What to plant this week in Phoenix, AZ
In Phoenix, this week marks the height of summer heat where gardeners focus entirely on harvest rather than starting new seeds. With night temperatures rarely dropping below 75°F until late December, your goal is to protect crops from scorching sun and maximize yields before the monsoon season intensifies later in July.
The next 7 days
Phoenix, AZGrowing in Phoenix right now
- Avoid sowing any cool-season plants like basil or beans this week; Phoenix soil warms so quickly that cold-tender seeds will fry before germinating. Stick strictly to heat-lovers already listed, such as okra, zucchini, and melons, which thrive in our intense 100°F+ afternoons.
- Phoenix clay soils tend to bake into hard crusts during these dry spells; break them up before watering and apply thick mulch to retain moisture for your summer squash and cantaloupes.
- Water early in the morning rather than evening to prevent fungal issues on zinnias and cosmos, as our high humidity from monsoon fronts later this month can trap spores if leaves stay wet at night.
Sow this week
27 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)
- Watermelon
- 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 fast-growing bush beans every two weeks to ensure a steady harvest through the heat.
- Pinch back the tops of basil plants regularly to encourage bushier growth before they flower.
- Apply a light layer of compost around established squash and melons to conserve moisture in the dry air.
Pest & disease watch
- Spider mites are exploding in Phoenix heat right now, especially on basil and fennel; spray with strong water jets or neem oil every two days to keep infestations down.
- Aphids cluster heavily on the new growth of sweet corn and pole beans during this dry window, requiring hand-picking or insecticidal soap before they spread.
Watering this week
Water deeply in the early morning to reduce evaporation and keep foliage dry throughout the day.
If your sweet corn is tasseling now, plant another row immediately for a second harvest later this summer.
Phoenix gardening questions
3Can I plant basil seeds directly in Phoenix soil right now?
No, basil is listed for harvest soon but should not be sown; planting it in the current 105°F+ heat will kill the seedlings instantly. Instead, prune existing basil bushes to encourage bushier growth and keep them shaded during peak afternoon sun.
How often should I water my summer squash and zucchini in this dry spell?
Our sandy-loam mix near Phoenix dries out rapidly between monsoon clouds, so you need deep watering two to three times per week. Aim for one inch of water at a time to encourage strong root systems that can handle our intense desert sun.
Are there any cool-season crops I should be thinking about for next month?
Not yet; the average last frost date is January 15, meaning we are far too warm for lettuce or peas until after Labor Day. Wait until late August when monsoon rains lower daytime highs before attempting to sow anything other than heat-tolerant varieties like watermelon or edamame.
Other cities in zone 10a
6See the full zone 10a guide → · Plan your Phoenix garden in SproutGuide →