fertilizer for established ones. Always deep-water before and after fertilizing.
• Plant New Roses: Container-grown roses can be planted now to establish before the summer heat. I get mine from Heirloom Roses—use code GARDENAZ20 for 20% off through 2025.
• Mulch for Healthy Growth: A 2-4 inch layer of compost or wood chips helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and prevent disease as temperatures rise.

For more detailed rose care, check out my Rose Growing Guide.

Herb Gardening

March is the perfect time to harvest, prune, plant, and divide herbs while temperatures are still mild. Taking care of your herbs now will keep them healthy, productive, and ready for the warmer months ahead.

• Let annual herbs like dill, cilantro, and fennel bolt—their flowers attract pollinators, and you can save seeds for next season.
• Remove bolted cool-season crops by cutting them at the base. This leaves the roots in place to enrich the soil and prevent soil disturbance. Spent plants can be composted or fed to chickens.
• Trim back woody herbs like oregano, rosemary, and thyme by about one-third. This promotes fresh growth—if you see dead wood at the base, cut just above where new green growth is emerging. Learn more in my Oregano Growing Guide.
• Pinch back basil once it has several sets of true leaves to encourage bushy, healthy growth.
• Harvest chamomile flowers when the petals begin to fall back. Dry them for homemade chamomile tea—use one teaspoon dried or two teaspoons fresh per cup of water. Read my Chamomile Growing Guide for more details.
• Harvest lavender as buds begin to open. Cut early in the morning and dry in a cool, shaded place. For tips on growing lavender in warm climates, check out this guide.

• Divide mint or lemon balm if they’ve outgrown their containers—this prevents overcrowding and encourages healthy regrowth.
• Lemongrass grows fast, and a good spring pruning keeps it manageable and healthy. Cut it back to about a foot tall, removing any dead or dried-out stalks. If your lemongrass is overcrowded, you can also divide it now. Read my Lemongrass Growing Guide for more details.

Fruit Trees, Berries, and Citrus

March is an important month for planting, fertilizing, and pruning fruit trees while preparing for the upcoming growing season.

Planting Fruit Trees & Citrus

• March is a great time to plant fruit and citrus trees before the summer heat arrives.
• Choose low-chill varieties (less than 400 chill hours) that mature early and are self-pollinating. See my Fruit Tree Planting Guide for recommended varieties.
• For citrus, select the right variety for your space and taste preferences. Learn more in my Citrus Growing Guide.
• Blackberries and grapes can also be planted this month.

Thinning Fruit for a Better Harvest

• Thin fruit on deciduous trees when it’s smaller than an inch in diameter, about a month after full bloom.
• Leave 4-6 inches between each fruit—this prevents small, crowded, lower-quality fruit. See my Guide to Thinning Fruit Trees for more details.

Fertilizing & Feeding

• After bud break, fertilize deciduous fruit trees and citrus with an organic fertilizer.
• Fertilize blackberries with a balanced fertilizer.
• Water deeply before and after fertilizing to help nutrients reach the roots.

Pruning & Cleaning Up Trees

• If you haven’t already, prune deciduous fruit trees and clean up fallen leaves and debris to prevent pests and disease. Learn how to prune fruit trees in this guide.
• Prune grapevines before they begin to leaf out if you didn’t do it in February.
• For citrus, prune lightly—only remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches.
• Avoid over-pruning citrus! Keep lower branches intact to shade the trunk and prevent sun damage. For more citrus care tips, check out 10 Common Citrus Growing Mistakes.

Properly thinning, fertilizing, and pruning will set your fruit trees up for a strong growing season and a better harvest.

Landscape Plant Tasks During March

March is the time to prune, plant, and control weeds before the heat arrives.

Weed Control: Remove Stinknet Now

• Pull weeds before they go to seed—use a hula hoe or weed torch, and avoid chemical sprays.
• Watch for stinknet! This invasive weed spreads fast, chokes out native plants, and triggers allergies. Remove stinknet before it flowers and bag it—don’t compost it.

Prune & Clean Up Frost-Damaged Plants

• Trim frost-tender plants like hibiscus and lantana to encourage fresh growth.
• Shape evergreen trees and shrubs and remove dead branches from cold-hardy trees.
• Check if struggling plants are alive—scratch the bark. Green? Give it time. Brown? Replace it.

Planting Trees & Shrubs

• Plant cold-tolerant trees, bushes, and perennials, including frost-sensitive plants like hibiscus and lantana.
• Add summer-flowering shrubs, but space them properly to prevent overcrowding.
• Do not prune or fertilize newly planted trees or shrubs—let them establish first.

Fertilizing Landscape Plants

• Fertilize only established trees and shrubs—native plants usually don’t need it.
• Boost plant recovery with Nutrient+ from Arizona Worm Farm:
  • Apply 1 cup per 3-foot tree height directly to trees and water well.
  • Dilute 4:1 for smaller plants.

Watering Your Garden and Landscape

Consistent, deep watering is essential for helping plants establish strong root systems and preparing your garden for the warmer months ahead.

• Use watering grids in raised beds to ensure even moisture, no dry spots, and no wasted water. Since they’re connected to irrigation, it’s easy to adjust watering as temperatures rise.
• Check your irrigation system and timer—run the system, inspect drips and sprinklers for leaks, and ensure proper coverage.

I use the garden grids from Garden in Minutes in all of my raised beds. Use code Angela10 to save $10 off $100 or GITG5 to save 5 percent on any size order.

• Deep water landscape plants this month to prepare for summer and flush excess salts from the soil.
• Annuals will need more frequent watering as temperatures rise. Water to a depth of 6 inches, letting the top of the soil dry out before watering again.
• Containers dry out faster—check moisture levels with a meter or feel the top inch of soil before watering.
• Water citrus trees once every 2-3 weeks and fruit trees every 7-10 days.

Check out my Watering and Water Conservation Resources for more details on efficient watering.

Gardening in the desert comes with unique challenges, but you do not have to figure it out alone. My Desert Gardening page is a landing page that links to all my desert gardening resources. From monthly planting schedules to strategies for summer survival and winter frost protection, it is designed to help your garden thrive year-round. And if you are ready to keep learning, explore my gardening classes available online and in person.

If you enjoyed this post about gardening in Arizona during March, please share it.

