Zone 11 - Planting Calendar

USDA Gardening Zone 11 Monthly Planting Calendar: Thriving in a Tropical Paradise

January

• Vegetables: Start cool-season crops like lettuce, kale, spinach, and broccoli. You can also plant carrots, beets, and radishes.
• Herbs: Plant cilantro, dill, and parsley. Start basil and oregano from seed.
• Flowers: Plant cool-season flowers such as pansies, petunias, and snapdragons.
• Tips: Although frost is rare in Zone 11, keep an eye on the weather and cover tender plants if a cold snap occurs. Water your garden in the morning to avoid wet leaves overnight.

February

• Vegetables: Continue planting cool-season vegetables, and start warm-season crops like tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant indoors.
• Herbs: Plant perennial herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage outdoors.
• Flowers: Add color with marigolds, zinnias, and impatiens.
• Tips: As the weather warms, prepare your garden beds for spring planting by incorporating compost or organic matter. Prune fruit trees to encourage healthy growth.

March

• Vegetables: Transplant warm-season crops like tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant outdoors. Direct-sow beans, cucumbers, and squash.
• Herbs: Plant basil, oregano, and mint outdoors.
• Flowers: Plant summer annuals like sunflowers, cosmos, and nasturtiums.
• Tips: Apply mulch around plants to retain moisture and keep roots cool. Watch for pests as temperatures rise, and address any issues promptly with organic treatments.

April

• Vegetables: Continue planting warm-season vegetables like cucumbers, melons, and sweet potatoes. This is also a good time to plant corn.
• Herbs: Transplant herbs like basil, thyme, and sage outdoors.
• Flowers: Plant heat-tolerant flowers such as vinca, lantana, and hibiscus.
• Tips: Water consistently, especially during dry periods, and consider installing a drip irrigation system to reduce water usage while ensuring plants receive adequate moisture.

May

• Vegetables: Focus on heat-loving vegetables like okra, eggplant, and peppers. Continue planting melons and sweet potatoes.
• Herbs: Harvest herbs like basil regularly to encourage bushier growth.
• Flowers: Plant tropical flowers like bougainvillea, plumeria, and bird of paradise.
• Tips: Apply a slow-release fertilizer to keep plants nourished through the hot summer months. Provide shade for sensitive plants during peak heat to prevent sunburn.

June

• Vegetables: Plant late-summer crops like okra, southern peas, and pumpkins.
• Herbs: Continue planting heat-tolerant herbs like lemongrass and basil.
• Flowers: Add heat-resistant flowers like portulaca and pentas to your garden.
• Tips: Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture and protect plant roots from intense heat. Water early in the day to reduce evaporation and prevent leaf scorch.

July

• Vegetables: Start seeds for fall crops like pumpkins, winter squash, and sweet potatoes.
• Herbs: Harvest and dry herbs to preserve them for later use.
• Flowers: Maintain summer annuals by deadheading and trimming.
• Tips: Monitor plants for signs of heat stress, such as wilting or yellowing leaves. Consider using shade cloth to protect sensitive crops from the harsh sun.

August

• Vegetables: Begin planning for your fall garden by starting seeds indoors for crops like broccoli, cabbage, and kale.
• Herbs: Continue to harvest and prune herbs to keep them healthy and productive.
• Flowers: Prepare beds for fall flowers like chrysanthemums and asters.
• Tips: Assess your garden’s water needs during this hot month, adjusting your watering schedule to ensure plants stay hydrated. Protect soil from erosion with a thick layer of mulch.

September

• Vegetables: Transplant fall crops like broccoli, cabbage, and kale. Direct-seed cool-season crops like spinach, radishes, and lettuce.
• Herbs: Plant cool-weather herbs like cilantro, parsley, and dill.
• Flowers: Plant fall-blooming flowers like mums and pansies.
• Tips: As temperatures begin to cool slightly, reduce the frequency of watering. Clean up your garden by removing dead or diseased plants to maintain a healthy environment.

October

• Vegetables: Continue planting cool-season vegetables like carrots, beets, and onions.
• Herbs: Plant hardy herbs like rosemary, sage, and thyme.
• Flowers: Plant spring bulbs like tulips and daffodils, which will bloom in early spring.
• Tips: Use this time to clean up the garden, removing spent plants and adding organic matter to beds. Prepare for any cooler nights by having frost cloths ready for tender plants.

November

• Vegetables: Plant garlic and shallots for a late spring harvest. Continue harvesting cool-season vegetables.
• Herbs: Protect perennial herbs from unexpected cold snaps by mulching around their bases.
• Flowers: Plant winter flowers like pansies and violas for a burst of color.
• Tips: Take advantage of the cooler weather to plan and plant a winter garden. Consider installing a protective cover over delicate plants if frost is expected.

December

• Vegetables: Harvest the last of your fall crops, and continue growing cool-season vegetables.
• Herbs: Grow herbs like basil and mint indoors on a sunny windowsill to enjoy fresh flavors throughout the winter.
• Flowers: Maintain winter blooms by deadheading spent flowers.
• Tips: Reflect on your gardening successes this year and begin planning for the upcoming season. Prepare garden beds by adding compost and organic matter to enrich the soil.

Tips for Successful Gardening in Zone 11

• Maximize Tropical Climate: Grow tropical fruits like bananas, papayas, and mangoes, which thrive in Zone 11's warm temperatures.
• Mulch and Water Wisely: Mulching helps conserve moisture and protect plants from heat. Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and avoid fungal issues.
• Pest Control: The warm, humid climate can attract pests year-round. Monitor your garden regularly and use organic pest control methods to manage infestations.
• Plan for the Heat: Use shade cloth to protect sensitive plants during the hottest months, and consider planting heat-resistant varieties that can withstand the extreme temperatures.