Collier County, FL — Planting Guide
Collier County is in USDA Zone 10a. The average last spring frost is January 12 and the first fall frost is April 15, giving you a growing season of approximately 288 days.
At an elevation of 185 ft, Collier County receives approximately 61.3 in of rainfall annually. Summer highs average 85°F with winter lows around 63°F. The predominant soil type is Sand.
Based on 6 years of NOAA climate station data, the last frost date here varies by 35 days year to year — ranging from January 5 in warm years to February 9 in cold years. Collier County scores 62/100 (Good) on the Microclimate Index.
🌡️ Zone
10a (30°F to 35°F min)
❄️ Last Frost
January 12
🍂 First Frost
April 15
📅 Growing Season
288 days
⛰️ Elevation
185 ft
🌧️ Annual Rainfall
61.3 in
Monthly Watering Calendar
When you'll need to water your garden — based on average monthly rainfall vs. the ~1 inch/week most gardens need.
View detailed monthly data
| Month | Avg Rainfall | Rainy Days | Extra Water Needed | Watering Effort |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 2.8 in | 7 days | 1.5 in | Moderate |
| Feb | 3.3 in | 6 days | 1 in | Moderate |
| Mar | 4.1 in | 7 days | 0.2 in | Low |
| Apr | 2.4 in | 6 days | 1.9 in | High |
| May | 3.7 in | 8 days | 0.6 in | Moderate |
| Jun | 7.5 in | 16 days | — | Low |
| Jul | 10 in | 17 days | — | Low |
| Aug | 9 in | 15 days | — | Low |
| Sep | 8.4 in | 16 days | — | Low |
| Oct | 5.6 in | 10 days | — | Low |
| Nov | 2.3 in | 5 days | 2 in | High |
| Dec | 2.2 in | 6 days | 2.1 in | High |
Annual total: 61.3 in. Water needs vary by crop — tomatoes need ~1.2"/week while herbs like rosemary need only 0.3"/week. Check individual plant pages for crop-specific water budgets that factor in your county's rainfall and soil drainage.
Collier County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sand
Soil pH
5-6.2
Drainage
Well Drained
Frost Risk Probability
Based on 6 years of NOAA weather station data from 2 stations
Beginners: Plant frost-sensitive crops (tomatoes, peppers, squash) after the "Safe" date on the left. Harvest or cover them before the "Protect by" date on the right. Hardy crops (lettuce, peas, kale) can go in the yellow transition zones.
How to read this table: "Conservative" means you're safe from frost 9 out of 10 years — best for beginners and frost-sensitive crops. "Average year" is the typical date. "Aggressive" means only 1 in 10 years is that warm — experienced gardeners with frost protection can try these dates.
| Planting Strategy | Last Spring Frost | First Fall Frost | Frost-Free Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conservative (safest) | Feb 9 | — | — |
| Cautious | Jan 19 | — | — |
| Average year | Jan 12 | — | — |
| Optimistic | Jan 5 | — | — |
| Aggressive (risky) | Jan 5 | — | — |
Not very — frost dates can vary by ±35 days year-to-year. Use the "Conservative" row in the table below, and keep row covers handy for surprise late frosts.
Gardening Difficulty Score
Collier County offers good growing conditions. A little planning around frost dates goes a long way.
Local Gardening Help in Collier County
Free expert help is closer than you think. Your county's cooperative extension office connects you with trained gardeners, soil testing labs, and local programs — all specific to Collier County's climate and soil.
County Extension Office
Collier County University of Florida IFAS Extension Extension Office
Phone: 352-392-1761
Visit Extension Office Website →
Extension offices are run by land-grant universities and funded by the USDA. Their advice is free, research-based, and tailored to your county's specific conditions.
Master Gardener Program
Free gardening help from trained volunteers
Master Gardeners are community volunteers who complete 40–60 hours of university horticultural training. They answer gardening questions, diagnose plant problems, and offer workshops — all free.
Many extension offices run a Master Gardener hotline where you can call or email with photos of plant problems for free diagnosis.
Soil Testing
Available through your extension office
Before amending your soil, get it tested. Your extension office offers soil testing (typically $10–$25) that tells you exact pH, nutrient levels, and amendment recommendations specific to what you want to grow.
Services Available in Collier County
Finding local nurseries & garden centers in Collier County
Why Buy Local
Local nurseries carry plants that are proven to grow in your area. Staff can give you advice specific to Collier County's soil and climate that big-box stores can't. Plants from local growers are typically hardier because they're already acclimated to your zone.