The post Arizona Garden in March appeared first on Growing In The Garden.

Quickly Find Warm-Season Companion Plants:

• Lavender
• Sage
• Basil
• Marigold
• Thyme
• Rosemary
• Gaillardia
• Amaranth
• Sesame
• Salvia
• The Benefits of Companion Planting
• Summary Table: Warm-Season Companion Plants
• FAQ About Companion Planting

Lavender

Growing Information: Lavender is a drought-tolerant perennial that thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. I plant lavender in native soil (not raised beds) and don’t overwater.

Varieties to try: Fernleaf, Goodwin Creek Grey, Spanish, and French lavender perform well in the low desert.

Attracts: Lavender’s sweet fragrance and nectar-rich flowers draw in bees and butterflies.

Learn More: How to Grow Lavender

Sage

Growing Information: Sage is a hardy, heat-tolerant herb that tastes as good as it looks. Its silver-green leaves and occasional purple flowers add texture to your garden, and it thrives in hot, dry conditions. Sage grows well in the corner of a raised bed or native soil.

Attracts: The purple blooms of sage are loved by bees and hummingbirds.

Learn More: How to Grow Sage

Basil

Growing Information: Basil is a summer favorite that pairs perfectly with vegetables like tomatoes. It enhances flavor, and its aromatic leaves also help mask the scents that attract pests. Plant a wide variety of basil types and allow some to flower.

Attracts: Basil’s small white or purple flowers attract bees, ensuring a steady pollinator presence during the warm season.

Seed Source: Basil Seeds
Learn More: How to Grow Basil

Marigold

Growing Information: Marigolds are vibrant annuals known for their pest-repellent properties. French marigolds release compounds through their roots that repel nematodes and have a strong scent that keeps aphids, whiteflies, and mosquitoes at bay.

Attracts: These cheerful flowers lure in beneficial insects, such as ladybugs (learn why NOT to buy ladybugs here) and hoverflies, which help keep pest populations in check.

Seed Source: Marigold Seeds
Learn More: How to Grow Marigolds

Thyme

Growing Information: Thyme is a versatile, low-growing herb. It requires minimal water and thrives in full sun, making it ideal for hot climates.

Attracts: Thyme’s delicate blooms attract bees and other pollinators, supporting a healthy garden ecosystem.

Learn More: How to Grow Thyme

Rosemary

Growing Information: Rosemary is a hardy, aromatic shrub that grows best in dry, sunny environments. Its needle-like leaves and occasional blue or purple flowers make it a striking and useful addition to any garden. I plant lavender in native soil (not raised beds) and don’t overwater.

Attracts: Rosemary draws in bees and other pollinators with its fragrant blooms, while its strong aroma may help deter certain pests.

Learn More: How to Grow Rosemary

Gaillardia (Blanket Flower)

Growing Information: Gaillardia is a heat-loving perennial known for its long-lasting, bright red and yellow blooms. It’s exceptionally drought-tolerant.

Attracts: Its vibrant flowers attract bees and butterflies, boosting pollination and enhancing the overall biodiversity of your garden.

Seed Source: Gaillardia Seeds
Learn More: How to Grow Gaillardia

Amaranth

Growing Information: Amaranth is a striking annual with colorful foliage and delicate seed heads. It thrives in high temperatures.

Attracts: Amaranth’s unique blooms are a favorite among bees and other pollinators, while birds often enjoy its seeds, adding an extra layer of natural pest control.

Seed Source: Amaranth Seeds
Learn More: How to Grow Amaranth

Sesame

Growing Information: Sesame is a lesser-known, heat-tolerant crop that offers a unique look with its delicate, tubular flowers. It’s valued for its edible seeds and its ability to adapt to arid conditions.

Attracts: The small, attractive sesame flowers invite bees and other beneficial insects.

Seed Source: Sesame Seeds
Learn More: How to Grow Sesame

Salvia

Growing Information: Salvia has many varieties, but warm-season salvias are particularly noted for their drought tolerance and vibrant flower spikes. They’re perfect for adding vertical interest to your garden.

Attracts: Salvia’s tubular blooms are highly attractive to hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies, making it a magnet for pollinators and beneficial insects.

Seed Source: Salvia Seeds

The Benefits of Companion Planting

Companion planting is a time-tested strategy that creates a balanced ecosystem in your garden. By growing these warm-season plants together, you not only maximize space but also create a natural environment that:

• Attracts Pollinators: Continuous blooms mean that bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds have a reliable source of nectar throughout the season. Discover more about creating a pollinator-friendly garden in my post Perennials for Pollinators in Your Desert Garden.
• Enhances Natural Pest Control: Many of these companions repel pests or attract predators (like ladybugs, hoverflies, and parasitic wasps) that keep harmful insects at bay.
• Boosts Soil Health: A diverse planting palette encourages a robust soil ecosystem, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides.

Attracting the right insects can make companion planting even more effective. Read Planting for Pollinators: Create a Simple Insectary Border in Your Garden for ideas that work in any space.

Consider adding papalo to your list of warm-season companion herbs—it’s a flavorful, cilantro-like plant that also helps attract pollinators once it begins to flower.

Looking for a creative way to combine companion planting with small-space gardening? Learn how to grow a Three Sisters Garden in grow bags using corn (or alternatives), beans, and squash for a thriving mini-ecosystem. See how I adapted this method to raised beds in my Three Sisters garden.

If you’re planning your garden layout, don’t miss this guide on cucumber companion plants—you’ll find tips on pairing cucumbers with flowers, herbs, and vegetables to improve growth and reduce pests.

Summary Table: Warm-Season Companion Plants

Use the table below as a quick reference for the pollinators they attract, and their primary companion benefits:

FAQ About Companion Planting

Q1: What is companion planting and why is it beneficial?
A: Companion planting involves growing different plants together to naturally improve pollination, deter pests, and enhance soil health. It creates a balanced ecosystem that reduces the need for chemical interventions.

Q2: Can these warm-season plants thrive in extreme heat?
A: Yes, the plants listed (such as Lavender, Sage, and Gaillardia) are specifically chosen for their heat and drought tolerance, making them ideal for hot climates like Arizona.

Q3: How do I know which beneficial insects are attracted to each plant?
A: Each plant’s growing guide details the primary pollinators and beneficial insects it attracts. For example, Lavender and Rosemary are excellent for attracting bees, while Salvia draws hummingbirds and butterflies.

