Southwest Gardeners' November Checklist: Planting and Prep by Zone

While much of the country braces for winter, the American Southwest embraces November's cooling temperatures for outdoor living and gardening. The region divides into three temperature zones, each with specific planting guidelines.

Southwest Climate Zones

• Low Zone (USDA 9–10): Phoenix, Palm Springs, Yuma—hottest areas with no true winter.
• Middle Zone (USDA 8–9a): Tucson, Las Vegas warm areas, Barstow—hot with minimal winter.
• High Zone (USDA 6b–8a): El Paso, Albuquerque, Saint George—moderately hot with short, definite winters.

Fall Planting by Zone

Low Zone

Finish planting frost-sensitive bougainvillea, citrus, and ficus before Thanksgiving. Overseed warm-season lawns with winter ryegrass early in the month. Delay most palm planting until spring, except hardy natives like desert fan palm (Washingtonia filifera) and Mexican blue palm (Brahea armata). Native and adapted plants can be installed all month.

Middle Zone

Create a resort-like feel with cold-hardy palms, native plants, wildflowers, herbs, and cool-season vegetables. Good choices include fan palm (Washingtonia) and Mexican grass tree (Dasylirion quadrangulatum).

High Zone

Optimal time for spring bulbs like tulips and daffodils. Plant hardier woody plants and succulents such as three-leaf sumac (Rhus trilobata) and Texas sotol (Dasylirion texanum). Most cacti and tender plants should wait until spring.

Learn Your Landscape

Observe which plants thrive, which are volunteers worth keeping (like desert marigold Baileya multiradiata for spring color), and which are true weeds. Familiarize yourself with irrigation, lighting, and water features for winter prep.

Winter Watering and Mulching

Ensure root zones have optimal moisture before cold hits—well-hydrated plants resist freeze damage better. Maintain light to moderate moisture. After checking irrigation, top off mulch: 2 inches for inorganic (gravel, decomposed granite), 3 inches for organic (shredded wood, pecan shells). Redistribute excess mulch to thin areas.

Avoid Overwatering

In arid regions, overwatering in winter causes damage. When temperatures near freezing, delay watering until daytime highs reach 45–50°F. Frequent watering (e.g., three times weekly) on established landscapes often indicates overwatering—wasteful and harmful.

Enhance Outdoor Living

Position structural plants, walls, or screens to frame sunset and mountain views. Use fire pits, outdoor fireplaces, or heat lamps for warmth. Plant deciduous trees near south- and west-facing walls to absorb winter sun and provide summer shade. Choose dining spots protected from wind with good sun exposure.