How to Find Them
Search for "nurseries near Collier County FL" or "garden center Collier County" on Google Maps. Also check with your extension office — they often maintain lists of reputable local nurseries and plant sales.
Community gardens & gardening groups
Community gardens are a great way to learn from experienced gardeners in your area, especially if you're limited on space. Search "community garden Collier County FL" or check your extension office and local parks department. Facebook groups like "Collier County Gardeners" or "Florida Gardening" are also excellent for local advice and plant swaps.
What to Plant After Your Harvest
After your first crops finish, use the remaining frost-free days to grow a second round.
Show 6 more succession options
Sunlight & Day Length
Monthly daylight hours and peak sun — critical for onion varieties, photoperiod-sensitive plants, and solar garden planning.
Longest Day
13.6 hours
Summer solstice daylight
Shortest Day
10.4 hours
Winter solstice daylight
Peak Sun Hours
9.5 hr/day peak (summer)
Peak sun hours (green dashed line below) account for cloud cover — this is the usable direct sunlight your garden actually receives. Most vegetables need 6+ peak sun hours.
Onion tip: Your shorter days favor short-day onion varieties like Vidalia, Texas 1015, and Red Creole. Plant in fall for best results.
View detailed monthly data
| Month | Daylight Hours | Peak Sun Hours | Day Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 10.5 hr | 6.1 hr | Short day |
| February | 11.1 hr | 7.2 hr | Short day |
| March | 11.8 hr | 7.8 hr | Short day |
| April | 12.6 hr | 8.5 hr | Neutral |
| May | 13.3 hr | 9.5 hr | Neutral |
| June | 13.6 hr | 7.5 hr | Neutral |
| July | 13.5 hr | 6.7 hr | Neutral |
| August | 12.9 hr | 6.8 hr | Neutral |
| September | 12.1 hr | 6.1 hr | Neutral |
| October | 11.4 hr | 6.8 hr | Short day |
| November | 10.7 hr | 6.2 hr | Short day |
| December | 10.4 hr | 5.8 hr | Short day |
Peak sun hours factor in typical cloud cover — use these for solar panel and shade-planning calculations.
Soil Temperature & Composting Calendar
Monthly soil temps tell you when to plant warm-season crops, and when your compost pile is actively working.
Plant Warm Crops When
Soil reaches 60°F+
Soil warm enough from Feb through Dec.
Best Month to Compost
Mar
Microbial activity peaks when soil is warm.
Active Composting
12 months
Nearly year-round composting.
View detailed monthly data
| Month | Soil 4" Deep | Soil 8" Deep | Compost Activity | Time to Finish |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 59°F | 66°F | ♻️ Active | ~14 weeks |
| Feb | 61°F | 63°F | ♻️ Active | ~14 weeks |
| Mar | 67°F | 68°F | 🔥 Peak | ~8 weeks |
| Apr | 71°F | 73°F | 🔥 Peak | ~8 weeks |
| May | 80°F | 79°F | 🔥 Peak | ~8 weeks |
| Jun | 87°F | 86°F | 🔥 Peak | ~8 weeks |
| Jul | 95°F | 90°F | 🔥 Peak | ~8 weeks |
| Aug | 96°F | 92°F | 🔥 Peak | ~8 weeks |
| Sep | 93°F | 92°F | 🔥 Peak | ~8 weeks |
| Oct | 85°F | 86°F | 🔥 Peak | ~8 weeks |
| Nov | 71°F | 77°F | 🔥 Peak | ~8 weeks |
| Dec | 61°F | 69°F | ♻️ Active | ~14 weeks |
Highlighted rows = soil 60°F+ (safe for warm-season transplants). Compost finishes fastest during peak activity months.
Pest & Disease Pressure in Collier County
Computed from local climate patterns — warmer, humid conditions increase pest generations and fungal disease risk.
Insect Pest Pressure
High — expect multiple pest generations. Preventative measures essential.
Disease Risk
High fungal/bacterial risk. Space plants for airflow, water at soil level.
