Northern New Mexico and Santa Fe experienced a later date for planting annuals for the 2026 planting season, with cooler temperatures and lingering spring conditions delaying many gardens and landscapes from getting underway. But the good news is that the growing season is still full of opportunity — warmer days have arrived, the soil is warming beautifully, and there is still plenty of time to plant and enjoy a healthy, vibrant landscape throughout the summer and into fall.
Lynn Payne, the Garden Guru, says in many ways, this later start can actually be beneficial for planting trees, shrubs, perennials, and gardens, as plants are settling in during more consistent weather conditions.
Now is an excellent time to refresh landscapes, add color and texture, and take advantage of the long growing season still ahead in Santa Fe and Northern New Mexico.