August brings plenty of heat to Florida, but that doesn’t mean you have to wait to get your hands dirty in the garden. If you’re eager to begin planting, you’ll be glad to know the prime growing season is just around the corner. Still, if you’re ready to kick things off now, there are several crops that thrive in Florida’s August conditions.
Even with the high temperatures and humidity, August is the perfect time to start planning and planting your fall garden. In areas seeing less rainfall than usual, make sure to water new plantings consistently.
Vegetables
Wondering what to plant in Florida this August? Below are some great vegetable options that grow well in the state’s hot and humid climate.
Okra
If you’re a Floridian who loves to grow your own vegetables, okra is an excellent choice. It thrives in Florida’s warm, muggy weather and is fairly easy to grow. Starting your okra seeds indoors gives you a solid head start on the season. They usually sprout within 7–14 days. Once the seedlings grow to around 2 inches tall, you can shift them into bigger pots or directly into your garden beds.
Peppers
In most parts of Florida, you can start growing peppers outdoors once nighttime temperatures stay above 55°F. Just make sure the soil is thoroughly warmed up and the planting spot gets at least 8 hours of full sun daily. As summer peaks, sweet pepper plants can suffer from sunscald, so provide some midday shade if they’re still producing into late August.
Eggplant
Eggplants grow well in Florida when temperatures range from 21°C to 29°C, making them a great choice for late summer and fall planting. They dislike extreme heat or cold, which makes this season ideal. Eggplant also adapts well to container gardening—especially dwarf varieties. Use a 5-gallon pot per plant and place it where it receives plenty of sunshine.
Lima Beans
Lima beans are another great crop to plant in Florida in August, especially in Central and South Florida. Sow seeds once soil temperatures reach at least 65°F (18°C). Choose between bush types, which mature faster, or pole varieties if you have more vertical space. Ensure full sun exposure and well-drained soil for healthy growth.
Herbs
The following herbs are well-suited to Florida’s heat and humidity and will thrive when started now.
Lemongrass
August is a great time to grow lemongrass, as it loves the warm weather. Plant it in a spot that gets full sun—even during Florida’s hottest days. Use well-draining soil or containers with quality potting mix. Keep the soil consistently damp during dry spells, but avoid letting it get soggy.
Basil
Basil is incredibly easy to grow from seed and flourishes in Florida’s late summer heat. Sow seeds in August for a steady harvest of fresh, fragrant leaves before cooler nights arrive. Basil grows well in containers, garden beds, or even on a sunny patio. If temperatures climb above 90°F, try offering some afternoon shade to prevent wilting or early flowering.
Fruits
Here are some fruit options that grow well in Florida’s warm climate and are perfect to start this month.
Watermelon
Florida’s hot climate makes it ideal for growing watermelon—and the state is actually one of the top producers in the U.S. While watermelon is usually considered a summer fruit, Florida gardeners are lucky enough to plant it now for a winter harvest. In fact, Florida is the only state that produces watermelon from December through April.
Choose a sunny spot for planting, as watermelon needs full sun to thrive. It’s quite adaptable and grows in almost any well-drained soil. For best results, plant when daytime temperatures range between 70°F and 85°F, though watermelon can still handle the occasional 90°F heat.
