What to plant this week in Phoenix, AZ
Phoenix gardeners, welcome the deep summer heat as you aggressively sow and harvest your annuals and warm-season crops. With frost dates long behind us since mid-January, this week is all about maximizing growth in our intense Zone 10a climate before the monsoon season fully arrives.
The next 7 days
Phoenix, AZGrowing in Phoenix right now
- Soil here often requires heavy moisture retention strategies; add organic matter or use drip irrigation to combat rapid evaporation during our hot days.
- Our unique alkaline desert soil can lock up nutrients for fast-growing beans and corn, so mix in compost or lime-amended amendments before planting.
- Take advantage of the current dry spell to sow heat-loving crops like okra and sweet corn now, but ensure deep watering once seeds germinate.
- Avoid planting heavy-feeding crops near the city center where salt accumulation from irrigation runoff may stress sensitive plants.
Sow this week
26 crops- Basil
- Borage
- Bush Bean
- Cantaloupe
- Cleome (Spider Flower)
- Cosmos
- Cowpea (Black-Eyed Pea)
- Cucumber
- Edamame
- Fennel
- French Marigold
- Garden Verbena
- Lima Bean
- Malabar Spinach
- Nasturtium
- Okra
- Pole Bean
- Scarlet Runner Bean
- Shiso (Japanese Basil)
- Summer Savory
- Sweet Corn
- Thai Basil
- Vinca (Madagascar Periwinkle)
- Yellow Summer Squash
- Zinnia
- Zucchini
Transplant this week
Nothing is due to go out this week.
Harvest soon
35 crops- Basil
- Borage
- Bush Bean
- Cantaloupe
- Cleome (Spider Flower)
- Cosmos
- Cowpea (Black-Eyed Pea)
- Cucumber
- Edamame
- Fennel
- Flour Corn
- French Marigold
- Garden Verbena
- 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 bush beans every two weeks to ensure a continuous summer supply.
- Thin emerging seedlings now so they can develop strong root systems before heat sets in.
- Mulch around heat-sensitive plants like fennel and nasturtium to keep soil temperatures stable.
Pest & disease watch
- Monitor for spider mites on leafy greens like Malabar spinach and nasturtiums as humidity stays low and temperatures climb above 95°F.
- Watch closely for squash vine borers attacking zucchini and yellow summer squash before the first heavy monsoon rains arrive later this month.
- Check fennel and cilantro (if growing) for aphid colonies, which thrive in our warm evenings despite the daytime heat.
Watering this week
Water deeply in the morning to reduce evaporation while keeping foliage dry to prevent fungal issues.
Pinch off spent flowers from zinnias regularly to encourage a second wave of blooms later this season.
Phoenix gardening questions
3Can I still plant basil seeds outdoors now, or should I wait?
Yes, basil is listed as sowingable this week because we are so far past the January 15th last frost date. However, be aware that Basil is also ready for harvest soon, so check your existing plants before scattering new seeds.
How do I protect my newly planted sweet corn from our sudden summer storms?
Since transplanting isn't an option right now, sow the Sweet Corn directly into well-drained soil with raised beds to prevent root rot during heavy monsoon rains. Ensure rows are spaced widely enough for air circulation once the plants mature.
Are my Okra and Yellow Summer Squash ready to eat yet?
Absolutely; both are featured prominently in our harvest list, so snap them up while they are tender before the heat intensifies further. Harvest okra pods daily to prevent them from turning woody in our extreme Phoenix summer temperatures.
Other cities in zone 10a
6See the full zone 10a guide → · Plan your Phoenix garden in SproutGuide →