Spring Gardening in Florida: What to Plant, Harvest and Do Before the Heat Hits.

Spring in Florida is one of the most exciting, and important, times in the garden. The weather is warming, crops are transitioning, and what you do right now can make or break your harvest before the summer heat rolls in.

Whether you're planting your first raised bed or managing a full homestead garden, here’s what to plant, what to harvest, and the key steps to take right now.

WHAT TO PLANT NOW (March–April Florida)

In Florida, timing matters more than anything, plant too late and summer heat will cut your season short.

Warm-season crops going in now:

• Tomatoes (get them in ASAP before heat stress)

• Peppers

• Cucumbers

• Squash & zucchini

• Beans

• Okra

• Sweet potatoes

Herbs to plant:

• Basil

• Oregano

• Thyme

• Rosemary

WHAT TO HARVEST NOW

Harvest often, this encourages continued production and prevents bolting as temperatures rise.

Crops finishing up:

• Lettuce

• Kale

• Carrots

• Radishes

• Broccoli

• Cabbage

Herbs ready to cut:

• Parsley

• Cilantro

• Dill

CRITICAL STEPS BEFORE THE HEAT

1. Mulch heavily

• Retains moisture

• Regulates soil temperature

2. Set up irrigation now

• Drip systems or soaker hoses are best

• Consistency is key before extreme heat hits

3. Feed your soil

• Compost or balanced fertilizer

• Plants need strength going into summer

4. Plan for shade

• Shade cloth for delicate crops

• Especially important by late spring

5. Water early

• Morning watering reduces evaporation + disease risk

TRANSITION YOUR GARDEN

Florida gardening isn’t about four seasons...it’s about transitions.

As your cool-season crops finish, your warm-season garden should already be taking their place.

Want more seasonal planting guides, real Florida homestead stories, and recipes straight from the garden?

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