UF/IFAS Guide: What to Plant for Your Garden

The University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) often advises gardeners and farmers on what to plant based on climate, soil, and pests. Understanding UF/IFAS' recommendations can help ensure a productive and sustainable harvest.

a map with the names and dates of plant in october, including plants that are native to florida

UF/IFAS' planting advice is backed by extensive research, helping Florida's diverse environments flourish with suitable vegetation. Let's delve into the essential plants to consider across various categories.

a map with the states labeled in blue and brown, including names for plants to plant in

Vegetables

UF/IFAS suggests planting a diversity of vegetables to enjoy fresh produce and maintain soil health.

Vegetable Gardens by Season – Gardening Solutions

Growing vegetables in Florida requires selecting heat-tolerant and disease-resistant varieties, given the tropical climate. UF/IFAS recommends crops like okra, Southern peas, and eggplant for their heat tolerance.

Cool-Season Vegetables

a table that has plants on it and the words edibles to plant in june

Cool-season vegetables, such as lettuce and spinach, thrive in fall and early spring when temperatures are mild. These should be planted from August to late September in north Florida and October to early November in south Florida.

Examples include:

Lettuce: 'Buttercrunch' and 'Ithaca' are heat-tolerant varieties
Spinach: 'Space' and 'Bloomsdale' perform well in Florida's cool seasons

Warm-Season Vegetables

Florida Arbor Day - Tips for Tree Planting - UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County

Warm-season vegetables grow best when daytime temperatures consistently surpass 70°F (21°C). For those in Florida, this typically means March to May and September to November planting seasons.

Examples include:

Tomatoes: 'Cherry' and 'Patio' varieties are well-suited for Florida's warmth
Cucumbers: 'Straight Eight' and 'Homemade Pickles' are reliable choices

Fruits

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Florida's unique climate allows for a vast array of fruiting plants, with several recommendations from UF/IFAS.

UF/IFAS emphasizes selecting disease-resistant and cold-hardy fruit trees, as well as considering each plant's mature size when choosing a location.

Flowers to Plant in August – Gardening Solutions

a table with different types of flowers and butterflies on it's side, including the names

What to Plant in May – Gardening Solutions

the map shows where plants are grown in august

What to Plant in February – Gardening Solutions

a poster with information about edibles to plant in january, north and central florida

a poster with the names and dates for edibles to plant in october

Invasive Animals - UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions

USDA Hardiness Zones - Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program - University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences - UF/IFAS

Tropical Fruits

Tropical fruit trees can flourish in Florida's warm temperatures. Some popular choices include mangoes, lychees, and dragon fruits.

Examples include:

Mango: 'Tommy Atkins' and 'Nam Doc Mai' for their cold-hardiness
Lychee: 'Mauritius' and 'Kwai Mai' for their disease resistance

Temperate Fruits

Temperate fruit trees can also thrive in Florida, including apples, pears, and peaches. The key is selecting cold-hardy varieties that can withstand occasional freezes.

Examples include:

Apple: 'Anna' and 'Florinar' for their cold-hardiness
Pear: 'orient' and 'C originaire' for their chill hour requirement

For accurate and up-to-date planting advice, always consult UF/IFAS' latest recommendations. Happy gardening!