The Best Time to Plant Produce in Florida

March Through May

• Put warm-season crops in the ground in early spring. March is the ideal month to start putting in cucumber (Cucumis sativus), eggplant (Solanum melongena) and summer squash (Cucurbita pepo), among other warm-season crops. Sweet corn (Zea mays var. saccharata), watermelons (Citrullus lanatus) and peppers (Capsicum spp.) should be planted in March for an end-of-summer harvest in southern Florida. In April and May, plant southern peas (Vigna unguiculata), cantaloupe (Cucumis melo var. cantalupensis), okra (Abelmoschus esculentus), bush beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) and sweet potatoes (Ipomoea batatas).

June Through August

• Once June hits, you have missed the opportunity to plant tomatoes, but you can still plant southern favorites, calabaza (Cucurbita moschata) and Malabar spinach (Basella alba) during this month in the central part of the state. In southern Florida, it's planting time for tropical delights such as chayote (Sechium edule) and boniato (Ipomoea batatas). If you're planning on a southern Florida fall garden, start tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum) and eggplants inside during July. Wait until August to plant cool-season crops such as collard greens (Brassica oleracea) and onions (Allium cepa); if you're in southern Florida, plant tomatoes and peppers for the fall garden.

September Through November

• September calls for more cool-season crops including celery (Apium graveolens), lettuces (Lactuca sativa), members of the cabbage family (Brassica oleracea) and collards. October, on the other hand, calls for veggies that will grow throughout the winter in Florida, including beets (Beta vulgaris) and onions. You can continue planting your winter crops into November.

December Through February

• If you're still itching to get out in the garden during the holiday season, plant cold-hardy, cool-season crops such as celery, carrots (Daucus carota), lettuces and members of the cabbage family. The mild winters also allow you to plant during January as well. Potatoes (Solanum tuberosum), cabbages, turnips (Brassica rapa rapa) and beets are all hardy enough to be planted during January. Begin planting tomatoes, peppers, squash, beans and cucumbers in February for a kick-start to your spring garden.