PALM BAY, Fla., Oct. 25, 2026 — Up north, gardens are winding down for winter. In Florida, many are just getting started. "Here in Florida, home gardeners can grow vegetables all year long," according to UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions. The University of Florida's Florida Vegetable Gardening Guide says it works if you pay attention to planting dates. Here is how to get started, step by step.
Step 1: Pick a sunny spot
The guide recommends a well-drained site near the house and a water source that "receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily" (UF/IFAS). Coastal sites are also suitable, it says, and vegetables can even be mixed in among ornamental plants (UF/IFAS).
Step 2: Draw a plan
Before planting, UF/IFAS suggests drawing a garden plan with the name, location and planting date of each vegetable (UF/IFAS). The guide splits the state into three zones: North is everything above State Road 40, Central is between State Roads 40 and 70, and South is below State Road 70 (UF/IFAS).
Step 3: Choose fall crops
The guide's planting table lists many cool-season crops for fall in Central Florida (UF/IFAS):
- Lettuce: September–February
- Broccoli and cabbage: September–February
- Carrots: August–March
- Radishes: September–March
- Kale: September–February
Radishes are "easy and fast-growing," the guide says, and it suggests planting them every two weeks for a steady supply (UF/IFAS). Planting times are also available by zip code at floridafresh.ifas.ufl.edu (UF/IFAS).
Step 4: Feed the soil
"Most Florida soils are low in organic matter," the guide says, and they benefit from additions such as compost, rotted leaves or animal manure (UF/IFAS). UF/IFAS recommends spading or plowing the plot at least three weeks before planting (UF/IFAS).
Want to make your own "garden gold"? The guide's compost steps start with a bin at least 3 feet by 3 feet by 3 feet, filled with 3- to 4-inch layers of leaves, lawn clippings and kitchen scraps, kept moist and turned often (UF/IFAS). Compost can be ready in two to 12 months, the guide says (UF/IFAS).
Step 5: Test the pH
The best pH for vegetables on sandy soil is between 5.8 and 6.3, according to UF/IFAS. If your soil is between 5.5 and 7.0, the guide says, no adjustment is needed (UF/IFAS). It warns that adding lime when it is not needed "may create plant nutrition problems" (UF/IFAS).
Step 6: Water wisely
Young plants need frequent but light watering, while maturing crops need more water less often, the guide says (UF/IFAS). It lists drip irrigation and micro sprayers among the most efficient systems (UF/IFAS).
Step 7: Watch for pests, calmly
The guide's advice: "Do not panic and start spraying at the first sign of insect damage." It notes that most plants that produce fruits, pods or ears "can stand a 10%–20% loss of leaves without loss of potential yields" (UF/IFAS). It suggests scouting the garden twice a week, planting flowers to attract helpful insects such as lady beetles, and picking off large insects by hand (UF/IFAS).
Get local help
UF/IFAS says Extension agents "are located in every county" to give further advice (UF/IFAS). It's a project for kids, grandparents and everyone in between, and the planting chart is free online.
Sources
- UF/IFAS Extension, "Florida Vegetable Gardening Guide" (SP 103/VH021): https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/VH021
- UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions, "Vegetables": https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/edibles/vegetables/
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