What to plant this week in Mesa, AZ
In Mesa's relentless 9b heat, this week marks the transition from late winter hardiness into peak summer production, where frost is long gone and the focus shifts to heat-lovers like Okra and Summer Squash. With average minimums holding steady at 25°F and no risk of a Jan 30th freeze, you can aggressively sow warm-season crops that will thrive in our arid climate.
The next 7 days
Mesa, AZGrowing in Mesa right now
- Our deep, often alkaline desert soil demands consistent moisture for new plantings since the intense sun creates rapid evaporation; mulch heavily to retain humidity around roots.
- Avoid working in the garden during midday heat spikes common here until late afternoon, as transplanted seedlings risk scorching without ample water.
- Water deeply and infrequently rather than shallowly to encourage deep root systems that can handle Mesa's seasonal drought patterns.
Sow this week
18 crops- Basil
- Borage
- Bush Bean
- Cleome (Spider Flower)
- Cucumber
- French Marigold
- Malabar Spinach
- Nasturtium
- Okra
- Pole Bean
- Scarlet Runner Bean
- Shiso (Japanese Basil)
- Summer Savory
- Thai Basil
- Vinca (Madagascar Periwinkle)
- Yellow Summer Squash
- Zinnia
- Zucchini
Transplant this week
Nothing is due to go out this week.
Harvest soon
36 crops- Basil
- Borage
- Bush Bean
- Cantaloupe
- Cleome (Spider Flower)
- Cosmos
- Cowpea (Black-Eyed Pea)
- Cucumber
- Edamame
- Fennel
- Flour Corn
- French Marigold
- Garden Verbena
- Garlic
- Gourd (Ornamental/Bottle)
- Honeydew Melon
- Lima Bean
- Loofah (Luffa)
- Malabar Spinach
- Nasturtium
- Okra
- Pole Bean
- Pumpkin
- Roselle (Cranberry Hibiscus)
- Scarlet Runner Bean
- Shiso (Japanese Basil)
- Summer Savory
- Sunflower
- Sweet Corn
- Thai Basil
- Vinca (Madagascar Periwinkle)
- Watermelon
- Winter Squash
- Yellow Summer Squash
- Zinnia
- Zucchini
Seasonal tips
- Succession sow fast-maturing varieties like bush beans to extend your harvest window before the first frost in mid-December.
- Mulch around summer squash and pumpkin plants now to retain soil moisture as temperatures begin their annual dip.
- Prune back any leggy tomato or pepper vines if they are still growing, but be gentle with heavy harvest crops.
Pest & disease watch
- Spider Mites often explode on leafy greens like Malabar Spinach during dry, hot spells typical of our current weather pattern.
- Aphids frequently colonize the tender new growth of Cucumber and Zucchini plants when temperatures climb above 85°F.
- Slugs may still be active in shaded microclimates or after rare night rains before they retreat as humidity drops.
Watering this week
Water deeply in the late afternoon to keep soil cool, ensuring consistent moisture for your heavy feeders like okra and cucumbers.
Save seeds from your zinnias and sunflowers now while they are still green to ensure a fresh batch for next year's bloom.
Mesa gardening questions
3When is the absolute last chance to plant cold-season crops like Garlic for a fall harvest?
While your frost-free window officially opened on Jan 30, Garlic should have been planted in late autumn; any late sowings now won't establish roots before summer heat sets in.
Which vegetables from the 'harvest soon' list need immediate attention to prevent bolting in this heat?
Flour Corn and Fennel are particularly prone to bolting rapidly under Mesa's intense sun, so check them daily and harvest heads or umbels as soon as they mature.
Can I transplant any of the 'sow now' items like Bush Beans directly into the ground this week?
No, the current heat is too stressful for young transplants; it is safer to start these in small pots indoors and set them out after seedlings are robust enough to handle full sun.
Other cities in zone 9b
10See the full zone 9b guide → · Plan your Mesa garden in SproutGuide →