When to Plant in Florida

Florida flips the traditional gardening calendar. While most of the country gardens in summer, Florida's prime growing season is fall through spring — the cooler months when heat and humidity are manageable.

North Florida around Jacksonville and Tallahassee still gets occasional frosts, so last frost dates matter there. Central and South Florida are essentially frost-free, but gardeners still need to time plantings around the wet and dry seasons.

Common Mistakes

Trying to grow cool-season crops in summer — Florida's heat and humidity make it nearly impossible.
Ignoring the fall planting window — October through February is prime time for most vegetables.
Not accounting for heavy summer rains — raised beds with good drainage are essential.
Planting standard tomato varieties — choose heat-tolerant types bred for Florida's climate.

FAQ

What is the last frost date?

The last frost date is the typical date in spring when your area has its final frost. In North Florida it matters, but Central and South Florida are mostly frost-free year-round.

When should I start tomatoes indoors in Florida?

In North Florida, start tomato seeds indoors in January for a spring crop. In Central and South Florida, you can plant tomatoes as early as September for a fall/winter harvest.

Can I plant before the last frost?

Yes — cool-season crops like lettuce, peas, and broccoli can handle light frost and should be planted 4–6 weeks before your last frost date, especially in North Florida.

Why does timing vary so much within Florida?

Florida stretches over 400 miles from the Panhandle to the Keys. North Florida gets regular frosts while South Florida is tropical — they're essentially different growing regions.

What if I live in a frost-free area?

Most of Central and South Florida is frost-free. Focus on the fall-through-spring season when heat and humidity are lower. Enter your zip code in the app for your personalized schedule.

How does Plan My Garden create my schedule?

You enter your zip code, and we look up your local frost dates. Then based on the crops you pick, we calculate when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — personalized to your location.