Best Winter Crops for Hot Summer Climates

By: Angela Judd | November 4, 2024

Winter gardening in hot climates like Arizona can be surprisingly rewarding. While the scorching summer months may limit your gardening options, the cooler winter season opens up a wide variety of crops that thrive in mild temperatures. Whether you are gardening in the low desert or a similar hot summer climate, knowing what to plant and when is the key to a successful winter garden.

Best Winter Crops for Hot Summer Climates

Understanding Winter Gardening in Hot Summer Climates

In hot summer climates, winter is often the most productive gardening season. Cool-season crops flourish with milder temperatures, shorter days, and less intense sunlight. This contrasts with traditional winter gardening in colder climates, where frost and freezing temperatures are the primary concerns. In desert regions like Arizona, the key is selecting crops that can handle occasional chilly nights while thriving in the daytime warmth.

Top Winter Crops for Hot Climates: What to Grow and When

When to Plant Winter Crops in Hot Summer Climates

Timing is everything in gardening, especially when dealing with hot summer climates. Here’s a general timeline for planting winter crops:

September to October: Begin planting cool-season crops as nighttime temperatures begin to drop. These months are ideal for sowing seeds and transplanting seedlings. It’s important to get crops established before the cooler weather sets in.
November to December: Continue planting leafy greens, root vegetables, and herbs. By now, the days are cooler, and the threat of heat stress is minimal. This is also a good time to plant garlic and onions for a spring harvest.
January to February: Focus on maintaining your garden. While you can still plant short-maturing crops, the main tasks will be watering, harvesting, and protecting crops from potential frost.

(Click on the month name to see specific planting information for each month.)

Here are some of the best crops to grow in your winter garden:

(Click on the crop name for “How to Grow” guides for each crop.)

Leafy Greens

Leafy greens thrive in the mild winter temperatures of hot climates. They prefer cooler weather and can often be harvested multiple times during the season.

Lettuce: Varieties like Romaine, Butterhead, and Leaf lettuce grow well in cooler temperatures.
Spinach: A fast-growing green, spinach loves the cooler weather and can be harvested continuously.
Kale: Kale is hardy and can tolerate light frost, making it perfect for winter gardening in warm climates. If you are growing kale, my favorite way to use it is in this salad–the best kale salad you’ll ever make.

Brassicas

These cool-season vegetables are a staple in winter gardens.

Broccoli: Broccoli thrives in cooler weather and can produce multiple harvests.
Cauliflower: Another cool-season crop. Cauliflower can be a bit finicky, but it is worth the effort.
Cabbage: Cabbage is a slow grower but consistently grows well in mild winters.

Root Vegetables

Root vegetables are perfect for winter gardening as they tolerate cooler soil temperatures.

Carrots: Carrots are sweetened by cooler weather and grow best through our cooler months.
Beets: Beets are easy to grow and can be harvested as roots and greens.
Radishes: Radishes mature quickly, making them a great option for succession planting throughout the winter.

Peas

Peas are a cool-season crop that can be planted in the fall and harvested in the winter. They prefer cooler weather and can tolerate light frost.

Snap Peas: These peas can be eaten whole and are great for snacking or adding to salads.
Shelling Peas: These require shelling but are worth the effort for their sweet taste.

Alliums

Onions and garlic are must-haves for any winter garden in a hot climate. They require a long growing season.

Onions: Plant onions in the fall for a late spring harvest.
Garlic: Garlic is planted in the fall and harvested in the late spring or early summer.

Tips for Success in a Winter Garden in Hot Summer Climates

Start Early: Begin planting your winter crops in late September to early October to give them time to establish before the cooler weather arrives.
Mulch: Mulching helps regulate soil temperature, retains moisture, and protects roots from potential frost. Learn what to use for mulch.
Frost Protection: While frost is rare in hot climates, it’s still a good idea to be prepared. Use row covers or frost blankets to protect tender crops on cold nights.
Watering: Temperatures are cooler, and watering needs will decrease. Monitor soil moisture and adjust your watering schedule as needed.
Succession Planting: To ensure a continuous harvest throughout the winter, practice succession planting by sowing seeds every few weeks. Learn more about succession planting in this guide.

Winter gardening in hot climates like Arizona offers a unique opportunity to grow a wide variety of crops that would struggle in the intense summer heat. You can enjoy fresh, homegrown produce throughout the winter months by choosing the right crops and planting them at the right time. Whether you’re growing leafy greens, root vegetables, or brassicas, the winter season in a hot climate is the perfect time to expand your gardening repertoire and enjoy the fruits (and vegetables) of your labor.