Region Description: Southwest Deserts
 USDA Hardiness
Zones: 5 to 10
more
AHS Heat Zones: 7 to 12
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Sunset Zones: 1,2,3,10,11,12,13
more
Major Cities: Albuquerque NM, Amarillo TX, Ciudad Juarez MEX, El Paso
TX, Las Cruces NM, Las Vegas NV, Lubbock TX, Mexicali MEX, Palm Springs CA,
Phoeniz AZ, Tucson AZ
The Region.
The Southwestern region extends from the desert regions of Southern California,
east through Las Vegas, central Arizona and New Mexico and ending in West
Texas, at a north-south line drawn just west of Abilene. The southern tier
stretches into northern Mexico heading west to southern California near Palm
Springs.
The Climate.
The Southwest Deserts are characterized by extremely limited rainfall and
blazing summer sun. It encompasses three distinct desert regions (high, mid,
and low) with wide elevation changes. Low elevations such as near Phoenix,
Arizona receive 10 inches of rainfall or less annually, but can grow
subtropical plants such as date palms and oranges with supplemental irrigation.
Mid-level elevations such as near Las Vegas, Nevada receive 12 to 14 inches
with native plants such as Joshua tree and yucca. Higher desert elevations such
as Albuquerque, New Mexico have equally limited precipitation, but includes
snowfall. These areas have a range of plants such as pines and lilacs. Most
precipitation occurs during winter storms that run from November to February
and the "monsoon" thunderstorm season in July and August. The monsoons sweep up
from Mexico, bringing rainfall, increased humidity, as well as massive thunder,
lightening, and dust storms.
The Growing Season.
Gardening is a year-round activity in the low desert. Although damaging frosts
can occur in December and January, they're usually not long-lived and gardening
can continue uninterrupted. There are two growing seasons; a cool season and a
warm season. Cool season plants such as broccoli and spinach are placed out in
the fall for a spring harvest. Warm season plants such as tomatoes and peppers
are planted in late winter for an early summer harvest. Little gardening is
done during the hottest part of summer. Mid-level elevations share the low
desert's hot daytime temperatures, but have a longer winter cold period, more
freezing nights, and unrelenting spring winds. Areas with colder temperatures
can garden from April through October. Where temperatures are less severe,
mid-level elevations can enjoy two growing seasons in spring and fall. High
desert elevations are constrained by more severe winter weather, including
snow, wind, and extended freezing temperatures. The growing season is shorter,
typically lasting from late May through September.
View this week's Regional Report for Southwestern Deserts
Published by the National Gardening Association
www.garden.org,
www.kidsgardening.com
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