Starting a Florida Garden in August. What You Really Need to Know

We’ve got three under five and a junior in high school, so yes, life is a full plate. With back-to-school in full swing (and our little Jessi starting for the first time!), my garden has to survive on realistic expectations. And here’s the truth: August in Florida is not your “cute, Pinterest garden” month. It’s hot, it’s wet, and hurricane season is here to keep you humble.

But it’s also one of the best times to prep your garden for the fall season, if you know what to do.

Step 1: Protect What You’ve Got
Before you even think about planting, make sure your current plants can handle what’s coming.

• Deep Watering — Instead of daily sprinkles, water deeply 2–3 times a week to help roots grow down where it’s cooler.
• Mulch Everything — Add a thick layer (3–4 inches) around plants to keep roots cool and soil moist.
• Add Shade — Temporary shade cloth can save tender plants from 95-degree sun and daily storms.

Step 2: Prep for Hurricanes and Storms

• Stake Tall Plants — Peppers, okra, tomatoes — anything that can snap in strong winds needs extra support.
• Move Containers — If you grow in pots, keep them somewhere you can quickly move under cover if a storm comes.
• Harvest Early — If a storm’s in the forecast, pick what’s ready — nature doesn’t care that you wanted one more day of ripening.

Step 3: Plant the Heat Lovers

• Katuk – A high-protein tropical green that tastes like peas and thrives in shade or sun.
• Malabar Spinach – A climbing green with thick, juicy leaves perfect for stir-fries and salads.
• Chaya (Tree Spinach) – A powerhouse perennial green that laughs at heat and drought. (Must be cooked before eating.)
• Roselle (Florida Cranberry) – Gorgeous red calyxes for tea, jams, or syrups.
• Winged Beans – Edible leaves, flowers, pods, and even roots — a whole plant salad bar.

Step 4: Prep for Fall
While your heat lovers do their thing, start seeds indoors or in a shaded spot for fall crops like lettuce, kale, broccoli, and carrots. They’ll be ready to transplant once temperatures drop a bit in September/October.

Step 5: Keep It Simple
If you’re just starting this month, pick ONE area to focus on — maybe it’s planting sweet potatoes in a raised bed, maybe it’s getting your irrigation system set up. August gardening is all about working with the season, not fighting it.

Quick Tip:
Florida August gardening is less about “pretty” and more about “protect and prepare.” Do that well now, and your fall garden will thank you.

Call to Action:
Thinking of starting your garden this month? Drop your biggest August challenge in the comments — heat, pests, storms — and let’s troubleshoot it together.