When to Plant in Fort Lauderdale, FL

Fort Lauderdale is uniquely situated in a climate where hard frost is virtually absent, allowing for continuous gardening throughout the year. This frost-free environment means that gardeners can plan for multiple planting and harvest cycles, maximizing their yields with successive sowings of crops like greens, herbs, and many vegetables. The ability to grow all year long enhances your gardening experience by providing a diverse range of produce, from fresh salads in the summer to robust vegetable varieties in the cooler months.

The microclimate of Fort Lauderdale is characterized as tropical/subtropical, which significantly influences which crops will thrive in your garden. Vegetables such as eggplant, peppers, and sweet potatoes flourish due to their ability to withstand warm temperatures and high humidity. However, crops like Brussels sprouts and certain types of apples struggle in this climate, as they require a defined winter chill to set fruit properly and can suffer from the excessive humidity prevalent in the area.

What to plant now in Fort Lauderdale

Now is the perfect time to plant a variety of herbs like basil and cilantro, ensuring a steady supply of fresh flavors for your culinary needs throughout the year.
Consider sowing seeds for summer vegetables such as okra and zucchini. These crops thrive in the warm temperatures of Fort Lauderdale.
It's a great time to continue harvesting established perennial crops like sweet potatoes and taro, which are fully mature and ready for use in your meals.
Prepare for the upcoming rainy season by planting tropical fruit trees like mango and avocado, which will benefit from consistent moisture.

Fort Lauderdale has a year-round, frost-free season. Cool-season crops: Lettuce, Carrots, Peas, Onion, Spinach, Kale, Broccoli, Cabbage, Radish, Beets, Potatoes, Garlic, Strawberry, Cauliflower, Swiss Chard, Arugula, Brussel Sprouts, Cilantro, Parsley, Celery, Scallions, Turnip, Kohlrabi, Bok Choy, Collards, Chives, Dill, Oregano, Rosemary, Sage, Thyme, Calendula, Lavender, Mint. Warm-season crops: Tomato, Pepper, Cucumber, Beans, Zucchini, Corn, Pumpkin, Butternut Squash, Eggplant, Okra, Basil, Cantaloupe, Cosmos, Marigolds, Melons, Nasturtiums, Pole Beans, Spaghetti Squash, Sunflowers, Tomatillos, Watermelon, Yellow Squash, Zinnias.

Month by month in Fort Lauderdale

Month	What to do
January	Temperatures are relatively mild, making it ideal for planting cool-weather crops such as lettuce and radishes for continuous harvest throughout the winter months.
February	Continue planting leafy greens and start sowing heat-loving crops like tomatoes and peppers indoors to get a jump on the growing season as temperatures begin to rise.
March	As the days warm up, focus on planting more heat-tolerant varieties like eggplant and okra. Early spring is a critical time to establish these crops.
April	This is a peak time for planting summer vegetables. Sow beans, squash, and sweet potatoes now to capitalize on the warmth and longer days that support their growth.
May	The weather is hot and humid; ensure watering is consistent. Continue to sow seeds for fast-growing crops like cucumbers and melons, which thrive in the heat.
June	Plant tropical fruits and herbs, such as ginger and turmeric, which do well with the rising moisture levels. Ensure you have plenty of mulch to retain soil moisture.
July	Mid-summer is perfect for succession planting of beans and peppers. Provide ample shade and water to plants as temperatures peak during this time.
August	Focus on containers and vertical gardening for cucumbers and tomatoes as you prepare for the upcoming transitional period toward cooler weather crops.
September	As summer's heat starts to ease, begin planting fall crops like kale and collards. The humidity still supports growth yet cooler nights can benefit these crops.
October	This is a great time to plant carrots and beets, which enjoy the mild temperatures. Continue to harvest remaining summer crops while transitioning to fall planting.
November	With the onset of cooler weather, it's ideal to plant garlic and onions. The slightly milder days allow these crops to establish well before winter sets in.
December	Focus on maintaining your garden and planning for the new year. It's a great time to start seeds indoors for early spring planting and prepare the soil for next crops.

Frost dates for Fort Lauderdale ZIP codes

ZIP	Last spring frost (50%)	First fall frost (50%)	Zone
33311	—	—	11a

FAQ

When is the last frost in Fort Lauderdale?

According to the long-term NOAA records, 32°F frost is absent from Fort Lauderdale. This means that gardeners can typically plan their plantings without the concern of frost damage, enabling year-round cultivation of a diverse range of plants.

What vegetables grow best in Fort Lauderdale?

Crops such as tomatoes, peppers, and sweet potatoes thrive excellently in Fort Lauderdale due to the warm climate and ample sunshine. Vegetables needing cooler climates often face challenges here.

When should I plant tomatoes in Fort Lauderdale?

Tomatoes can be planted year-round, but the best time to start is in the early spring or fall when the temperatures are milder, reducing the risk of blossom drop during excessive heat.

Can I garden year-round in Fort Lauderdale?

Absolutely! The absence of frost allows for continuous gardening throughout the year, encouraging a diverse planting schedule and multiple harvest opportunities.

How does Plan My Garden help Fort Lauderdale gardeners?

Plan My Garden offers tailored advice specific to the Fort Lauderdale climate, guiding gardeners on what to plant and when throughout the year to optimize their growing success.