Q4: Are there any special soil or watering considerations for these plants?
A: Most of these plants prefer well-drained soil and full sun. Utilizing drip irrigation and organic mulch can help maintain consistent moisture levels and reduce water evaporation.

Q5: Where can I find more detailed growing information for each plant?
A: You can click on the growing guide links provided in each plant’s section.

If you have any additional questions, feel free to leave a comment!

In Conclusion

Embracing warm-season companion plants like Lavender, Sage, Basil, Marigold, Thyme, Rosemary, Gaillardia, Amaranth, Sesame, and Salvia can transform your yard into a vibrant, self-sustaining ecosystem. With careful planning and a little attention to each plant’s needs, you can enjoy a productive garden and a haven for beneficial insects and pollinators.

The post Best Companion Plants for Warm-Season Gardens appeared first on Growing In The Garden.

Welcome to the low desert of Arizona garden in February. As our days start warming up, there’s plenty to do in the garden—everything from getting your beds ready for spring vegetables to keeping an eye on overwintered crops. This month’s guide will discuss planting fruit trees, pruning frost-damaged branches, managing pests like aphids, and making the most of rainy weather (fingers crossed!). You’ll find simple steps to help your garden thrive during this transitional time. Let’s work together and make the most of your February garden in the low desert.

For those in the low desert areas (below 3,500 feet), such as Phoenix or Tucson, this guide will help you confidently garden during February.

Tip: Want to know exactly what to plant this month? Check out my What to Plant in Arizona in February guide for a complete list of vegetables, flowers, and herbs to plant in February. If you’re wanting more information on what to plant and when, this planting calendar for Arizona is one I refer to all year long.

Gardening has a language of its own, but it doesn’t have to be confusing. Use the Gardening Glossary to quickly look up unfamiliar words and build confidence as you learn.

“The February sunshine steeps your boughs and tints the buds and swells the leaves within.” — William C. Bryant

Click on the title to jump to that section and learn more about what to do during February:

• February YouTube Videos
• Vegetable Gardening Tasks for February
• My February Garden Journals
• Garden Pests in February
• Container Gardening Tasks
• Flower Gardening Tasks
• Caring for Roses During February
• Herb Gardening
• Fruit Trees, Berries, and Citrus
• Landscape Plant Tasks During February
• Watering Your Garden and Landscape
• Frost and Frost Damage

February YouTube Videos:

Vegetable Gardening Tasks for February

February in the low desert garden marks the transition between cool-season harvests and warm-season planting. Looking for more monthly guides, heat tips, and frost protection? Start with the Desert Gardening resource hub.

When’s the Right Time to Start Planting?

It all begins with knowing your average last frost date, which can vary from one area to another. To find yours, enter your zip code into a frost date calculator. (My last frost date is February 12.) You’ll use this date to decide when to plant warm-season crops like tomatoes and peppers. If you plant too early, a late frost could damage or kill tender plants, so check your frost date now so you’ll be ready.

Soil Temperature: The Other Key Factor

In the low desert, soil temperature and your last frost date go hand in hand for warm-season planting. If the soil is too cold, seeds can germinate slowly, and transplanted seedlings may struggle all season.

Aim for a warm enough soil temperature (usually above 60°F) before planting tomatoes, peppers, and other heat-loving crops. This is the soil thermometer I use.

Learn how to check your soil temperature and get temperature guidelines for planting in this guide.

Preparing Your Garden Beds for Spring

1. Pull Back Mulch and Amend the Soil
Remove any mulch covering your garden bed to expose the soil. If you still have plants in the bed, work amendments into the soil around them as gently as possible.

For a 4×8-foot bed, add about 4 cups of worm castings. These feed your soil’s microbes, which in turn help nourish your plants.

Next, replenish organic matter by adding compost or raised bed mix. Over time, soil loses nutrients and structure, so topping it off now will give your spring crops a healthy start. I get my compost, worm castings and raised bed mix from Arizona Worm Farm.

2. Check Your Watering System

• Turn the system on and watch it run. I use the garden grids from Garden in Minutes in my raised beds. (Use code Angela10 to save $10 off $100 or GITG5 to save 5 percent on any size order.)
• Fix leaks or replace clogged emitters.
• Ensure all areas of the bed are getting water.
• How long it takes to reach a soil depth of 12 inches tells you how long to run the system each watering session.

Bolted Plants: A Pollinator Opportunity

As temperatures rise, brassicas, lettuce, and other cool-season crops may bolt (flower). This doesn’t have to mean the end of the season:

• Let Them Flower: Enjoy the blooms and let pollinators benefit.
• Removal Method: When you’re ready to remove the plant, cut it at the base rather than pull it up to preserve the soil structure.
• Compost or Chicken Feed: Bolted greens make excellent compost material or chicken snacks.

My February Garden Journals

Twice a month, I send my personal garden journal to members of “Growing in the Garden Academy.” From the first seedling to the last harvest, you can follow my gardening adventures in Arizona’s unique low desert. Access the past three years of garden journals and monthly classes as a member.

Garden Pests in February

As winter vegetables finish their life cycle, some pests take advantage of February’s cooler temperatures and the flush of new growth.

• Aphids
  These soft-bodied insects are drawn to tender leaves and stems. Before you treat, observe your garden and allow beneficial insects—like lady beetles and lacewings—time to show up and help control aphids naturally. If you’d like to encourage more beneficial bugs, let herbs such as dill and cilantro bolt, and consider planting alyssum around roses and other garden areas. For more tips, see my post on controlling aphids without chemicals.
• Genista Caterpillars
  Texas Mountain Laurels often host these caterpillars, which spin loose webbing and feed on leaves. They typically don’t cause significant damage. However, if control becomes necessary, try Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis)—available online—especially while caterpillars are small and actively feeding.
• Go Organic with Companion Planting
  Add some of my favorite warm-season companion plants for a garden full of life (and helpful predators). These flowers and herbs attract beneficial insects, reducing your reliance on chemical controls and keeping pest populations in check.

Staying patient and letting nature lend a hand often leads to healthier plants and fewer pest problems in the long run. If you do decide to intervene, opt for organic solutions first to protect your garden’s ecosystem.

