The moderate Fall temperatures in South Florida make it a great time for gardeners to experiment. Whether your green thumb yearns for growing vegetables, flowers or herbs, our fall planting options are sure to get you outside and enjoying nature.
Herbs
Fresh herbs can turn a good meal into a great meal. The mild Fall and Winter climates allow for many fall planting options. Coriander and anise offer gardeners a harvest of aromatic seeds. Meanwhile, chervil, borage and parsley all have fragrant leaves. Whether you plant them in the ground or in a container, any combination of these herbs will be a delight to cook with.
Flowers
Chrysanthemums come in a range of beautiful color options. These plants prefer cooler temperatures and shorter days. You can plant them in containers or the ground. Odontonema striatum and Firespike are known to attract butterflies to its bright red flowers, which are only produced in the Fall. Meanwhile, the Duranta erecta, a common site in South Florida. The vine-like evergreen can grow as high as 18 feet and produces background of purple hues, thanks to its many flowers.
Vegetables
There are a variety of vegetables that thrive in the cooler and dryer temperatures of Fall and Winter. Across the state it’s common for gardeners to plant collard greens (dubbed the new super food by Whole Foods Market), broccoli and cabbage as early as August. Carrots and beets on the other hand do better if planted in October.
Are you ready to test your green thumb? Try any or all of these fall planting options. You just might be pleasantly surprised by the results. If you’re new to gardening, check out the Gardening Health and Safety Tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. After all, we want you safe and happy!
