Annual Planting Calendar for Oracle
Designed for USDA Hardiness Zone 8b (high-desert climate)
Cool winters, warm springs, hot summers, and a monsoon growing season
This calendar is tailored specifically for Oracle + surrounding communities (Catalina, San Manuel, Mammoth) to help you grow food year-round with confidence.
SPRING (March–May)
Planting Season: Warm Crops Begin
March
Direct sow: carrots, beets, lettuce, spinach, peas
Start indoors: tomatoes, peppers, eggplant
Transplant: onions, greens
April
Direct sow: beans, corn, squash, cucumbers, melons
Transplant: tomatoes, peppers, herbs
Flowers: sunflowers, zinnias
May
Final push for warm crops
Add: sweet potatoes, okra
Begin shade planning
👉 Focus: Transition from cool → warm crops before intense heat arrives
SUMMER (June–August)
Survival + Monsoon Planting
June
Maintain existing crops
Plant: okra, Armenian cucumbers
Use shade cloth + deep watering
July (Monsoon Begins)
Direct sow: beans, squash, corn
Plant: melons, pumpkins
Great time for native + drought crops
August
Continue monsoon planting
Add: sunflowers, cowpeas
Prepare for fall garden
👉 Focus: Work with the monsoon season, not against the heat
FALL (September–November)
Second Growing Season (Best in Arizona!)
September
Start seeds indoors: broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower
Direct sow: carrots, beets
October
Transplant: broccoli, kale, cabbage
Direct sow: lettuce, spinach, radishes
November
Continue cool crops
Add: garlic, onions
👉 Focus: This is your highest-yield, easiest growing season
WINTER (December–February)
Slow Growth + Soil Building
December
Maintain: greens, root crops
Protect with frost cloth
January
Plant: bare root trees, garlic
Start planning spring garden
February
Start seeds indoors (tomatoes, peppers)
Direct sow: early greens
👉 Focus: Preparation + protection
SECRET GARDEN GROWING TIPS”
Water Smart
Deep, infrequent watering
Drip irrigation recommended
Respect the Sun
Summer = shade cloth essential
Winter = maximize sunlight
Build Your Soil
Compost constantly
Mulch year-round
Grow for Community
Plant extra for sharing
Align harvests with Fresh Access Program distribution days
In Oracle, gardening isn’t just seasonal—it’s cyclical and abundant. By aligning with the desert’s natural rhythms, you can grow food nearly every month of the year.
At Secret Garden, this calendar isn’t just about planting—it’s about feeding families, building resilience, and growing community
University of Arizona Cooperative Extension – https://extension.arizona.edu
USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map – https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov
Old Farmer’s Almanac – https://www.almanac.com