Container Gardening Tasks

If you’re growing vegetables in containers, remember they typically need more frequent watering than in-ground beds. It’s also a good time to fertilize them in February, especially if you’ve noticed slowed growth or pale foliage.

• Choosing Container Size: If you’re using grow bags or other portable containers, aim for at least 10 gallons—20 gallons is even better for tomatoes, peppers, and other larger plants. Bigger containers retain moisture longer and give roots more room to grow. Learn more in this guide to container sizes.
• Feeding Containers: Harvesting worm castings from your garden beds and adding them to container soil is a great way to provide natural nutrients. This organic boost helps maintain healthy microbes and supports strong plant growth. No worm castings? This fertilizer works well.
• Frequent Watering: Because containers dry out faster, check moisture levels regularly. Adjust your watering schedule based on the changing weather to prevent plants from wilting or suffering stress.

Flower Gardening Tasks

February is a great month to give your annual flowers a little extra care and plan for the coming warm season.

Track Your Success
Keeping a simple garden journal helps you note what’s thriving—both in your yard and around the neighborhood. Those observations guide your future choices, ensuring each year’s flower display is even better than the last.

Fertilize and Water
If you planted cool-season annuals, they’ll continue blooming until it gets hot. To keep them vibrant, fertilize now, remembering to water thoroughly before and after feeding. This fertilizer works well. As temperatures reach the 80s, you’ll need to water more often to prevent wilting.

Warm-Season Planning
If you’re adding warm-season annuals, decide where they’ll go and start direct seeding outdoors this month. Make sure the soil is prepared with nutrients and ready to support young seedlings.

The Perpetual Annual Flower Planting Calendar, available in my shop, helps you learn when to plant flowers in the low desert of Arizona and whether to plant seeds or transplants.

Caring for Roses During February

Prune & Defoliate

• If you didn’t prune in January, do it now—especially if your roses have been in the ground for at least a year. Remove any dead or damaged branches and clean up fallen leaves around the base to discourage pests and disease.
• For younger roses, prune only lightly and remove any damaged leaves. Learn more about growing roses in this guide.

Fertilize

• Once you see buds and new leaves, it’s time for the first feeding of the season.
• Use liquid fish emulsion for roses planted within the last year and a granular fertilizer for more established bushes.
• Deep-water your roses before and after fertilizing to help nutrients reach the roots.

Plant New Roses

• February is also a great month to plant container-grown roses. Early planting gives them time to establish before the summer heat arrives. I get mine from Heirloom Roses—take a look at my favorites and use this discount code GARDENAZ20 through 2025 for a 20% discount.

Herb Gardening

Cool-season herbs like cilantro and dill thrive in the mild days of late winter but may start to bolt as temperatures rise. Here’s how to make the most of your herbs this month:

• Cilantro
  This quick-growing herb prefers cool weather and should be harvested regularly to prevent it from flowering and going to seed (known as coriander). Learn more about growing cilantro here. If you’d like to let it flower, it will attract beneficial insects to your garden.
• Harvest & Preserve
  Take advantage of the abundance by harvesting and preserving herbs now. A freeze-dryer works great if you have one, or you can chop herbs and mix them with olive oil to freeze in ice cube trays. These herb “cubes” are a quick flavor boost for recipes year-round.
• Dill
  Dill is an annual in our cool winters but bolts once the weather warms. Harvest as needed, or let it flower to attract pollinators. Dill can also serve as a “trap crop” for tomato hornworms and is a host plant for caterpillars. Find more tips in my post on growing dill.
• Rosemary
  You may see rosemary blooming this month—harvest stems as needed and allow some flowers to remain for pollinators. For more advice on caring for rosemary, check out this article.

Fruit Trees, Citrus, and Berries in February

Deciduous Fruit Trees

February is a great time to plant bare-root fruit trees—look for varieties that require under 400 chill hours. For more on selection and planting, see my Fruit Planting Guide. If your trees still have leaves, strip them away to encourage dormancy, then spray with horticultural oil (I use this one) to manage overwintering pests.

• Prune Before Bud Break: Remove dead, diseased, or crossing branches. If you missed January pruning, do it now.
• Fertilize & Water: After trees blossom, apply fertilizer and deep-water to support new growth. This is the fertilizer I use.

Citrus

Once the last frost date (mine is about February 12) has passed, plant new citrus trees. This article includes 30 citrus varieties. This guide to growing citrus covers everything from planting to fertilizing.

• Ripening Fruit: Sample one to test for sweetness and water established trees about every 2–3 weeks in February.
• Fertilize Now: If you didn’t feed in January, do so this month—water before and after applying fertilizer. This is the fertilizer I use.
• Light Pruning: Not strictly necessary, but once the frost danger is gone, shape the tree if desired. Keep lower branches for maximum fruit production and trunk protection.
• Common Problems: Yellow or dropping leaves are typical in winter. Small, shriveled fruit often indicates inadequate watering; dry, pithy fruit can suggest frost damage.

Grapes & Blackberries

Plant grapes and blackberries now or next month in full sun with a sturdy trellis or arbor.

• Pruning & Fertilizing: If you haven’t pruned grapevines yet, do so to remove old canes. Fertilize once new growth appears, then water thoroughly to help nutrients reach the roots.
• Popular Varieties: Flame Seedless and Thompson Seedless do well in many Arizona gardens.

Landscape Plant Tasks

Late winter is a key time to trim frost-damaged or dormant plants, and it’s also an opportunity to add desert-adapted species to your yard.

• Pruning Frost-Tender Plants
  Wait until mid-to-late February to prune lantana, hibiscus, and other frost-sensitive plants. If they’ve experienced frost damage, hold off until you see new growth before making any cuts.
• Cleanup for Trees & Shrubs
  Remove any dead branches toward the end of the month. This helps keep your landscape healthy and prepares plants for spring growth.
• Planting Desert Natives
  Although early fall is the best time to plant, February is the next best option. Adding desert-adapted plants such as desert marigolds, evening primrose, penstemon, and sage gives them more time to establish before the heat arrives.

Watering Your Garden and Landscape During February

In a rainy month, your trees and shrubs may not need extra water. If heavy rain doesn’t arrive, it’s still important to practice deep, infrequent watering to promote strong root growth. For more tips, WaterUseItWisely.com offers great guidelines on watering schedules in the desert.