Seasonal Risk
View 6 common pests in your area
| Pest | Risk Level | Peak Months |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | High | Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec |
| Whiteflies | High | Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec |
| Spider mites | High | Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov |
| Thrips | High | Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep |
| Scale insects | Moderate | Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct |
| Nematodes | Moderate | May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep |
Organic pest management tips
- Install physical barriers: floating row covers, copper tape for slugs, mesh netting
- Apply Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) for caterpillar control — safe for beneficial insects
- Use kaolin clay spray to deter a wide range of insects on fruiting crops
- Release beneficial insects: ladybugs for aphids, parasitic wasps for caterpillars
- Apply neem oil weekly during high-pressure months
- Mulch heavily (3-4 inches) to reduce soil-borne disease splash
Cover Crops for Collier County
Cover crops protect bare soil, fix nitrogen, suppress weeds, and improve soil structure — with county-specific planting dates.
Spring Cover Crops (4 options) — Build soil before the main growing season
| Crop | Plant By | Terminate | N-Fixing | Soil Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buckwheat | Jan 5 | Oct 22 | — | Rapid growth, attracts pollinators, suppresses weeds |
| Cowpeas (southern peas) | Jan 5 | Nov 5 | ✓ Yes | Excellent nitrogen fixer for warm climates, edible |
| Sorghum-sudan grass | Jan 6 | Oct 29 | — | Massive biomass, breaks compaction, suppresses nematodes |
| White clover | Dec 1 | Oct 29 | ✓ Yes | Living mulch, fixes nitrogen, permanent ground cover |
Summer Cover Crops (1 options) — Fill gaps and suppress weeds between plantings
| Crop | Plant By | Terminate | N-Fixing | Soil Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunflowers | Jan 23 | Dec 17 | — | Deep roots break compaction, attract pollinators and beneficial insects |
Fall Cover Crops (1 options) — Plant after harvest to protect soil over winter
| Crop | Plant By | Terminate | N-Fixing | Soil Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crimson clover | Oct 22 | Dec 18 | ✓ Yes | Fixes nitrogen, attracts pollinators in spring |
Wind & Microclimate
Wind dries soil, stresses plants, and affects frost patterns. Understanding your exposure helps with garden placement.
Seasonal Wind Speed
Spring: 12 mph Summer: 10 mph
Fall: 11 mph Winter: 11 mph
Prevailing wind: E. Moderate wind — consider a temporary windbreak for young seedlings.
Windbreak Benefit
5.5/10
Moderately beneficial — a simple fence or trellis can protect delicate crops from wind stress.
Frost Pocket Risk
Low
Relatively flat terrain (39 ft range). Frost pocket risk is minimal — garden placement is flexible.
Rainwater Harvesting Potential
How much water you can collect, when to collect it, and what size system you need for your garden.
Annual Collection
30,551 gal
Per 1,000 sq ft of roof area (at 80% collection efficiency)
Recommended Setup
6 rain barrels (55 gal each)
For a typical 500 sq ft garden. Serious collectors: consider a 1,000 gal tank.
Legal Status
Unrestricted
Rainwater harvesting is fully legal in your state with no restrictions.
Best Collection Months
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Highest rainfall months — your barrels will fill up quickly during these months.
Months to Draw From Storage
Apr, Nov, Dec
Dry months when you'll rely on stored water — size your storage for this gap.
Rainwater collection tips for your area
- Your county receives approximately 61.3 inches of rain per year
- A 1,000 sq ft roof can collect roughly 30,551 gallons annually
- Rainwater harvesting is fully legal in your state
- Your area gets ample rainfall — even small barrels make a big difference
- Consider a rain garden to handle overflow during heavy rainfall months
Soil & Growing Conditions in Collier County
Soil Type
Sand
Soil pH 5–6.2 · Excessively Drained drainage
Raised beds strongly recommended here — native soil drainage or texture limits in-ground options.
Watering Needs
Drought stress: 3.5/10
Low-to-moderate drought stress. Plan to water 1–2 times per week during peak summer. (61.3 in. annual rainfall)
Season Tips
288-day frost-free season
Your long season supports multiple successions and heat-demanding crops like melons, sweet potatoes, and peppers. Plant warm-season crops as soon as soil warms.
Free Garden Planner
Plan your entire garden season — organize planting dates, track what you're growing, and know exactly when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest.
Recommended for Your Garden
Reduce heat stress and sun scorch in hot climates with UV-stabilized shade cloth.
Retain moisture and nutrients in sandy soils with expanded vermiculite.
Test your soil pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels before planting.
🥬 Vegetables to Grow in Collier County
106 vegetables that grow well in Zone 10a with planting dates for Collier County.
