When to Plant in Peoria, AZ

Peoria, Arizona, enjoys a delightful gardening climate with a median last spring frost on February 6 and a median first fall frost occurring on December 11, providing an impressive total of 300 frost-free days each year. These favorable frost dates allow gardeners to cultivate a wide variety of plants throughout the growing season, making it an ideal location for avid gardeners.

Characterized by a hot desert (Sonoran) microclimate, Peoria is well-suited to growing heat-loving crops like tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants, which thrive in high temperatures and dry conditions. Conversely, cool-weather crops such as lettuce and peas tend to struggle due to the intense heat and dry air during the summer months, limiting their growing season significantly.

What to plant now in Peoria

Spring is the best time to sow beans and squash outdoors, ideally from February 6 until three weeks after the last frost on February 6, maximizing your harvest before the heat sets in.
For summer planting, from May 1 to June 15, consider sowing heat-tolerant crops such as okra and sweet potatoes. Their growth benefits from the long warm days and minimal rainfall.
As fall approaches, start the preparation for late-season crops by planting quick-maturing vegetables like kale and broccoli from December 11 to December 11 to ensure they mature before the frost on December 11.
During winter, between December 15 and January 15, you can focus on growing hardy crops such as garlic and onions that will benefit from the cooler temperatures, flourishing and preparing for an early spring harvest.

In Peoria (308 frost-free days, a very long season), 30 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 25 get two plantings, 1 crop is perennial.

Month by month in Peoria

Month	What to do
January	As winter prevails, focus on planning your spring garden. Order seeds and prepare beds. Collect information about which crops thrive in the hot desert (Sonoran) climate for a successful garden.
February	With the median last frost approaching on February 6, start seeds indoors for warm-weather crops. Ensure your garden is ready for planting once the frost date passes to maximize your growing season.
March	March is ideal for planting beans and squash outside, as the threat of frost has ended. Prepare garden beds thoroughly, and ensure your irrigation works efficiently to support these young plants.
April	Continue planting warm-season crops through April. Remember to space plants adequately and provide shade if temperatures rise too high, helping them adapt to the hot desert conditions.
May	May brings intense heat, so focus on watering and maintaining crops already planted. This is the time to sow heat-tolerant varieties such as okra and sweet potatoes to keep your garden productive.
June	In June, monitor soil moisture closely due to high evaporation rates. Consider mulching around plants to retain moisture and reduce heat stress on your summer crops.
July	July is the peak of summer heat; continue to provide adequate water and inspect plants for pests and diseases. Harvesting existing crops should be a priority, ensuring they do not over-ripen.
August	As the season transitions toward fall, prepare for late summer planting. Start hardy greens like kale before the temperatures begin to cool, taking full advantage of the warmer early days of this month.
September	September marks a great time to plant fall crops as gardening resumes with milder evenings. Focus on quick-maturing varieties to ensure harvests before frost sets in.
October	In October, continue harvesting and canning crops. This is also a good time to plant garlic and other hardy crops that will thrive through the cooler months leading up to winter.
November	With holiday preparations underway, focus on maintaining existing plants and preparing beds for winter vegetables. Ensure that your soil is well-aerated for those that will thrive in colder weather.
December	December is when the first fall frost arrives on December 11. Protect any remaining crops and clean up the garden. Prepare for the coming spring by planning and preparing your seed choices.

Frost dates for Peoria ZIP codes

ZIP	Last spring frost (50%)	First fall frost (50%)	Zone
85383	February 6	December 11	9b

FAQ

When is the last frost in Peoria?

The last frost in Peoria typically occurs on February 6, allowing a long growing season for gardeners to plan and plant.

What vegetables grow best in Peoria?

Heat-loving plants such as tomatoes, peppers, and squash thrive well in the hot desert conditions, while cool-weather crops generally struggle.

When should I plant tomatoes in Peoria?

Tomatoes should be planted outdoors after the last frost date on February 6, ideally starting seeds indoors in late winter to prepare for this.

Can I garden year-round in Peoria?

Yes, with 300 frost-free days, gardeners can grow a wide range of crops year-round, focusing on season-appropriate plants.

How does Plan My Garden help Peoria gardeners?

Plan My Garden provides tailored planting calendars, crop recommendations, and garden planning tools suited specifically for Peoria's unique growing conditions.