• Trees & Shrubs: If rain is scarce, water no more than once every 14–28 days.
• Citrus: Established citrus trees typically need watering every 2–3 weeks.
• Fruit Trees: Once they’re established, deep-water every 10–14 days.
• Annuals: As daytime temperatures reach the 80s, they’ll need water more frequently—check the top inch of soil and water when it’s dry.
• Containers: Use a moisture meter or test the top inch of soil—only water when the soil has dried out a bit.

I water my garden beds about once a week at the start of February, then increase to every 4–5 days toward the end of the month as temperatures climb. Adjust your schedule based on actual rainfall and how quickly your soil dries out.

Frost and Frost Damage

Freezing weather can strike unexpectedly in an Arizona garden in February. If your plants have suffered frost damage, it’s tempting to prune right away, but patience pays off. Damaged leaves and branches actually protect against further cold. My local last frost date is around mid-February, though I constantly monitor the forecast in case of late-season freezes.

• Cover Frost-Sensitive Plants
  Keep burlap or frost cloth on hand to shield newly planted citrus, young lemon and lime trees, and other tender plants when temperatures dip below 32°F (0°C).
• Resist Early Pruning
  Pruning tells the plant to send out tender new growth, which can be harmed by another frost. Wait until the threat of frost has passed (usually after your local last frost date) to trim off damaged leaves or branches. Read the complete guide to pruning peppers, tomatoes, and eggplants after winter here.
• Evaluate Overwintered Crops
  • If a plant is severely damaged or diseased, remove it and plan to start new transplants in a different location.
  • If you see fresh growth, prune back to just above that point, then fertilize and water to encourage a healthy rebound.
  • If no new growth appears, the plant may be done—especially in the case of warm-season crops.
• Landscape Plants
  Many landscape shrubs and trees may take longer to show signs of life after a freeze, so consider waiting until March to see if they bounce back.

Waiting to prune gives your plants the best chance to recover and thrive once the weather stabilizes. Once the final freeze has passed, you can safely remove frost damage, feed, water thoroughly, and watch for new, vigorous growth.

If you’re not sure which plants need protection or how to cover them properly, I have several guides that can help:

• Ways to Protect Your Garden From Frost: Get step-by-step tips for safeguarding your garden and containers when a cold snap hits.
• Protecting Citrus in Cold Weather: Learn the best ways to shield your citrus trees from freezing temperatures.
• Which Plants to Cover in a Freeze: Find out which vegetables, landscape plants, and flowers are most at risk.

Ready to dig deeper into gardening? My online and in-person classes give you the tools and confidence to succeed. Learn practical tips for seasonal planting, soil health, raised beds, and gardening in the low desert so you can grow a thriving garden year-round.

If this post about gardening in Arizona in February was helpful, please share it.

The post Arizona Garden in February appeared first on Growing In The Garden.

Welcome to your Arizona garden in January guide. Even though January is typically the coldest month in the low desert, you don’t have to stay indoors waiting for warmer weather. Now is the perfect time to focus on important garden tasks—like pruning roses and fruit trees—to keep your landscape healthy.

For those in the low desert areas (below 3,500 feet), such as Phoenix or Tucson, this guide will help you confidently garden during the cooler months. Find all my desert gardening resources in one place on the Desert Gardening page.

Tip: Want to know exactly what to plant this month? Check out my What to Plant in Arizona in January guide for a complete list of cool-season veggies, flowers, and more to get planting. If you’re wondering what to plant and when, this planting calendar for Arizona is one I refer to all year long.

“Anyone who thinks gardening begins in the spring and ends in the fall is missing the best part of the whole year. For gardening begins in January with the dream.”

– Josephine Nuese

Click on the title to jump to that section and learn more about what to do during January:

• January YouTube Videos
• Vegetable Gardening Tasks for January
• My January Garden Journals
• Pests & Wildlife to Watch Out For This Month
• Container Gardening Tasks
• Flower Gardening Tasks
• Caring for Roses During January
• Herb Gardening
• Fruit Trees and Citrus
• Landscape Plant Tasks During January
• Watering Your Garden and Landscape During January
• Freezing Temperatures & Frost Protection

January YouTube Videos:

Vegetable Gardening Tasks for January

If you make only one gardening resolution this year, let it be spending time in your garden every day. This one habit can make a big difference to your garden. Sometimes, our gardens can get neglected after a vacation or a busy time like the holidays. Spend time going through your garden bed by bed and cleaning things up. Prune unruly plants. Remove dead leaves. Harvest the vegetables, herbs, fruit, and flowers that need to be harvested. Keep your garden cleaned up by removing dead plants. Add mulch to areas that need it. Learn more about what to use for mulch in this guide.

If one of your goals this year is to meet and connect with other gardeners, consider joining a gardening club. Use this guide to find a gardening club near you and learn more about the benefits of joining.

If you would like to learn more about the principles of successful desert gardening, my guide, “Desert Gardening: How to Grow Vegetables in a Hot, Dry Climate,” may be helpful.

If you didn’t start seeds indoors for tomatoes, eggplant, and peppers in December, get them started this month. The seedlings will be ready to be planted by February or March. Read this post for more information about how to start seeds indoors. Here is a link to my favorite seed-starting supplies. 

Continue planning for February and March plantings. This is seed catalog season; get ideas you want to try and order seeds. Look at your garden and plan where you will plant everything—research different varieties to see which ones do well in Arizona. You can see my favorite varieties here. A good rule of thumb is to look for short-season crops. Be sure to rotate where you plant each year. Want more information about gardening in Arizona? This blog post shares seven tips for how to grow a vegetable garden in Arizona. 

Are you going to grow sweet potatoes this year? Start your sweet potato slips to be ready to plant in March. This article explains how to start sweet potato slips. 

Buy organic turmeric and ginger to plant out in March. Learn how to pre-sprout ginger and turmeric in this blog post. If you’re looking for another easy crop to grow, try garlic. For detailed instructions, check out this post on how to grow garlic.

Take a look at your garden beds. Do any need replacing or fixing? What about your watering system? Is everything working correctly? January is a good month to make adjustments and add or replace raised beds. I use the metal raised beds and watering grids from Garden in Minutes. Use code Angela10 to save $10 off $100 or or ANGELA to save 7% on any size order.