Show all 106 vegetables with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acorn Squash | Dec 15 | Jan 12 | Jan 19 | Apr 13 – May 18 | 80–100 |
| Amaranth | Dec 1 | Jan 12 | Jan 19 | Apr 20 – Jun 8 | 90–120 |
| Artichoke | — | — | Jan 26 | Jun 1 – Aug 10 | 120–180 |
| Arugula | Dec 15 | Dec 22 | Jan 12 | Feb 16 – Apr 20 | 30–50 |
| Asparagus | — | — | Jan 26 | — | 730–1095 |
| Beets | — | Dec 22 | — | Feb 16 – Mar 16 | 50–70 |
| Belgian Endive | Dec 15 | Dec 22 | Jan 12 | May 4 – Jun 29 | 110–150 |
| Bitter Melon | Dec 1 | Jan 12 | Jan 19 | Mar 23 – May 4 | 60–90 |
| Black Beans | — | Jan 19 | — | Apr 20 – Jun 8 | 90–120 |
| Bok Choy | Dec 15 | Dec 22 | Jan 12 | Feb 23 – Mar 30 | 40–60 |
| Broccoli | Dec 15 | Dec 22 | Jan 12 | Mar 16 – Apr 27 | 60–90 |
| Broccoli Rabe | Dec 15 | Dec 22 | Jan 12 | Feb 23 – Mar 30 | 40–60 |
| Brussels Sprouts | Dec 15 | Dec 22 | Jan 12 | Apr 13 – Jun 8 | 90–130 |
| Butternut Squash | Dec 15 | Jan 12 | Jan 19 | Apr 20 – May 25 | 85–110 |
| Cabbage | Dec 15 | Dec 22 | Jan 12 | Mar 16 – May 11 | 60–100 |
| Calabash | Dec 1 | Jan 12 | Jan 19 | Apr 13 – Jun 8 | 80–120 |
| Cardoon | — | — | Jan 26 | Jun 1 – Jul 13 | 120–150 |
| Carrots | — | Dec 22 | — | Feb 23 – Mar 30 | 60–80 |
| Cauliflower | Dec 15 | Dec 22 | Jan 12 | Mar 9 – May 11 | 55–100 |
| Celery | Dec 15 | Dec 22 | Jan 12 | Apr 6 – Jun 1 | 80–120 |
| Celtuce | Dec 15 | Dec 22 | Jan 12 | Mar 16 – Apr 27 | 60–90 |
| Chard | Dec 15 | Dec 22 | Jan 12 | Mar 9 – Apr 27 | 50–60 |
| Chayote | Dec 1 | Jan 12 | Jan 19 | May 25 – Aug 3 | 120–180 |
| Chickpeas | Dec 15 | Dec 22 | Jan 12 | Apr 6 – May 18 | 80–110 |
| Chicory | Dec 15 | Dec 22 | Jan 12 | Mar 16 – Apr 27 | 60–85 |
| Chinese Cabbage | Dec 15 | Dec 22 | Jan 12 | Mar 9 – Apr 6 | 50–70 |
| Christmas Lima Beans | Dec 1 | Jan 12 | Jan 19 | Apr 13 – May 18 | 80–100 |
| Collard Greens | Dec 15 | Dec 22 | Jan 12 | Mar 9 – May 11 | 55–75 |
| Corn | — | Jan 19 | — | Mar 23 – May 18 | 60–100 |
| Cowpeas | — | Jan 19 | — | Mar 23 – May 4 | 60–90 |
| Cress | Dec 15 | Dec 22 | Jan 12 | Jan 26 – Feb 16 | 14–21 |
| Crookneck Squash | Dec 15 | Jan 12 | Jan 19 | Mar 9 – Apr 6 | 45–60 |
| Cucumber | Dec 15 | Jan 12 | Jan 19 | Mar 16 – May 11 | 50–70 |
| Daikon | — | Dec 22 | — | Feb 16 – Mar 16 | 50–70 |
| Delicata Squash | Dec 15 | Jan 12 | Jan 19 | Apr 13 – May 18 | 80–100 |
| Edamame | — | Jan 19 | — | Apr 6 – May 18 | 75–100 |
| Eggplant | Dec 1 | Jan 12 | Jan 19 | Mar 30 – Jun 1 | 65–85 |
