New to desert gardening? Start here. Gardening in Phoenix is different from gardening in other parts of the country, but you don’t need years of experience to get started. Learn the basics, figure out what works in your yard, then choose what you want to grow.
Desert Gardening for Beginners: Start Here
New to Desert Gardening?
Gardening in a hot, dry climate has a learning curve. The trick is learning what works with your desert climate and leaning into that, not fighting against it.
Why is Gardening in Phoenix so Different?
In Phoenix, the heat, intense afternoon sun, dry air, native soil and unusual growing seasons all affect what you can grow and when you can grow it. Your yard can also have microclimates that make one spot much different from another.
Once you understand those differences, desert gardening gets much easier. Gardening is a process, so don’t get overwhelmed. Start small, you don’t need to know everything to start.
Arizona Gardening Tip: More water doesn’t mean happier plants. “Full sun” on a plant tag doesn’t necessarily mean Phoenix afternoon sun. And planting at the wrong time of year can set you up for failure before you even get started.
5 Desert Gardening Basics
SUN SOIL WATER SEASONS MICROCLIMATE
Sun
Understand intense summer heat, afternoon exposure and plant stress. Desert afternoon sun can be much more intense than “full sun” elsewhere. Full sun on a plant tag doesn’t mean full sun if you’re planting in Phoenix. → Sun & Your Garden’s Location
Soil
Understand desert soil, drainage, organic matter and common problems such as caliche. → How to Improve Desert Soil
Water
Learn how often to water and why more frequent watering isn’t always better. → How to Water Your Garden
Phoenix Planting Seasons
Spring and Fall are the two main planting seasons in Phoenix. Fall is for the cooler season and Spring for the warm season vegetables and herbs. Spring starts after the last frost and in Phoenix that is often the end of February.
Microclimates
Shade, walls, trees and exposure can make different parts of your yard behave differently. While the garden space may be on a south facing wall, any of the above could create a microclimate for your plants.
Learn the Desert Gardening Basics
1. Know your climate. Phoenix is in the low desert. Your location affects what you can grow and when. Find your growing zone.
2. Find your sun. Observe where your garden gets morning and afternoon sun.
3. Check your soil. Find out what you’re working with before you plant.
4. Decide where to grow. Choose containers, raised beds or in-ground space. → Which Growing Method Is Right for You?
5. Choose the right plant. Match the plant to the low desert (climate) + season (fall or spring) + sunlight + water + soil.
What Do You Want to Grow?
Growing food? Flowers? Or plants for your desert landscape? Start with the path that matches your goal.
Find Out What to Plant Now
Phoenix gardening doesn’t follow the traditional spring/summer/fall calendar. Find out what you can plant this month.
Your First Weekend of Desert Gardening
Today
- If you’re in Phoenix, you’re in the low desert → Planting Zones & How They Help To Understand Your Garden
- Observe where the sun hits your yard. What time of day does the area have sun? When does it get shady?
- Pick one potential growing location.
Tomorrow
- Check your soil
- Decide whether you’ll use containers, raised beds or in-ground space
- Choose one thing you’d like to grow
Next: Find out what you can plant this month.
Gardening Resource Guides
Desert Plant Inspiration
If you want some desert plant inspiration visit the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix, or the Boyce Thompson Arboretum.