January is the time to cut back your asparagus. Cut back dry stalks and amend with 2-3 inches of composted manure and a 2-inch layer of wood chips, straw, or compost. Feed lightly with a balanced organic fertilizer.

My January Garden Journals

Twice a month, I send my personal garden journal to members of “Growing in the Garden Academy.” From the first seedling to the last harvest, you can follow my gardening adventures in Arizona’s unique low desert. Access the past three years of garden journals and monthly classes as a member.

Pests & Wildlife to Watch Out For This Month

Grey aphids are active in the desert during the cooler months. They love tender new growth on brassicas. Spray them off with a strong stream of water.

When you bring your harvested brassicas inside, fill a bowl with salted water and soak the leaves for a few minutes. The salt helps loosen and remove hidden aphids, which then drop to the bottom of the bowl. Afterward, rinse the kale under running water before cooking or eating.

Container Gardening Tasks

If you still have empty containers, now is the time to plant them with cool-season crops and spring flowers. However, remember that container plants are more prone to frost damage. Cover your frost-sensitive plants in containers with frost cloth or burlap if freezing temperatures are in the forecast. You can also move them under a patio or close to the house to give them extra protection. Learn which plants to cover in a freeze in this guide.

Flower Gardening Tasks

Cool-season annual flowers and wildflowers planted from September through December should begin blooming this month and continue through at least March. If seedlings are coming up in tight clumps, gently thin them to give each plant enough space. Aim to water your cool-season annuals once a week, soaking the soil about 4–6 inches deep.

For bigger, better blooms on seed-grown annuals, thin the seedlings when they reach 3–4 inches tall so their leaves touch each other. Also, consider pinching back spring-blooming flowers to encourage branching. Although it may feel drastic, a quick trim can lead to more—and longer—flower stems. Learn which flower stems benefit from pinching in this guide.

The Perpetual Annual Flower Planting Calendar, available in my shop, helps you learn when to plant flowers in the low desert of Arizona and whether to plant seeds or transplants.

Caring for Roses During January

January is a big month for roses. It’s the best time to plant new roses. It’s also the best time to move roses to a different spot in your yard.

Are you thinking about adding more roses to your garden? I get all of my roses from Heirloom Roses. I love that they are own-root roses (no grafts!) and have the highest standards for diseases. You know you are getting robust, disease-free roses with strong roots when you get them from Heirloom Roses. Use Code GARDENAZ20 for 20% off any rose order through December 31, 2025.

Pruning Established Roses: Now is the time to prune if your roses have been in the ground for over a year. Remove dead wood, crossing branches, canes that rub against each other, and those that are no longer producing. Cut back about one-third (and no more than half) of the previous season’s growth, focusing on opening the center of the bush to improve airflow and sunlight.

Cleanup and Fertilizing: After pruning, clean up any fallen leaves or debris around your roses to help prevent disease and pests. Hold off on fertilizing during January—save that step for when new growth begins.

Check out my detailed rose care blog post for more in-depth information on growing and caring for roses.

Herb Gardening

Garlic chives are a hardy perennial herb that thrives in Arizona’s climate. If you haven’t grown them yet, consider tucking them into your garden this month. If you already have garlic chives, January is the perfect time to cut back and divide any overgrown clumps. Trim them down to the soil level, divide them as needed, and add a layer of compost or manure. You’ll see tender new shoots sprouting by early spring, ready for another season of growth.

Hold off on cutting back other herbs for now—garlic chives respond best to a January trim. For more details, check out my article on how to grow garlic chives.

Fruit Trees and Citrus

January can be one of the busiest—and most rewarding—times for fruit tree care in the Arizona low desert. Focus on these garden tasks for fruit this month:

Harvest Citrus
Many citrus varieties—such as blood oranges—are ripening this month. To check for sweetness, pick one and taste it. If you have established citrus trees, water them every 3–4 weeks in January. Avoid pruning citrus this month.

Plant Deciduous Fruit Trees
January is ideal for planting deciduous fruit trees in the low desert. Choose varieties that require fewer than 400 chill hours, mature early, and are self-pollinating. Learn how to plant fruit trees in this guide. If some of your existing trees haven’t fully dropped their leaves, remove any remaining leaves to encourage dormancy. Refer to this Fruit Planting Guide for tips on selecting trees well-suited to the low desert.

Prune Deciduous Fruit Trees
Prune these trees before they break bud. Remove dead, diseased, broken, or crossing branches and water sprouts (shoots growing straight up). Consider applying horticultural oil to help control pests before buds appear.

Fertilize Deciduous Fruit Trees
Feed your trees at the end of the month, and water them thoroughly before and after fertilizing. This helps move nutrients into the root zone and prevents fertilizer burn. Use this compost feeding method or an organic fruit tree fertilizer.

Feed Fig Trees
Established fig trees benefit from a dose of aged manure in January. This provides essential nutrients for healthy spring growth. For more details, see the Fig Growing Guide.

Prune Grapes
Grapevines produce fruit on one-year-old wood, so annual pruning is crucial. During the first couple of years, focus on building a solid framework. By the third year, your vines will be ready to yield a good crop. For more details, see the Grape Growing Guide.

Clean Up Around Trees
Remove any fallen or rotting fruit to discourage pests and diseases. Keeping the area around your trees tidy will help them stay healthy throughout the season.

Landscape Plant Tasks During January

Plant Cold-Tolerant Varieties: January is an excellent time to add cold-hardy trees, bushes, and perennials to your landscape. Protect new transplants from freezing temperatures by covering them or moving containers under shelter if needed.

Propagate Succulents: The cooler weather in the low desert makes this month perfect for propagating succulents. They’ll have time to develop strong root systems before the summer heat arrives.

Wait on Frost-Sensitive Plants: Hold off until mid-to-late February to plant or prune frost-tender varieties like lantana and hibiscus. Pruning them now can expose fresh cuts to cold weather, which may cause damage.

Prune Cold-Hardy Trees and Shrubs: Go ahead and remove any dead branches on cold-hardy plants.

Manage Fallen Leaves: Consider leaving fallen leaves in place as a natural mulch. If you rake them up, bag them and let them decompose for leaf mulch in spring, or add them to your compost pile. For more details on composting, check out my composting article.

