Fall in Phoenix is the season to come alive again after our long summer hibernation! Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, now is the perfect time to rejuvenate your yard, your potted plants, and your spirit. Gardening in the desert comes with unique challenges, but also immense rewards. By planting now, you’re setting the stage for a vibrant, flourishing garden that will carry you through winter and late spring.
Why Fall is a Great Time to Plant in Phoenix
Phoenix gardeners know the summer can be brutal. Many plants struggle—or simply don’t survive—the triple-digit temperatures, leaving our gardens looking parched and tired. Fall brings relief: cooler days and cooler nights create ideal conditions for planting. The soil retains moisture better, young plants have a chance to establish strong roots, and your garden can thrive through the winter months.
What to Plant This Season
Here’s a quick guide to some of the best options for fall planting in the Valley of the Sun:
- Vegetables: Leafy greens like kale, spinach, and lettuce; root veggies such as carrots, radishes, and beets; plus broccoli and cauliflower for hearty winter harvests.
- Herbs: Cilantro, parsley, oregano, thyme, sage, and rosemary all thrive when planted in fall.
- Flowers: Cool-season blooms like pansies, snapdragons, and calendula bring cheerful color to your garden.
- Fruit & Trees: Citrus trees and pomegranates planted now will establish strong roots before the heat returns next spring.
Tips for Phoenix Fall Gardening
- Check Your Soil: After summer, your soil may be compacted or depleted. Add compost (my favorite go-to is the Arizona Worm Farm) or organic matter to enrich it and improve drainage.
- Water Wisely: Even with cooler temperatures, young plants need consistent watering. Early mornings are best to prevent fungal issues.
- Plan for the Future: Fall is the perfect time for perennials, shrubs, and bulbs to go in the ground. (Our paperwhites are already starting to sprout!)
- Sun Protection: While the sun is less intense, midday rays can still stress plants. Consider temporary shade cloth for tender seedlings. I planted my medicinal herbs two weeks ago, and a simple frost cloth has worked wonders—keeping torrential rains from washing away seeds, shielding sprouts from the sun, and protecting them from the backyard birds who love to dine on seedlings!
Tools & Treasures for the Season
Bring intention and ease to your fall planting with thoughtful garden tools and supplies from our Garden & Outdoor Collection.
A few of our favorites for the season:
- Wooden Plant Stakes — simple, natural markers for seedlings and herbs.
- Seed Saving Envelopes — perfect for preserving your favorite varieties for next year.
- Garden Shears — sturdy and elegant for pruning, harvesting, and shaping.
- Twine — gentle on plants, ideal for tying stems and training vines.
- Books for Inspiration: The Tao of Vegetable Gardening and The Resilient Gardener — thoughtful companions for cultivating both your garden and your inner landscape.
Inspiration for the Season
Use this season as a time to experiment, try new plant varieties, and reconnect with nature. If gardening isn’t your thing, simply spend more time outdoors—walk while making phone calls, stretch in the grass, and watch the pollinators work their magic.
If you don’t have a yard, open your windows and enjoy the fresh air while listening to the birdsong. Your spirit—and your nervous system—will thank you.
Looking for more ways to connect with the seasons? Explore our Seasonal Ritual Kits and herbal offerings to support your fall rhythms and rituals. 🌿