Cool-Season Edible Gardening in Phoenix

What You Can Grow This December

Growing your own food in Phoenix during winter might sound surprising, but it’s actually one of the best times of the year to plant. While summer gardens struggle under the extreme heat, cool-season crops love the gentler winter temperatures. December is the perfect month to start an edible garden that gives you fresh veggies, herbs, and greens for months.

Let’s break it down in a simple way so you can start planting right away.

Best Vegetables, Herbs, and Greens to Plant in December

Not all plants like cold weather but some really do. These are the ones that actually prefer cool temperatures and grow best between December and February in Phoenix:

Vegetables That Love December

• Lettuce – Grows fast, crunchy, and easy to harvest a little at a time.
  
• Spinach – Great for salads and super tough in cold weather.
  
• Carrots – They grow slowly but taste sweeter when the weather is cool.
  
• Radishes – One of the quickest veggies to grow.
  
• Broccoli – Needs cool temperatures to form big, tight heads.
  
• Cauliflower – A little more sensitive but does well with December planting.
  
• Beets – You can eat both the roots and the leaves.
  
• Peas – They love cool air and climb on trellises or fences.

These plants thrive this time of year. 

Herbs That Grow Well in Winter

• Cilantro – This herb hates heat, so winter is the best time to grow it.
  
• Parsley – Slow to start, but strong once it grows.
  
• Chives – Super easy and keeps coming back.
  
• Dill – Great for flavoring food and grows well in cool weather.
  

Many herbs would die in summer heat, but December gives them a chance to shine.

Leafy Greens for Winter Gardens

These greens are perfect if you want healthy snacks or salad ingredients growing right in your backyard:

• Kale
  
• Swiss Chard
  
• Arugula
  
• Mustard Greens
  

They grow fast, they stay fresh longer, and they love the cold.

Soil Preparation & Watering Techniques for Winter Edible Gardens

Even if you pick the right plants, you need to give them good soil and the right amount of water. Phoenix soil can be hard and dry, so preparing it makes a huge difference.

How to Prepare Your Soil

Think of soil like the bed your plants sleep in, it needs to be soft and comfy.

Here’s what to do:

1. Loosen the soil: Use a small shovel or garden fork to break up the top 8–12 inches. Desert soil is dense, so plants need help getting their roots through it.
   
2. Add compost: Mix in compost. This adds nutrients and helps the soil hold moisture.
   
3. Check drainage: Plants don’t like sitting in puddles. Make sure water can drain out, especially after rain. If the area stays muddy for hours, mix in more compost to open it up.
   

If you’re growing in pots, use potting soil, not regular dirt. Potting soil keeps roots happier and healthier.

Watering Tips for Winter Gardening in Phoenix

Winter watering is totally different from summer watering. Here’s what to remember:

• Water less often: In winter, the sun isn’t as hot, so plants don’t dry out quickly. Watering too much can actually hurt them.
  
• Water deeply: Instead of watering a little every day, water deeply 2–3 times per week. This helps roots grow strong.
  
• Water in the morning: Watering early lets plants drink before the cold nighttime temperatures arrive.
  
• Check soil moisture: Stick your finger 2 inches into the soil.
  
  • If it’s dry – time to water.
    
  • If it’s still damp – wait a day or two.

Bonus Tip: Protect From Frost

Phoenix gets occasional frost. Cover tender plants at night when expecting a frost. Cover with:

• Light blankets
  
• Frost cloth
  
• Even old bedsheets
  

Take the cover off in the morning so they can get sunlight again.

Why Winter Gardening in Phoenix Is So Rewarding

Gardening in December gives you:

• Fresh veggies when store prices rise
• A fun hobby that feels good and relaxing
• Healthier meals grown right at home
• A stronger appreciation for nature

Plus, winter gardens usually have fewer bugs, less heat stress, and more successful harvests than summer gardens here.

So even though winter feels like a “sleepy” time of year, Phoenix gardens are just getting started.

Before You Go… Mark Your Calendar!

If you’re looking for more gardening inspiration or just a fun way to enjoy the season, come join us at our Holiday Open House at The Green Goddess Nursery on Friday, December 12th, 2025, from 12:30 PM to 4:30 PM.

We’ll have delicious Mexican food, tasty ice cream treats, and live music in our garden setting. It’s the perfect chance to relax, explore, and celebrate with friends and family. Bring your holiday spirit and we’ll take care of the good vibes.