In the low desert of Arizona, the best time to plant a vegetable garden is in the fall.

Delightful weather blesses the plants and the caretaker. Some bugs are not active at this time.

Semi-frost-tolerant veggies thrive in this mild weather.

A mnemonic for remembering ‘what to plant when’ is that ‘leaves and roots’ grow in fall. This includes beets, carrots, lettuce, turnips, and cabbage (plus its relatives, broccoli and cauliflower). Frost-sensitive plants, such as common beans, melons, squash, and tomatoes must grow in warmer weather.

Maricopa County Extension offers a free guide, “Ten Steps to a Successful Vegetable Garden” that includes a planting calendar specific to this region.

Here are a few heirloom seed sources.
Native Seeds Search
Seed Savers Exchange
Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds

Have fun!