Congratulations brave Tucson gardeners!
We made it through the summer – Hallelujah! The evenings are getting cooler, the mornings are delightful. We’ve harvested the last of our zucchini and it’s time to plant our winter greens!
Our average date for first frost occurs in mid-November, so October is a good time to start seeds of arugula, Asian greens, beets, broccoli, Brussel sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, collard greens, endive, garlic, kale, kohlrabi, mustard greens, leaf lettuce, leeks, radishes, rutabaga, Swiss chard, and turnips.
Many of these vegetables can be found in local nurseries and at plant sales, and transplanted into the garden. Once the seeds germinate, you may want to support the seedlings by covering them with a row cover, purchased at a local nursery. This will protect them from hungry birds.
Most herbs will do well if transplanted in the garden this month including cilantro, dill, oregano, parsley, rosemary, sage, and thyme.
Revisit our planting guide to help you plan your fall garden.