PLANT NOW
Cool-season veggies Sunset climate zones 1a–3b: Sow seeds of bok choy, carrots, kale, lettuce, radishes, spinach, and Swiss chard; plant garlic cloves. Zones 10–13: When daytime temperatures drop below 100°, sow seeds of arugula, beets, bok choy, carrots, chard, fava beans, kale, kohlrabi, leeks, lettuce, peas, and turnips. Before planting, dig in a 4- to 6-inch layer of compost or rotted manure to prepare beds. Related article: Get ready to plant your cool season crops

Dwarf iris Zones 1a–3b, 10–12: For a flash of true blue in early spring, plant 4-inch-tall 'Harmony' irises ( I. reticulata 'Harmony') this fall. These petite flowers look particularly good beneath deciduous trees such as Western hackberry (Celtis reticulata) because their blue hue really stands out next to gray trunks. In zones 10–12, plant after daytime temperatures fall below 90°. Available from High Country Gardens; 800/925-9387.

Flat-flowered aloe (Aloe marlothii) Zones 12–13: Early fall is a good time to plant this flamboyant winter-blooming succulent, which forms a single trunk and sends up candelabra-like flower stalks that branch horizontally and bloom in yellow, orange, or red. Its gray-green leaves are studded with attractive short spines. Plant in a location that receives winter sun and summer shade (such as under the canopy of a deciduous desert tree) and leave room for its 12-foot height. Available from B & B Cactus Farm; 520/721-4687.

Gourmet garlic Zones 1a–3b: Perhaps the easiest vegetable you can grow in the Southwest, fall-planted garlic will mature into an early summer crop. Divide heads and plant individual cloves 2 to 4 inches deep with the pointed end up. In zones 10–13, wait to plant until daytime highs fall below 95°. Try unusual 'Persian Star' and 'Spanish Roja', both available from Gourmet Garlic Gardens; 325/348-3049.

Patio tree Zones 10–13: For a small patio tree that harmonizes desert and oasis zones, try golden ball lead tree (Leucaena retusa), which reaches 12 to 20 feet tall and wide. This small Chihuahuan desert native has lacy bright green leaves (evergreen in mild winters), showy golden puff-ball flowers following summer rains, and smooth gray branches.

Wild mustard Zones 11–13: While soils are warm, sow seeds of native 'Mequasare' mustard (called mostaza roja in Spanish) for fall and winter harvest. Cook the greens, or enjoy the mild flavor that this easy-to-grow mustard adds to salads. Available from Native Seeds/SEARCH; 866/622-5561.

TEND YOUR PLOT
Balance alkaline soils Help neutralize notoriously alkaline Southwestern soils by working coffee grounds, which are acidic and high in nitrogen, into the soil around veggie beds. Starbucks coffee shops offer free used grounds when available — just ask for "coffee grounds for gardeners." For more information, visit the nearest Starbucks shop.

Revive roses Zones 11–13: Prune out weak, dead, or damaged canes, then cut back remaining canes by one-third. Fertilize and water thoroughly for best fall bloom. Related story: Grow beautiful roses

Photo by E. Spencer Toy
Rich purple 'Cupani' sweet peas and electric orange California poppies create an irresistible mood-lifting combination. In mild-winter areas, plant seeds of both in full sun now for copious blooms in spring. (In cold climates, hold off on the fragrant, vining sweet peas and start them indoors in February or March, then transplant them outdoors as soon as the soil can be worked.)

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