The main garden season has finally arrived in Florida, and here in the northern part of the state, we are already planting our winter crops. Since we have a shorter growing season than Central or South Florida, we plant a lot of our cole crops and leafy greens in August. Yes, I know, it seems it would be too hot, but somehow they survive until it starts cooling a bit in September.
The heat has been unbearable lately, and there has been little to no rain. Because of these two climactic disasters, I'll be starting my winter crops indoors in toilet paper roll "peat" pots so I can stick them right into the ground when it gets cool enough. I'm sure many people are going to do the same, rather than lose a whole month of growth from seedlings burning up in the hot sun.
The Florida Vegetable Gardening Guide has been updated since last year, so this list is quite different.
Vegetables to Plant in August
* last month to plant this vegetable
| Beans: bush & pole | Lima Beans* | Beets | Broccoli | Brussels Sprouts |
| Cabbage | Carrots | Cauliflower | Celery | Chinese Cabbage |
| Collards | Cucumbers* | Eggplant* | Endive/ Escarole | Kale |
| Mustard | Onions, bunching | Peppers* | Summer Squash | Winter Squash |
| Shallots | Tomatoes* | Turnips |
If you want to grow lettuces or tender greens, you can grow mico or mini greens, such as those pictured above. Simply sprinkle your seeds in a tray and let them grow to the size you want, then cut or pull them up.
Ornamentals to Plant in August
With the hottest days of summer ahead of us, only a few ornamentals will take the heat.
| Vinca | Gaillardia | Bulbine | Coleus |
Bulbs to Plant in August
| Aztec Lily | Butterfly Lily | Walking Iris | Spider Lily |
| Bay Laurel | Ginger | Mexican Tarragon | Rosemary |
August is a hot and miserable month, but as you can see, it's still a good time to get a jump on the fall garden. If you have any questions about growing food here in Gainesville or the surrounding area, post them in the comments.
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