Watering Your Garden and Landscape During January

Keep an eye on the weather this month. If you’re getting regular rain, turn off your irrigation system—trees and shrubs might only need watering once or twice in January. I usually water my garden beds about once a week during January, but check the soil first. If it’s still damp, wait a bit longer. After a heavy rain, you might not need to water at all. If it’s dry, water trees and shrubs every 2 to 4 weeks. For extra tips, visit wateruseitwisely.com.

Try not to overwater annual flowers. Water them until the soil is wet (about 6 inches down), then let the top dry out before watering again. For container plants, use a moisture meter or poke a finger in the top inch of soil—if it’s dry, it’s time to water. Established citrus trees typically need water every 3 to 4 weeks, while fruit trees are good with deep watering every 10 to 14 days.

Freezing Temperatures & Frost Protection

One of the biggest challenges in a winter garden is the occasional freeze. If your plants have suffered frost damage, resist the urge to prune them right away—wait until your last frost date to trim off damaged leaves or branches. Read the complete guide to pruning peppers, tomatoes, and eggplants after winter here. In the meantime, keep burlap or frost cloth on hand to cover newly planted citrus, young lemon and lime trees, and other frost-sensitive plants whenever the forecast calls for temps below 32°F (0°C).

If you’re not sure which plants need protection or how to cover them properly, I’ve got several guides that can help:

• Protecting Citrus in Cold Weather: Learn the best ways to shield your citrus trees from freezing temperatures.
• Which Plants to Cover in a Freeze: Find out which vegetables, landscape plants, and flowers are most at risk.
• Ways to Protect Your Garden From Frost: Get step-by-step tips for safeguarding your garden and containers when a cold snap hits.

If you are ready to dive deeper into gardening, explore my gardening classes. I offer both online and in-person classes that cover topics like seasonal planting, raised beds, soil health, and gardening in the low desert.

Wondering what terms like “pruning” or “seedling” really mean? My Gardening Glossary explains practical gardening vocabulary in plain language, so you always know what to do in your garden.

If this post about gardening in Arizona in January was helpful, please share it.

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Article Index

1. Snapdragons
2. Blue Salvia
3. Geranium
4. Petunias
5. Gazania
6. Allysum
7. Dianthus
8. Marigold
9. Violas
10. Lobelia

The oppressive heat of an Arizona summer is (almost!) gone. Heat-tolerating flowers have mostly survived, but they are looking tired. It’s time to swap them out for new flowers that will grow and thrive during Arizona’s cooler months. The options seem overwhelming, and you may ask yourself: 

• What are the easiest flowers to grow in Arizona in the fall? 
• Which flowers can I plant from transplant in the fall that grow well through spring?
• Which flowers can I plant in the fall that will last through spring? 
• Which flowers are simple to care for? 
• Are there annual flowers that grow well in pots and containers? 
• Which flowers can I buy from a big box store that will grow well and not die in a few weeks? 

Want to grow something new or need help with a favorite crop? My Ultimate Plant Index is a comprehensive, A–Z directory covering everything from snapdragons to poppies, so you can plant confidently.

Here are my ten choices for easy-to-grow fall flowers

1. Snapdragons

Plant transplants outside:
September 15 – February 15

Months in bloom: November – early June

Good to know: Attracts bees and butterflies. It is one of the easiest cool-season flowers to grow. Cutting the central stem early produces fuller branching stems. Keep deadheaded to encourage blooms. Excellent cut flower. Learn more about how to grow snapdragons in this guide.

2. Blue Salvia

Plant transplants outside:
September 15 – October
March-May 15

Months in bloom: April – early December

Good to know: Reseeds. Attracts hummingbirds and butterflies—several colors and varieties. Keep deadheaded to encourage blooms. It pairs well with lobelia.

3. Geranium

When to plant geraniums in Arizona: September – April

Months in bloom: February – June

Good to know: Remove flowers for the first few weeks to allow the plant to get established. Keep dead-headed for better blooms. Does best with regular water and 4-6 hours of sun. It pairs well with Alyssum.

4. Petunias

Plant transplants outside:
September 15 – March

Months in bloom: October – early May

Good to know: Pinch off flowers when first planted to encourage root development. Keep deadheaded to encourage blooms. Easy to grow. Needs regular watering. 

5. Gazania

Plant transplants outside:
September 15 – November
February – April

Months in bloom: Late October – June

Good to know: Considered a perennial flower, but often grown as an annual in the low desert of Arizona.

The Perpetual Annual Flower Planting Calendar, available in my shop, helps you learn when to plant flowers in the low desert of Arizona and whether to plant seeds or transplants.

10 Easy-to-grow Fall Flowers (continued)

6. Alyssum

Plant seeds or transplants outside:
October – March

Months in bloom: Late October – May

This article shares more information about how to grow alyssum.

Good to know: Easy to grow. Grows well in the sun or part shade. Reseeds easily. Excellent companion plant. Attracts many beneficial insects and pollinators. It pairs well with geraniums.

7. Dianthus

Plant transplants outside:
September – January

Months in bloom: October – April

Good to know: Easy to grow. Edible. Comes in many colors.

8. Marigold

Plant seeds or transplants outside:
February – May
September – October

Months in bloom: Late September – December and March – June

This article shares more information about how to grow marigolds.

Good to know: Good companion plant in the garden. Reseeds easily. Easy to grow. Needs regular water. Cutting the central stem early produces fuller branching stems. Keep deadheaded to encourage blooms. 

Get planting dates for your favorite crops with these visual planting guides for bulbs, vegetables, herbs, fruits, flowers & vines.

9. Pansies and Violets

Plant transplants outside:
September 15 – February 15

Months in bloom: Late November – early May

Read this article for more information about how to grow violas.

Good to know: Keep deadheaded to encourage blooms. Edible. Easy to grow. Needs part shade.

10. Lobelia

Plant transplants outside:
September 15 – December

Months in bloom: March-early June

Read this article for more information about how to grow lobelia.

Good to know: Prefers part sun. Needs regular water. Wait until hot temperatures subside to plant transplants. Keep deadheaded to encourage blooms. Pairs well with blue saliva.

See my How to Grow Poppies Guide for detailed instructions on planting and caring for poppies in the fall. This resource offers step-by-step advice on sowing, watering, and troubleshooting so you can enjoy these vibrant blooms in your cool-season garden.

If this post about ten easy-to-grow fall flowers was helpful, please share it.

