What to plant this week in Scottsdale, AZ
Scottsdale gardeners are currently in the peak of summer harvest mode, where mid-90s heat demands consistent watering to protect your crops from scorching. With the last frost date long past and no risk of winter chill until December, focus entirely on maintaining soil moisture for your fast-growing beans, squash, and melons thriving this week.
The next 7 days
Scottsdale, AZGrowing in Scottsdale right now
- Protect seedlings like Basil and Okra from intense afternoon sun by using 30% shade cloth or pulling them into the morning only to acclimate slowly.
- Monitor soil moisture closely in Scottsdale's sandy loam; water deeply every other day during heatwaves rather than frequent light sprinkles to encourage deep roots.
- Apply a thick layer of organic mulch around Zinnias and Bush Beans immediately after watering to lock in moisture and keep root zones cool.
- Avoid planting transplants this week as the soil is likely too dry and hot for successful establishment without significant pre-wetting efforts.
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 are exploding on French Marigolds and Shiso due to the hot, dry conditions; spray with insecticidal soap early in the morning to control infestations.
- Aphids frequently cluster on new growth of Pole Beans and Scarlet Runner Beans, requiring a strong jet of water or neem oil application twice weekly.
- Watch for squash vine borers attacking Yellow Summer Squash and Zucchini stems, which can kill plants by cutting off water uptake entirely.
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.
Scottsdale gardening questions
3Should I start my fall garden seeds now in Scottsdale?
No, wait until after the last frost date of January 30 to sow cool-season crops like peas or lettuce. Trying to plant transplants now would result in immediate failure due to our extreme summer heat.
My Zinnias are wilting despite regular watering; is this normal?
Yes, this is common as Scottsdale's intense sun evaporates moisture quickly from the foliage. Ensure you are water deeply at the base rather than letting wet leaves sit in the midday sun, which promotes fungal issues.
Can I harvest my Cantaloupe and Watermelon anytime now?
Harvest these only when they slip easily from the vine or show a distinct yellow spot where the stem meets the fruit. Leaving them too long on the hot ground can cause rot, so check daily as ripening accelerates rapidly in our climate.
Other cities in zone 9b
10See the full zone 9b guide → · Plan your Scottsdale garden in SproutGuide →