Gardening Tips for November 2025 in Arizona

November is a unique month for gardeners in Arizona. The cooler days and fresh evenings that have finally replaced the intense summer heat have created ideal conditions for the preparation, replanting, and tidying up of the winter growing season. November is a period of renewal in the garden, regardless of whether one resides in Phoenix, Mesa, Scottsdale, or another low-desert location.

1. Modify Your Watering Schedule

Your plants necessitate less water as temperatures decrease and the length of the day decreases. Potted succulents and cacti may require only a light drink every two to three weeks, while established trees and shrubbery require deep but less frequent watering. Prior to watering, decrease the frequency of automatic irrigation cycles and assess soil moisture levels. To reduce evaporation and retain moisture and temperature, apply a layer of mulch around the bases of plants.

2. Prepare and Clean the Beds

November is an ideal month to conduct a seasonal cleaning. Eliminate any weeds, spent vegetable plants, and dead or fading summer annuals prior to their seeding. This prevents pests and diseases from overwintering in your garden and creates space for new vegetation. To prevent the spread of disease, dispose of any diseased plant material and compost healthy plant material to create nutrient-rich soil for spring.

3. Grow cooling-season vegetables and flowers.

Cool-season cereals thrive in the mild winters of the low desert. Now is the time to plant vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, kale, spinach, lettuce, carrots, and radishes for harvest in late winter. In milder months, herbs like dill, cilantro, and parsley flourish. Additionally, November is an optimal time to plant wildflower seeds, including lupine, Mexican gold poppy, and arid bluebells. These will germinate during the winter precipitation and produce stunning blooms in the spring.

4. Maintaining Citrus, Shrubs, and Trees

November is an ideal month to plant new trees and large vegetation, as the cooler weather allows their roots to establish before the upcoming summer heat. Deeply water new plantings following their installation. This late in the year, it is advisable to refrain from fertilizing citrus or frost-sensitive plants, as the new growth is delicate and susceptible to chilly snaps. Be prepared with frost cloths or old blankets to safeguard young or tropical plants during cold evenings.

5. Monitor for Pests and Diseases

Although numerous parasites experience a decline in activity during cooler weather, others become more active. Aphids, whiteflies, and scale insects should be observed on succulents, ornamentals, and citrus. Infestations may be treated with insecticidal soap or rinsed with a sharp stream of water. To prevent the occurrence of fungal issues, remove fallen leaves from beneath trees and shrubbery.

6. Savor the Season

This is the most suitable season to be outdoors. Utilize the mild temperatures to enhance your landscape, implement any necessary hardscape improvements, or incorporate decorative elements such as water features or illumination. Your garden will remain vibrant and healthy throughout the winter with a minimal amount of attention, and you will be rewarded with robust spring growth.

Summary
Transition is the theme of November in Arizona, which involves planting for cool-season color and harvests, cleaning up, and watering less but more profoundly. Your garden will flourish during the delightful winter months that lie ahead with the assistance of diligent maintenance.