Gardening in Chandler can be a rewarding experience, but it takes some know-how to ensure your plants thrive in the desert climate. By understanding the unique challenges and opportunities of each season, you can keep your garden looking its best all year long. Use this seasonal guide to plan your planting, maintenance, and care for a beautiful, healthy outdoor space.
Spring: Time to Plant and Rejuvenate
Spring is the ideal time to breathe new life into your Chandler garden. As temperatures start to warm up in March and April, it’s the perfect window to plant hardy, desert-adapted species that can handle the intense summer heat to come.
Some of the best spring planting options for Chandler gardens include:
- Desert marigold
- Globe mallow
- Penstemon
- Texas sage
- Yellow bells
Spring is also the time to trim back frost-damaged growth on existing plants and give everything a good feeding with a slow-release, low-nitrogen fertilizer. Avoid over-pruning, as plants need their foliage to withstand the approaching summer temps. For more spring care tips, read Reenergizing Chandler Gardens: A Guide to Spring Yard Care in Arizona.
Summer: Watering is Key
Chandler summers are no joke, with intense heat and dryness that can quickly stress even desert-adapted plants. The name of the game is proper watering—deep and infrequent to encourage strong, drought-tolerant roots.
For most desert plants, watering to a depth of 1-2 feet every 7-10 days is sufficient. However, non-native or thirstier species may need more frequent irrigation. The best time to water is early morning or after sunset to minimize evaporation. Adding a layer of organic mulch can also help retain moisture.
Be on the lookout for signs of heat stress like wilting, yellowing, or crispy leaves. But don’t overreact—many desert plants go dormant in summer and will perk back up when temps cool. Only increase watering if a plant is clearly struggling. Learn more in How to Keep Your Container Plants Alive in Gilbert’s July Heat.
Fall: Ideal Planting Season
Fall is hands-down the best time to plant in Chandler. Cooler temperatures are easier on new transplants, and plants have several months to develop strong roots before facing the summer heat. You can plant well into December in Chandler, taking advantage of sporadic winter rains.
Some top fall plant picks for Chandler include:
- Baja fairy duster
- Blackfoot daisy
- Chuparosa
- Damianita
- Red bird of paradise
Fall is also a good time to reassess your watering schedule. As temperatures drop and plants go dormant, they need less frequent irrigation. Cut back to watering every 2-4 weeks, depending on rainfall. Overwatering in fall can lead to root rot and fungal issues.
Winter: Prepare for Occasional Frosts
While Chandler winters are generally mild, occasional frosts can damage tender plants. Keep an eye on overnight forecasts and be prepared to protect sensitive species when temps dip below 32°F (0°C).
Options for frost protection include:
- Moving potted plants to a covered area
- Draping frost cloth or sheets over in-ground plants (remove daily)
- Stringing holiday lights (the old incandescent kind) on frost-tender plants
- Watering the day before a predicted frost to insulate roots
Winter is also a good time to prune hardier plants like palo verde and mesquite trees, as well as tackle any maintenance projects like repairing irrigation or refreshing mulch. Just avoid pruning frost-tender plants until after the last frost, usually in late February or early March.
Putting It All Together
By working with Chandler’s seasonal rhythms, you can keep your garden looking great all year long. Focus on planting desert-adapted species in fall and spring, dial in your summer watering, protect from winter frosts, and enjoy the fruits of your labor. With a little planning and know-how, you can create a thriving, low-maintenance oasis perfectly in tune with Chandler’s climate. For more inspiration, check out Low-Maintenance Shrubs to Elevate Your Gilbert Garden Oasis.
