Arizona growing guide: zones, planting dates and where to start
How Arizona zones change planting dates, with spring dates for its main growing region.
Not yet expert-reviewed. Written by BAU Farm Intelligence from public extension and agency sources. Check dates and program details with your local extension office.
Zones across Arizona
Arizona covers USDA Zones 6b–9a on our calendar. A date that works in one part of the state can be weeks off in another, so plant by your zone, not the state.
- Zone 6b — Prescott and the mid-elevation high country. Average last frost 04/24, first frost 10/08 (about 167 frost-free days).
- Zone 7b — Kingman and the upper desert edge. Average last frost 04/08, first frost 10/22 (about 197 frost-free days).
- Zone 8b — Sierra Vista and the southeast grasslands. Average last frost 03/15, first frost 11/15 (about 245 frost-free days).
- Zone 9a — Tucson and the low desert valleys. Average last frost 02/25, first frost 12/01 (about 279 frost-free days).
Spring dates for Sierra Vista and the southeast grasslands (Zone 8b)
- Tomatoes: set out March 22 – April 12; fall August 2 – August 23
- Peppers: set out March 29 – April 19; fall August 16 – September 6
- Sweet corn: seed March 15 – April 5; fall August 16 – September 6
- Cucumbers: set out March 22 – April 12; fall August 30 – September 20
- Summer squash: seed March 22 – April 12; fall September 6 – September 27
- Green beans (bush): seed March 15 – April 5; fall August 30 – September 20
- Cabbage: set out February 15 – March 8; fall August 2 – August 23
- Broccoli: set out February 15 – March 8; fall August 2 – August 23
These are averages worked out from frost dates, not a state extension schedule. Adjust for your field and the season.
Where to sell in Arizona
- State buy-local program: the Arizona Department of Agriculture runs the state's farm marketing programs. Members can be listed for grocery, restaurant and school buyers looking for in-state product — ask about joining and any marketing directories.
- Farmers markets, CSAs and on-farm stands: the USDA Local Food Directories list them by state, so you can see who already sells near you and which markets still need your crop.
- Schools and institutions: ask your state's farm-to-school contact (usually through the agriculture or education department) what they buy and when.
- Buyers on BAU: buyers post what they need on the marketplace, and you can list your crop window there for free.
Call before you count on any buyer: programs and market hours change, and a price talked through in winter is worth more than one found at harvest.
Farm taxes in Arizona
- Income tax: Flat state income tax.
- Sales tax on inputs: Many farm machinery and inputs are exempt from transaction privilege tax; ask the Department of Revenue which items qualify.
- Farmland property tax: Agricultural property is classified and valued on use; apply through the county assessor.
Rates and forms change. Confirm with the state revenue department or a farm tax preparer before you file — this is a plain-language guide, not tax advice. Our farm tax estimator covers the federal deductions every state shares.
Grants and cost-share in Arizona
- Specialty Crop Block Grant (Arizona Department of Agriculture)
- Arizona Grown marketing program
- Water conservation help through natural resource conservation districts
- USDA NRCS EQIP cost-share and FSA microloans through your county USDA service center
- Western SARE farmer and rancher grants for on-farm trials
See the grant tracker for deadlines we follow.
Who to call
- University of Arizona Cooperative Extension — county offices for soil tests, varieties and pest help
- Your county USDA service center (FSA and NRCS) for loans, cost-share and farm numbers