By Lauren Goldsby
In Florida, we’re lucky to get an early start in the garden while much of the country is still thawing out. But once summer rolls in, gardening can become more of a challenge. The heat intensifies, pests become more active, and keeping plants happy takes a little more effort. Still, that doesn’t mean the garden party has to end early.
If you haven’t started your garden yet or want to keep planting, May can still be a productive time in the Florida Panhandle. And even if you’re ready to take a break from planting, this is also a great time to prepare for your fall garden, when Florida gardeners really shine.
What Can I Plant in May?
You still have options! In the Florida Panhandle, May is a good time to:
- Direct seed warm-season crops like okra and southern peas.
- Transplant heat-loving veggies such as eggplant, peppers, sweet potatoes, and roselle—but it’s too late to start these from seed.
- Plant flowers that thrive in heat and attract pollinators, like marigold, salvia, milkweed, rudbeckia, and zinnia.
Keep in mind that May can be a harsher environment for young plants. With high temperatures and stronger sun, transplants and seedlings will need a little extra care. Be sure to water consistently and consider using mulch to help retain moisture and reduce stress on your plants. For comprehensive information, see the North Florida Vegetable Gardening Guide: https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/media/sfylifasufledu/leon/docs/pdfs/North-Florida-Vegetable-Gardening-Guide—13mb.pdf
Tired of Pests? Try a Cover Crop
If you’re feeling worn out by summer pests or just want to let your garden rest, this is a great time to try a cover crop. Cover crops are plants grown to improve soil health, manage weeds, and support beneficial insects between growing seasons. One excellent choice for summer is cowpea. This heat-tolerant plant helps suppress weeds by filling in garden space and even produces edible beans. Despite its name, cowpea is a type of legume, or bean. Legumes form a symbiotic relationship with soil bacteria that capture nitrogen from the air and convert it into a form plants can use. Planting a cover crop now can reduce the need for fertilizer and weeding when it’s time to prep your fall garden.
It’s Never Too Late to Garden
Whether your garden is in full swing, just getting started, or somewhere in between, you can still grow something. Plant in the ground, in containers, or start prepping for the next season. I always feel better when my hands have been in the soil—and I think you will too!
Lauren Goldsby can be reached at legoldsby@ufl.edu. An Equal Opportunity Institution. UF/IFAS Extension, University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, Andra Johnson, Dean. Single copies of UF/IFAS Extension publications (excluding 4-H and youth publications) are available free to Florida residents from county UF/IFAS Extension offices.
