Grow Something Delicious This Fall in Florida

Fall in Florida brings something gardeners in colder climates can only dream about, another season to grow fresh food. As New Smyrna Beach moves away from the most intense summer heat, gardeners can start planting a delicious mix of cool-season vegetables and flavorful herbs.

Whether you have a large vegetable garden, a raised bed, or just a few containers on the patio, fall is a great time to grow something you can bring straight from the garden to the kitchen.

Start with Leafy Greens

Fresh greens are a natural fit for Florida’s cooler growing season. Many can be harvested while young for salads or allowed to mature for cooking.

Try growing:

• Lettuce
• Kale
• Spinach
• Swiss chard
• Arugula
• Mustard greens
• Collard greens

Planting smaller amounts at intervals can help extend the harvest rather than having everything ready at once.

Grow Broccoli, Cabbage and More

Fall opens the door to vegetables that can struggle during Florida’s hottest months.

Consider adding:

• Broccoli
• Cabbage
• Cauliflower
• Brussels sprouts

Give these crops plenty of room to mature and choose a location that receives good sunlight.

Don’t Forget Root Vegetables

Some of the best fall garden rewards are growing underground.

Carrots, radishes, beets, and turnips are excellent choices for the seasonal vegetable garden. Radishes are especially fun for gardeners who don’t want to wait long to see results.

Loose, well-drained soil makes it easier for root vegetables to develop properly.

Plant Peas and Beans

Depending on temperatures and timing, fall can also provide opportunities for peas and beans.

Give climbing varieties a trellis or other support from the beginning. Growing vertically saves garden space and can make harvesting easier.

Fill the Herb Garden

Fresh herbs can turn even a simple meal into something special, and Florida’s fall season is a great time to grow a variety of favorites.

Consider:

• Cilantro
• Parsley
• Dill
• Chives
• Thyme
• Rosemary
• Sage
• Mint

Herbs are also ideal for gardeners with limited space because many perform beautifully in containers.

Grow Food in Containers

No traditional vegetable garden? No problem.

Many vegetables and herbs can be grown in pots, window boxes, or larger patio containers. Lettuce, radishes, herbs, and other compact crops can make container gardening both productive and attractive.

Make sure containers have drainage holes and use a quality growing mix appropriate for container plants.

Plant for a Longer Harvest

You don’t have to plant the entire vegetable garden on one weekend.

Succession planting means sowing or planting smaller amounts at different times. Instead of harvesting all your lettuce or radishes at once, staggered plantings can help keep fresh produce coming over a longer period.

Watch Florida’s Fall Weather

September may say “fall” on the calendar, but New Smyrna Beach can still experience plenty of heat.

Pay attention to actual temperatures and rainfall when deciding what to plant. Some cool-season crops may perform better as conditions become milder, so there’s no need to rush everything into the garden at once.

Turn Fall into a Fresh Growing Season

Imagine stepping outside to pick lettuce for a salad, snipping fresh rosemary for dinner, or pulling carrots and radishes you grew yourself.

Florida’s fall growing season offers plenty of opportunities to keep gardening and eating from your own backyard. Start with a few favorites, experiment with something new, and enjoy growing your way through the season.

Frequently Asked Questions

What vegetables can I grow in Florida during fall?

Leafy greens, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, carrots, radishes, beets, turnips, and other cool-season crops are good possibilities as temperatures become more favorable.

What herbs are good for a Florida fall garden?

Cilantro, parsley, dill, chives, thyme, rosemary, sage, and mint are all worth considering.

Can I grow fall vegetables in containers?

Yes. Many greens, herbs, radishes, and other compact crops are well suited to container gardening.

What is succession planting?

Succession planting means planting a crop at different times so everything doesn’t mature at once. It can help extend your harvest.

Is September too early for cool-season vegetables in Florida?

September can still be quite hot in New Smyrna Beach. Pay attention to current conditions and the needs of individual crops, and introduce cooler-season plants as temperatures become more suitable.

Visit Lindley’s Garden Center

Ready to grow something delicious? Stop by Lindley’s Garden Center for vegetables, herbs, gardening supplies, and inspiration for making the most of Florida’s fall growing season.

Lindley’s Garden Center
1232 Canal Street
New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168

Hours:
Tuesday to Saturday: 9 AM to 5 PM
Sunday: 11 AM to 4 PM
Monday: Closed