What to Plant in a Florida Fall Garden

Fall gardening looks a little different in Florida. While gardeners farther north are preparing for frost and putting their gardens to bed, fall in Central Florida brings cooler temperatures and a fresh opportunity to plant.

For New Smyrna Beach gardeners, this is a great time to refresh tired summer beds, bring new color to containers, grow cool-season vegetables and herbs, and add plants to the landscape.

Refresh the Garden with Fall Flowers

After months of Florida heat, some summer annuals may be ready for a change. As temperatures begin to moderate, you can introduce fresh seasonal color to garden beds, entryways, patios, and containers.

Fall favorites for Florida gardens can include:

• Petunias
• Snapdragons
• Dianthus
• Alyssum
• Calendula
• Pansies and violas as temperatures cool
• Geraniums for containers and protected locations

Remember that Florida fall weather can still be quite warm, especially early in the season. Choose plants based on current conditions rather than the calendar alone.

Grow Cool-Season Vegetables

One of the best things about gardening in Florida is the opportunity to keep the vegetable garden productive well beyond summer.

Fall is a great season to grow many cool-season vegetables, including:

• Lettuce
• Kale
• Broccoli
• Cauliflower
• Cabbage
• Carrots
• Radishes
• Beets
• Spinach

Instead of fighting intense summer heat, many of these crops can thrive as temperatures become more comfortable.

Add Fresh Herbs

Fall is also a wonderful time to refresh the herb garden.

Consider growing:

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

Herbs can be grown in garden beds, raised beds, or containers near the kitchen for easy harvesting.

Give Containers a Fall Makeover

You don’t need an entirely new landscape to make the garden feel fresh.

Replace struggling summer plants with new seasonal combinations. Mix flowering plants with herbs and interesting foliage to create containers that bring color to patios, porches, and entryways.

Florida fall containers don’t have to look like traditional northern fall displays. Take advantage of the plants that thrive in your warmer climate and create combinations suited to your own style.

Add Trees and Shrubs to the Landscape

Fall’s transition toward milder weather can also make it a good time to tackle landscape projects.

Consider adding trees and shrubs for:

• Privacy and screening
• Shade
• Flowers
• Evergreen structure
• Wildlife habitat
• Tropical character
• Year-round foliage

Choosing plants suited to your property’s sunlight, soil, drainage, and available space will help set them up for long-term success.

Plant for Florida Pollinators

Don’t forget the bees and butterflies when planning your fall garden.

Include nectar-rich flowers and host plants that help support pollinators. Pentas, salvia, firebush, porterweed, and other Florida-friendly choices can help keep the landscape colorful and active.

A variety of flower shapes and bloom periods can provide food for different pollinators throughout the season.

Take Advantage of Florida’s Fall Growing Season

Fall doesn’t mean the end of gardening in Florida. In many ways, it’s a fresh beginning.

Refresh your containers, start a vegetable garden, plant herbs, add seasonal flowers, or tackle a new landscape project. There’s plenty to grow and enjoy as New Smyrna Beach moves into the cooler months.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I plant in a Florida fall garden?

Fall options can include seasonal flowers, cool-season vegetables, herbs, trees, shrubs, and pollinator-friendly plants.

What vegetables grow well during Florida’s cooler season?

Lettuce, kale, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, radishes, beets, and other cool-season crops are popular choices.

Can I plant herbs in fall?

Yes. Fall can be a great time for herbs such as cilantro, parsley, dill, chives, rosemary, sage, and thyme.

Should I refresh my containers in fall?

Absolutely. Fall is a great opportunity to replace heat-weary summer plants and create fresh combinations for the cooler season.

Can I landscape during fall in Florida?

Yes. As temperatures moderate, fall can provide a good opportunity to add appropriate trees, shrubs, and other landscape plants.

Visit Lindley’s Garden Center

Florida’s gardening season is far from over. Stop by Lindley’s Garden Center for fall flowers, herbs, vegetables, landscape plants, and inspiration for making the most of another beautiful 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