Planting calendar
August Planting Guide for Phoenix, AZ: Raised Beds, Containers & In-Ground
In August in Phoenix, focus on heat-tolerant fall crops and preparing your garden for cooler months. Plant leafy greens, root vegetables, and herbs suitable for late summer and early fall in raised beds, containers, or in-ground. Avoid sensitive plants that struggle in extreme heat.
Plant now (quick list)
Swiss chard, Kale, Collard greens, Beets, Carrots, Radishes, Green onions, Turnips
Plant now
- Swiss chard
- Kale
- Collard greens
- Beets
- Carrots
- Radishes
- Green onions
- Turnips
- Cilantro
- Parsley
Start indoors
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Cabbage
- Brussels sprouts
- Lettuce
- Spinach
- Kohlrabi
- Celery
- Leeks
- Herbs like basil and dill
Avoid
- Tomatoes (outdoor planting)
- Peppers
- Eggplants
- Cucumbers
- Melons
- Squash
- Corn
- Beans
- Okra
- Sweet potatoes
Next 2 weeks
- Monitor soil moisture carefully; irrigate early morning or late evening
- Mulch raised beds and containers to retain moisture and reduce soil temperature
- Thin seedlings to avoid overcrowding
- Watch for pests like aphids and treat promptly
- Fertilize leafy crops with balanced, nitrogen-rich fertilizer
- Ensure good air circulation around plants to prevent fungal diseases
- Prepare soil for upcoming cool-season crops by adding compost
- Rotate crops to reduce disease risk
- Check container drainage regularly
- Harvest mature crops promptly to encourage continuous production
FAQs
Can I plant tomatoes in August in Phoenix?
August is too hot for planting tomatoes outdoors in Phoenix; wait until temperatures cool in late September or October.
How often should I water raised beds in August?
Water raised beds deeply every 2-3 days, adjusting based on temperature and soil moisture to prevent drying out.
Are there any herbs that grow well in Phoenix August heat?
Heat-tolerant herbs like basil, cilantro, and parsley can be grown in containers with partial shade and regular watering.
Should I start cool-season crops indoors or direct sow?
Starting cool-season crops indoors in August is recommended to protect seedlings from extreme heat before transplanting.
How can I protect my garden from intense afternoon sun?
Use shade cloth or position containers and raised beds where they receive morning sun and afternoon shade to reduce heat stress.
Next steps
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