October is the best month to plant almost anything in the Valley, and June is the worst. Fall planting gives roots a full cool season to grow before the first summer. Spring is the second window, and the time for frost-tender plants like bougainvillea and lantana.
Each month below lists the plants that do best planted then, from trees and shrubs to cactus, grasses and vines. Every page also has a short section for higher towns like Sedona, Prescott, Payson and Flagstaff, where winters are colder and planting times shift.
Frost can come any time from about Thanksgiving to Valentine's Day. For those months, see frost protection for Valley yards. For the season by season view, see when to plant in Arizona.