September marks the transition for gardening in Florida, shifting from the intense heat of summer to the milder, productive fall and winter growing season. This is the month when gardeners across the state begin planting the cool-season crops that thrive in the coming months. A successful September garden requires understanding the state’s diverse regional climates and preparing the ground appropriately for the change in seasons.
Understanding Florida’s Regional Growing Zones
Florida’s diverse geography creates distinct growing environments, meaning planting advice varies across the state. Climate differences define three primary planting regions: North, Central, and South Florida. The northern region, including the Panhandle and Jacksonville, experiences a noticeable break in summer heat earlier than the rest of the state.
This northern section often falls within USDA hardiness zones 8b and 9a, making it the first to welcome cool-season crops. Central Florida (zones 9b and 10a), stretching from Tampa to Orlando, uses September as a bridge where both warm- and cool-season crops can be started. Southern Florida (zones 10b and 11a), including Miami and the Keys, has tropical conditions where summer heat lingers, pushing the main planting window later into the fall.
The timing in September determines whether a crop will mature before a light frost in the North or before the heat subsides in the South. Northern gardeners transition to fall crops earlier, while southern zones must select heat-tolerant varieties or start seeds indoors for later transplanting.
Vegetable Planting Guide for Fall
September allows for simultaneous planting of warm-season crops and the first cool-season favorites. In North Florida, the focus is on starting cool-season vegetables now so they are established before the first frost. Gardeners can direct sow root crops like carrots, radishes, and turnips this month. Transplants of brassicas, such as broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower, should also be set out to allow time to form heads before winter.
In Central Florida, the heat persists longer, requiring a mix of warm and cool-season planting. Warm-season plants like bush beans, cucumbers, and summer squash can still be planted from seed for a final harvest before the weather cools. This is also the ideal window to transplant tomato, pepper, and eggplant seedlings started indoors in August, setting them up for peak production in the late fall.
In South Florida, the intense heat means many cool-season crops should only be started indoors from seed to protect delicate seedlings. Heat-tolerant vegetables like okra, southern peas, and specific cherry tomato varieties can still be planted directly. The main planting for crops like lettuce, spinach, and beets, which prefer cooler conditions, will wait until October or November. All regions should choose varieties known to perform well in Florida’s sandy soils and high humidity.
Herbs and Ornamentals for the Transitional Season
September offers an opportunity to refresh the garden with herbs and flowering plants for the mild winter. Warm-weather herbs, such as basil and mint, are still thriving and can be planted or propagated now to extend their harvest. Basil planted this month will continue to produce until the first cool-down, especially if flowers are consistently pinched off to encourage leaf growth.
Cool-season herbs like parsley and cilantro should be planted from seed or transplants this month. They prefer the cooler temperatures arriving in late fall and will quickly bolt, or flower, in summer heat. Mediterranean herbs, including rosemary and thyme, are suitable for September planting because they are drought-tolerant and flourish in sunny, well-draining conditions. These woody perennials provide year-round harvests once established.
To add color, introduce annuals that will bloom through the fall and winter months. Plant popular choices like marigolds, which add bright yellow and orange tones and can help deter some garden pests. Petunias and impatiens are reliable selections that provide continuous color in sunny and partially shaded areas. These ornamentals also attract beneficial pollinators as the main vegetable planting season begins.
Essential Soil and Pest Preparation
Successful fall gardening begins with preparing the soil, which is often depleted of nutrients and organic matter by summer. Gardeners should conduct a soil test to determine pH level and nutrient composition, guiding amendments. Since most Florida soils are sandy and acidic, adding organic matter is essential. Incorporating compost or well-rotted manure improves soil structure, enhancing water retention and drainage, and slowly releasing nutrients for the newly planted crops.
A layer of organic mulch, such as pine straw or shredded leaves, should be applied after planting to regulate soil temperature and conserve moisture as the rainy season ends. September requires proactive integrated pest management (IPM) to address summer issues and new fall threats. Warm, humid conditions promote fungal diseases, so ensure good air circulation and water early in the morning. Monitor for late-season pests like grasshoppers and sod webworms, employing targeted controls only when necessary to protect young plants.