Edible Plants & Trees in Northwest Florida by Season of Harvest

Region

• Northwest Florida is also known as Florida's Panhandle. Touching Alabama, Georgia and the Gulf of Mexico, it has a more temperate climate than much of the rest of the state, with winter lows dipping into frost or freezing territory. The region's soil also differs from the rest of the state, with clay predominating. Northwest Florida's counties include Bay, Calhoun, Escambia, Franklin, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, Liberty, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Walton and Washington.

Spring

• Strawberries are harvested in March, April and May. Blueberries come to market in April, May and June. Cantaloupe is available from March through July. Watermelons are available first in spring and then again in summer. Field crops include winter wheat.

Summer

• Summer is a big time of year for Northwest Florida farmers, who harvest tomatoes, peas, peppers, squash, cucumbers, snap beans and squash. The region's grape vines also produce at this time of year. Field crops include sweet corn.

Fall

• Pecans are available starting in early November, although not all trees produce a crop every year. Hurricane winds are particularly troublesome for this crop. Field crops include corn, soybeans and oats.

Winter

• Peanuts, which are also grown next door in neighboring Alabama and Georgia, are harvested from May through December. Onions are harvested all year.