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Not growing your own jalepeños? Give it a try! Learn how to grow peppers in this guide.

Article Index:

• Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers Recipe
• Handling Jalapeños Safely
• Controlling Jalepeño Heat Levels
• Filling Variations
• Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers Option
• Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers Recipe

Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 25 to 30 minutes
Makes: 24 poppers

Ingredients

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 12 large jalapeño peppers
• 6 ounces sharp yellow cheddar cheese, shredded (about 1 1/2 cups)
• 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 12 slices center-cut bacon (not thick-cut)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Oven and Peppers: Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and place a rack on top—this setup lets the bacon grease drain off the poppers as they cook and makes cleanup easier. Halve the jalapeños lengthwise. For a milder bite, remove the seeds and ribs; for more heat, leave more in.
2. Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until smooth and creamy.
3. Stuff the Peppers: Fill each jalapeño half with about 1 tablespoon of the cheese mixture, smoothing it so it’s flush with the top of the pepper.
4. Wrap in Bacon: Cut the bacon slices in half crosswise. Wrap each stuffed jalapeño half with a piece of bacon, tucking the ends underneath. Use a toothpick to keep it in place.
5. Bake: Arrange the peppers cut-side up on the prepared rack. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the bacon is crisp and the filling is bubbly and lightly golden.
6. Cool and Serve: Let them rest for about 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy them warm when the flavors are at their best.

Handling Jalapeños Safely

Jalapeño oils can cling to your skin and cause intense burning sensations—especially if you accidentally rub your eyes. For painless prep, wear gloves when handling jalapeños. If you do work barehanded, wash thoroughly with soap and water afterward and avoid touching your face. In a pinch, coating your hands with a bit of cooking oil before handling the peppers can form a temporary barrier, but gloves are your best bet.

Controlling Jalepeño Heat Levels

Not all jalapeños are created equal. Generally, younger, smaller peppers or those with tiny brownish striations (stretch marks) can be hotter. To reduce the heat, remove the white ribs and seeds. If you enjoy a spicy surprise, leave more of the seeds and membrane intact. If you’re still looking for milder heat, you can also opt for jalapeños labeled as “cool” or “mild.”

Wondering how peppers stack up heat-wise against other peppers? This guide to types of peppers gives you all the details.

Filling Variations

While the classic cream cheese and cheddar mixture is always a hit, there’s plenty of room for customization:

• Extra Flavor: Add a spoonful of your favorite hot sauce, a sprinkle of smoked paprika, or a handful of chopped green onions or I’itoi onions.
• Different Cheeses: Swap the cheddar for pepper jack or smoked gouda.
• Fresh Herbs: Fold in chopped cilantro, parsley, or garlic chives for fresh flavor.

Mix and match until you find your perfect blend.

Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers Option

Want to skip the oven? Try the air fryer for equally delicious results:

• Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
• Place the prepared, bacon-wrapped jalapeños in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
• Air fry for about 15 to 18 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the filling is hot and bubbly.
• Let them cool slightly before serving.

This method saves a bit of time and delivers a wonderfully crisp bacon exterior.

Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers Storage and Make-Ahead Tip

Make Ahead: Stuff and wrap the peppers up to a day before. Cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to cook.

Storage: Leftover poppers keep in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for the best texture.

Try this pomegranate jalepeño cream cheese dip if you want another appetizer to serve alongside these poppers.

Whether your jalapeños are mild or scorchingly hot, these bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers turn your garden bounty into a delicious treat. Try them for your next gathering, and watch as they disappear in no time.

Recipe Source:

• Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers Recipe– How to Bake Jalapeño Poppers | The Kitchn.

If you enjoyed these bacon-wrapped jalepeño poppers, please share this post.

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Harvesting and Prepping the Sweet Potatoes

If you grow your own sweet potatoes, this is the perfect way to use them once harvest time rolls around in the fall. If not, don’t worry. Stores put sweet potatoes on sale around Thanksgiving, so stock up then. Learn how to grow sweet potatoes in this guide, and put them on the planting list for next spring.

How to Bake and Peel the Sweet Potatoes

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. Place your sweet potatoes directly on the oven rack with a sheet of foil underneath to catch drips.
3. Bake for 30 to 60 minutes, depending on their size. They’ll smell amazing and should be very soft when done.
4. Let them cool on a cookie sheet. Once cool, the skins slip right off.

(A side note: If you have an in-bed vermicomposting bin, your worms will love the sweet potato peels.)

Now, your peeled, cooked sweet potatoes are ready for this recipe.

Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping

Serves: One 9×9 pan (Double recipe for 9×13 Half Size Steam Foil Pan)

Ingredients:

• 3 cups sweet potatoes (fully cooked and peeled, about 2 1/2 pounds sweet potatoes)
• ½ cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• ½ cup milk (not skim)
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. In a large bowl, mash the sweet potatoes until smooth (a potato masher works great).
3. Add sugar, eggs, milk, salt, and vanilla. Mix until well combined but not too liquidy.
4. Spread this mixture into a 9×9 baking pan.

Topping:

• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• ½ cup flour
• ½ stick cold butter
• 1 cup chopped pecans

To Make Topping:

1. Combine brown sugar and flour.
2. Cut in the cold butter with a fork until it looks crumbly.
3. Mix in pecans.
4. Sprinkle over the top of the sweet potato mixture.

Baking:

• Bake at 400°F for about 30 minutes until the top is bubbly and lightly browned.

Freezing and Storing

I like to make big batches of this sweet potato pie filling and freeze it before baking. Here’s how:

• Follow the recipe, but don’t bake it yet.
• Pour it into foil pans, cover them with lids, and label them with the date.
• Pop them in the freezer. I’ve kept them frozen for up to a year, and they still taste great when finally baked.

When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen sweet potato pie, let it thaw in the fridge before baking. This way, it’ll cook much more quickly.

Make Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping a new family tradition

This recipe is a holiday staple in my home, and I hope it becomes one in yours too. It’s simple, comforting, and full of family memories. Enjoy your sweet potato pie—no matter which holiday you’re celebrating!

Got questions? Ask away—I’m happy to help.

Need another cozy, crowd-pleasing side dish? Blue Cheese Thyme Scalloped Potatoes are rich, creamy, and packed with flavor—perfect for any occasion.

If you enjoyed this sweet potato casserole recipe, please share it.

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