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Tucson, AZ Planting Calendar

The last spring frost in Tucson usually comes around Feb 16 and the first fall frost around Dec 18, a growing season of about 305 days. Start tomatoes indoors Jan 5 – Jan 19 and plant them outside Mar 2 – Mar 16.

Last spring frostFeb 16
First fall frostDec 18
Growing season305 days

When to plant vegetables in Tucson

VegetableStart seeds indoorsPlant outsideFall crop
TomatoesJan 5 – Jan 19Mar 2 – Mar 16—
PeppersDec 29 – Jan 12Mar 9 – Mar 23—
EggplantDec 29 – Jan 12Mar 9 – Mar 23—
Cucumbers—Mar 2 – Mar 16—
Zucchini & summer squash—Mar 2 – Mar 16—
Pumpkins & winter squash—Mar 9 – Mar 23—
Green beans—Mar 2 – Mar 16Sep 25 – Oct 9
Sweet corn—Mar 2 – Mar 16—
BasilJan 19 – Feb 2Mar 2 – Mar 16—
LettuceDec 22 – Jan 5Jan 19 – Mar 2Oct 23 – Nov 6
Spinach—Jan 5 – Jan 26Oct 23 – Nov 6
Peas—Jan 5 – Jan 26Oct 9 – Oct 23
Carrots—Jan 19 – Feb 23Sep 25 – Oct 9
Radishes—Jan 12 – Mar 2Nov 6 – Nov 20
BroccoliDec 8 – Dec 22Jan 19 – Feb 2Sep 25 – Oct 9
KaleDec 22 – Jan 5Jan 12 – Jan 26Oct 9 – Oct 23
Onions—Jan 19 – Feb 2—
Potatoes—Jan 26 – Feb 23—
Garlic——Dec 4 – Jan 8

Dates count from the median frost dates (2016–2025) for Tucson. In a cold spring, wait a week; in a warm one you can go a week early.

Month-by-month planting in Tucson

  1. JanuaryStart indoors: Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant, Basil, Lettuce, KalePlant outside: Lettuce, Spinach, Peas, Carrots, Radishes, Broccoli, Kale, Onions, Potatoes, Garlic
  2. FebruaryStart indoors: BasilPlant outside: Lettuce, Carrots, Radishes, Broccoli, Onions, Potatoes
  3. MarchPlant outside: Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant, Cucumbers, Zucchini & summer squash, Pumpkins & winter squash, Green beans, Sweet corn, Basil, Lettuce, Radishes
  4. AprilPlan, order seeds and prepare beds.
  5. MayPlan, order seeds and prepare beds.
  6. JunePlan, order seeds and prepare beds.
  7. JulyPlan, order seeds and prepare beds.
  8. AugustPlan, order seeds and prepare beds.
  9. SeptemberPlant outside: Green beans, Carrots, Broccoli
  10. OctoberPlant outside: Green beans, Lettuce, Spinach, Peas, Carrots, Broccoli, Kale
  11. NovemberPlant outside: Lettuce, Spinach, Radishes
  12. DecemberStart indoors: Peppers, Eggplant, Lettuce, Broccoli, KalePlant outside: Garlic

Tools for this season

Seed starting kitTrays with humidity domes for starting seeds indoors.See options on AmazonLED grow lightKeeps indoor seedlings short and sturdy.See options on AmazonFrost clothCovers tender plants on a surprise frost night.See options on AmazonSoil thermometerCheck the soil at 4 inches before you spread anything.See options on Amazon

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Frequently asked questions

When is the last frost in Tucson?

The median last spring frost is Feb 16 and the median first fall frost is Dec 18, based on 2016–2025 weather data.

When should I plant tomatoes in Tucson?

Start seeds indoors Jan 5 – Jan 19 and set plants outside Mar 2 – Mar 16, once nights stay above 50°F.

When should I plant a fall garden in Tucson?

Sow or transplant cool-season crops 6 to 12 weeks before the first fall frost (around Dec 18): broccoli and carrots first, lettuce, spinach and radishes last.

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