Planting Schedule for Florida
Getting the timing down of when to plant what is a crucial part of growing food that new gardeners often struggle with. This is further complicated by our unique seasons in Florida, which differ from the traditional temperate climates usually mentioned in gardening literature. However, if timed right in addition to building good soil, we can be blessed with year round harvests from annual crops in Florida, especially if incorporating tropical annuals during our sweltering summer season.
Please note that these dates are not rigid. Many annuals can be planted at different times, but will do best when planted according to the chart below. This schedule was adapted from the Barefoot Garderners website. Please leave a comment if you know of any additional annual crops.
| Cool Season: Oct.-Feb. | Warm Season: Mar.-May, Aug.-Oct. | Hot Season: May-Aug. |
| Beets | Beans (snap, pole, lima) | Calabaza |
| Broccoli | Corn | Okra |
| Carrots | Cucumbers | Vigna (cowpea, yard long, azuki, mung, black-eyed) |
| Cabbage | Eggplant | Potatoes, sweet |
| Cauliflower | Okra | Seminole pumpkin |
| Celery | Peas, southern | Tomatoes, cherry |
| Chinese greens (choy) | Peppers | Lagos spinach |
| Collards | Potatoes | Pigeon pea |
| Kohlrabi | Squash (summer and winter) | Jicama |
| Lettuce | Tomatoes | New Zealand spinach |
| Mustard | Melons | Tindora |
| Onions | Malabar spinach | Winged bean |
| Garlic | Peanuts | Taro |
| Peas, English | Arugula | Chinese yams |
| Potatoes | Mizuna | Lagos spinach/Quail grass |
| Radishes | Soybean | Chaya |
| Strawberries | Arracacha | Molokhia |
| Turnips | Yacon | |
| Fennel | Sunchoke | |
| Nasturtium | Ginger | |
| Basil | Papaya | |
| Dill | Kenaf | |
| Amaranth | ||
| Kale |
Plant database
http://www.wcpermaculture.org/plant_list has more info on some of the lesser known crops like Malabar spinach and pigeon pea. I hope to add more soon. If registered, adding entries to the plant database is open to everyone (register at http://www.wcpermaculture.org/user/register).
Christina has some pics
Christina has some pics at http://dancingwithdemeter.com/2011/08/14/what-grows-well-in-a-central-florida-summer