Why Not Encourage Winter Planting in the Warm Desert?

Q. Why do you encourage people to avoid planting during the winter months? I can understand it in Minnesota but why southern Nevada?

Oleander winter freeze damage during a particularly cold winter.

A. Simply because I don’t know what is going to happen. I tell you spring and fall are the best times to plant. If it is a warm winter. then planting during the winter is okay. But if it is a cold winter, such as the lower teens at night, then be careful! Plants need soil at least at 45 -50F to grow roots. Otherwise the roots just sit there until the soil warms. 

Winter Freeze?

Cold or freeze damage to myoporum (locally known as Australian racer).

Will it freeze this winter or not? If the plant is winter tender, like bougainvillea or most citrus, then you are playing Russian roulette with the winter temperatures. It is best to plant those (that might freeze during the winter) in the spring for that reason.

Winter freeze damage to bougainvillea.