When to Plant in Fort Myers, FL

Fort Myers is one of the warmest gardening climates in the continental United States — Zone 10a with an average last frost date in mid-January at the very latest, and most years see no frost at all. The dry season from October through May is your growing season gold mine.

Summer heat and humidity from June through September limits you to the toughest heat-tolerant crops, but the dry season rewards you with some of the most productive vegetable growing in the country. Many Fort Myers gardeners grow two full tomato crops per year.

FAQ

When is the last frost date in Fort Myers, FL?

Fort Myers rarely sees frost — the technical average last frost date is around January 4, but most years have no frost at all. Fort Myers is essentially a frost-free growing zone.

Can I really grow tomatoes year-round in Fort Myers?

Not quite — summer heat (95°F+) prevents tomatoes from setting fruit. You can grow two crops: a fall crop planted August–September and a spring crop planted January–February.

What grows best in Fort Myers?

Tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, cucumbers, beans, squash, and all cool-season greens thrive in the dry season. Okra, sweet potatoes, and tropical crops thrive in summer.

When should I start my fall garden in Fort Myers?

Start fall tomato and pepper seeds in August and get transplants in the ground by late August to early September for peak performance.

How does Plan My Garden help Fort Myers gardeners?

Enter your Fort Myers zip code and we'll calculate planting windows for all your crops — calibrated for Southwest Florida's near-tropical growing calendar.

Frost dates for Fort Myers ZIP codes

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