Arizona December Gardening Guide

Gardening in Arizona during December can vary depending on the specific region of the state you’re in, but in general, it’s a time for preparation, planning, and taking care of winter-friendly plants. Arizona’s climate is diverse, ranging from desert areas in the south to mountainous regions in the north. Here’s a December gardening guide tailored to the general conditions:

1. General Gardening Tips for Arizona in December:

• Weather Considerations:
  • In lower desert areas like Phoenix and Tucson, daytime temperatures in December range from 60°F to 70°F, while nighttime temperatures can dip into the 30s and 40s.
  • In higher elevations like Flagstaff, temperatures can drop well below freezing.
  • The cool weather in December makes it a great time for planting cool-season vegetables, herbs, and other hardy plants.
• Soil and Watering:
  • Arizona soils are often sandy or rocky, so regular soil amendments with organic matter are important to improve moisture retention.
  • Watering: Even in winter, desert regions can be dry. Keep an eye on your plants, ensuring they receive enough water but avoid over-watering, especially for drought-tolerant varieties.

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2. What to Plant in December:

Cool-Season Vegetables:

December is a great time to plant vegetables that thrive in cooler weather. These crops tend to grow best when temperatures range from 50°F to 65°F.

• Leafy Greens: Lettuce, spinach, arugula, Swiss chard, and kale can be planted now for a winter harvest.
• Root Vegetables: Carrots, beets, radishes, turnips, and parsnips can be seeded in the ground.
• Broccoli, Cauliflower, and Cabbage: These cold-hardy crops can be started from seed indoors and transplanted outside or bought as seedlings for planting.
• Peas: Plant peas early in the month, as they prefer cooler weather.
• Garlic: December is also a good time to plant garlic for a summer harvest.

Herbs:

• Herbs like cilantro, parsley, and thyme can be sown or transplanted now.
• Mint and oregano can be propagated from cuttings during this time.

Flowering Plants:

• Pansies, violas, and primroses: These flowers thrive in cool weather and can add color to your winter garden.
• Calendula: Plant for colorful blooms that will brighten up your garden in the colder months.
• Stock: This cool-season flower is known for its fragrant blossoms and can be planted in December.

Trees & Shrubs:

• Citrus Trees: December is the perfect time to plant citrus trees in Arizona, such as oranges, lemons, and grapefruits. Be sure to protect them from any potential frost with frost cloths if necessary.
• Deciduous Trees: You can plant deciduous trees (like maple, oak, or ash) while they are dormant. They will establish roots before the warmer months arrive.

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3. Winter Care for Existing Plants:

Protecting from Frost:

• Frost Protection: In Arizona’s colder areas, frost can sometimes be a concern. Be prepared to cover sensitive plants with frost cloths or blankets during especially cold nights.
• Desert Plants: While many desert plants are adapted to cold, young or newly planted succulents, cacti, and agave may need additional care during frost.

Mulching:

• Apply mulch around the base of plants to help retain moisture and protect roots from temperature extremes.

Pruning:

• Prune trees and shrubs: December is a good time to prune deciduous trees and shrubs, especially those that bloom in the spring or summer. Be sure to remove dead or damaged wood.
• Deadheading: Remove dead flowers from plants to encourage fresh blooms in the coming months.

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4. Other Gardening Tasks for December:

• Plan for Spring: December is a great time to plan your spring garden. Review what worked well in previous seasons and research new plants to try in the coming year.
• Maintain Tools: Take time to clean and sharpen your gardening tools. This will ensure that you are ready for the busy spring planting season.
• Seed Starting: Start seeds indoors for spring vegetables and flowers. Herbs like basil, and warm-weather crops like tomatoes and peppers, can be started indoors in December for transplanting after the last frost.

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5. Gardening in Different Arizona Regions:

Low Desert (Phoenix, Tucson, Yuma):

• Planting: This region enjoys mild winters and is perfect for cool-season crops and flowers. You can also plant fruit trees like citrus and pomegranate.
• Watering: Although cooler, the desert still requires watering, so check the moisture level in the soil regularly.

High Desert (Flagstaff, Payson):

• Winter Conditions: It can be much colder with snow and freezing temperatures, so focus on planting hardy winter crops and avoid planting tender vegetables or flowers.
• Protection: Use frost protection for any tender plants and make sure any outdoor irrigation systems are winterized.

Mountain Zones:

• Cold Weather: If you live in mountainous areas, most gardening will be focused on indoor plants or seasonal care for shrubs and trees.
• Mulch and Cover: Focus on protecting existing plants from freezing conditions and prepare for spring planting as soon as the ground thaws.

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Conclusion:

In Arizona, December is a time of preparation, planting cool-season crops, and caring for your garden with frost protection in mind. Whether you’re planting vegetables like kale and carrots, or adding colorful flowers and citrus trees, this month provides plenty of opportunities to continue enjoying gardening despite the cooler temperatures. Keep in mind that the higher elevations of Arizona will require more caution against freezing temperatures, while the desert regions allow for more flexibility in what can be planted.