When To Plant Vegetables In Florida

Knowing when to plant vegetables in Florida is the single most important key to a successful garden. Our unique climate, with its long growing seasons and distinct regional differences, means your planting schedule looks nothing like the rest of the country. Get it right, and you’ll enjoy a bounty of fresh produce for much of the year.

This guide breaks down Florida’s ideal planting schedule into simple, actionable steps. We’ll cover the critical differences between North, Central, and South Florida and explain the two main growing seasons. You’ll learn exactly what to plant and when for a thriving garden.

Florida’s planting calendar is primarily dictated by its two growing seasons: the cool season and the warm season. The trick is avoiding the intense summer heat for cool-weather crops and the occasional frost for tender plants. Your specific location within the state’s three gardening zones further refines your schedule.

Understanding Florida’s Gardening Regions

Florida is divided into three main gardening regions. Your county determines which region you’re in and, therefore, your precise planting dates.

North Florida: Runs from Jacksonville to Tallahassee. This region experiences the coldest winters, with a higher risk of frost and freeze. The growing season is shorter than in other parts of the state.
Central Florida: Includes cities like Orlando, Tampa, and Lakeland. It has milder winters than the north but can still see frost. This region often has the longest productive seasons.
South Florida: Encompasses Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Naples, and the Keys. This is a tropical climate with very mild, frost-free winters and extremely hot, humid summers.

The Cool Season (Fall & Winter Planting)

The cool season is the prime time for growing a wide variety of vegetables that would struggle in the summer heat. Planting begins in the fall, as temperatures start to drop from their summer peaks.

Here’s a general timeline for getting cool-season crops in the ground:

North Florida: Plant from September through March.
Central Florida: Plant from October through February.
South Florida: Plant from October through January.

These vegetables thrive in cooler weather:

Lettuce, Kale, Spinach, Collards
Broccoli, Cauliflower, Cabbage, Brussels Sprouts
Carrots, Radishes, Beets, Turnips
Peas, Onions, Potatoes, Celery

The Warm Season (Spring & Summer Planting)

Warm-season crops need heat to grow and are planted after the last threat of frost has passed. They are planted in late winter or early spring for a spring/summer harvest, and in South Florida, many can be planted again in late summer for a fall harvest.

General warm-season planting windows:

North Florida: Plant from February through August.
Central Florida: Plant from February through September.
South Florida: Plant from February through August, with a second planting for some crops in August/September.

Classic warm-season vegetables include:

Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant
Cucumbers, Squash, Zucchini, Pumpkins
Beans, Corn, Okra, Sweet Potatoes
Southern Peas, Watermelon, Cantaloupe

Step-by-Step: Planning Your Planting Dates

Find Your Region: Use a Florida gardening zone map to confirm if you are in North, Central, or South Florida.
Choose Your Crops: Decide what you want to grow and check if it’s a cool-season or warm-season plant.
Mark Your Calendar: Based on your region and the crop type, note the ideal planting month range from the lists above.
Check Specific Dates: For a more precise date, consult your local county extension office website. They often provide a monthly planting guide.
Prepare Your Soil: Amend your garden beds with compost a few weeks before planting to ensure nutrients are available.

Monthly Planting Guide Snapshot

This at-a-glance chart gives you a quick reference for what to focus on each month. Remember, these are general guidelines; always adjust for your specific microclimate.

January

North: Plant cool-season crops like broccoli, cabbage, kale.
Central: Plant cool-season crops and start tomato/pepper seeds indoors.
South: Plant warm-season crops like tomatoes, peppers, and beans.

April

North: Plant all warm-season crops (beans, squash, corn).
Central: Peak planting for warm-season vegetables.
South: Last call for planting heat-lovers like okra and sweet potato.

September

North: Begin planting cool-season seeds and transplants.
Central: Prepare beds for fall planting; start seeds indoors.
South: Plant tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant for a fall harvest.

Tips for Success in the Florida Garden

Beyond timing, a few extra practices will make your garden more productive and resilient.

Use Mulch: A 2-3 inch layer of mulch conserves water, suppresses weeds, and keeps soil temperatures more stable.
Water Wisely: Water deeply in the morning to reduce evaporation and fungal disease. Drip irrigation is highly effective.
Know Your Soil: Florida soil is often sandy. Regularly adding organic matter like compost is essential for nutrient and water retention.
Manage Pests: Use row covers for young plants, hand-pick caterpillars, and choose disease-resistant plant varieties when possible.
Succession Plant: Don’t plant all your lettuce seeds at once. Sow small amounts every two weeks for a continuous harvest instead of a glut.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced gardeners can make timing errors in Florida. Here’s what to watch out for.

Planting Too Late in Spring: If you plant tomatoes in May, they’ll hit peak fruit production during the stressful July/August heat and humidity, leading to blossom drop and disease.
Ignoring the First Frost Date: In North and Central Florida, know your average first frost date (available from your extension office) and get tender crops harvested or protected before it arrives.
Overlooking Soil Temperature: Seeds like beans and corn need warm soil to germinate. Planting them in soil that’s still too cool will result in poor germination or rot.
Forgetting to Rotate Crops: Avoid planting the same family of vegetables (like tomatoes and peppers) in the exact same spot year after year to prevent soil-borne diseases from building up.

FAQ: Florida Vegetable Planting Schedule

What month do you start a garden in Florida?
You can start a garden in almost any month! The key is choosing the right crops. For a cool-season garden, start in September/October. For a warm-season garden, start in February/March.

Can you grow vegetables year-round in Florida?
Yes, in most parts of the state you can grow something year-round. South Florida has the most continuous potential, while North Florida has a shorter winter pause.

What is the easiest vegetable to grow in Florida?
For beginners, try cherry tomatoes, bush beans, peppers, okra, southern peas, and sweet potatoes. They are generally resilient and productive.

When should I plant tomatoes in Florida?
For a spring harvest, plant tomatoes in late January (South), February (Central), or March (North). For a fall harvest in Central/South Florida, plant in August/September.

How does the Florida planting schedule differ from other states?
It’s almost reversed for cool-season crops. While northern states plant them in spring, Floridians plant them in fall. Our “spring” planting is for heat-loving crops that other states plant in early summer.

By aligning your gardening activities with Florida’s unique rhythm, you set yourself up for a much more rewarding experience. Start with the correct planting window for your region and season, and you’ve already overcome the biggest hurdle. With a little planning and attention to timing, you can enjoy fresh, homegrown vegetables from your garden for many months of the year.