| Endive | Dec 15 | Dec 22 | Jan 12 | Mar 2 – Apr 6 | 45–65 |
| Escarole | Dec 15 | Dec 22 | Jan 12 | Mar 9 – Apr 6 | 50–70 |
| Fava Beans | Dec 15 | Dec 22 | Jan 12 | Mar 30 – May 11 | 75–100 |
| Fennel | Dec 1 | Jan 12 | Jan 19 | Mar 23 – May 4 | 60–90 |
| Ginger | Dec 1 | Jan 12 | Jan 19 | Sep 21 – Nov 30 | 240–300 |
| Green Beans | — | Jan 19 | — | Mar 16 – May 11 | 50–65 |
| Hot Peppers | Dec 1 | Jan 12 | Jan 19 | Mar 30 – Jul 6 | 70–120 |
| Hubbard Squash | Dec 15 | Jan 12 | Jan 19 | May 4 – Jun 8 | 100–120 |
| Jicama | Dec 1 | Jan 12 | Jan 19 | May 25 – Aug 3 | 120–180 |
| Kabocha | Dec 15 | Jan 12 | Jan 19 | Apr 20 – May 18 | 85–100 |
| Kai Lan | Dec 15 | Dec 22 | Jan 12 | Mar 2 – Mar 30 | 45–60 |
| Kale | Dec 15 | Dec 22 | Jan 12 | Mar 9 – May 4 | 50–70 |
| Kidney Beans | — | Jan 19 | — | Apr 20 – May 25 | 85–110 |
| Kohlrabi | Dec 15 | Dec 22 | Jan 12 | Mar 2 – Apr 6 | 45–65 |
| Komatsuna | Dec 15 | Dec 22 | Jan 12 | Feb 16 – Mar 23 | 35–50 |
| Leeks | Dec 15 | Dec 22 | Jan 12 | Apr 13 – Jun 29 | 90–150 |
| Lentils | Dec 15 | Dec 22 | Jan 12 | Apr 6 – May 18 | 80–110 |
| Lettuce | Dec 15 | Dec 22 | Jan 12 | Feb 16 – Apr 27 | 30–60 |
| Lima Beans | — | Jan 19 | — | Mar 23 – May 4 | 60–90 |
| Loofah | Dec 1 | Jan 12 | Jan 19 | May 4 – Jul 6 | 100–150 |
| Luffa | Dec 1 | Jan 12 | Jan 19 | Apr 20 – Jul 6 | 90–150 |
| Mache | Dec 15 | Dec 22 | Jan 12 | Feb 23 – Mar 30 | 40–60 |
| Malabar Spinach | Dec 1 | Jan 12 | Jan 19 | Mar 16 – Apr 13 | 55–70 |
| Melon | Dec 15 | Jan 12 | Jan 19 | Mar 30 – May 18 | 70–100 |
| Microgreens | Dec 15 | Dec 22 | Jan 12 | Jan 19 – Feb 16 | 7–21 |
| Mizuna | Dec 15 | Dec 22 | Jan 12 | Feb 16 – Mar 16 | 30–45 |
| Mustard Greens | Dec 15 | Dec 22 | Jan 12 | Feb 16 – Apr 20 | 30–50 |
| Napa Cabbage | Dec 15 | Dec 22 | Jan 12 | Mar 9 – Apr 13 | 55–75 |
| New Zealand Spinach | Dec 1 | Jan 12 | Jan 19 | Mar 16 – Apr 13 | 55–70 |
| Okra | Dec 1 | Jan 12 | Jan 19 | Mar 16 – May 11 | 50–65 |
| Onion | Dec 15 | Dec 22 | Jan 12 | Apr 13 – Jun 1 | 90–120 |
| Pac Choi | Dec 15 | Dec 22 | Jan 12 | Feb 23 – Mar 23 | 40–55 |
| Patty Pan Squash | Dec 15 | Jan 12 | Jan 19 | Mar 9 – Apr 6 | 45–60 |
| Peas | Dec 15 | Dec 22 | Jan 12 | Mar 9 – May 4 | 55–70 |
| Peppers | Dec 1 | Jan 12 | Jan 19 | Mar 23 – Jun 1 | 60–90 |
| Pole Beans | Dec 1 | Jan 12 | Jan 19 | Mar 16 – May 11 | 55–70 |
| Potatoes | Dec 1 | Jan 12 | Jan 19 | Mar 30 – Jun 8 | 70–120 |
| Pumpkin | Dec 15 | Jan 12 | Jan 19 | Apr 20 – Jun 8 | 85–120 |
| Purslane | Dec 15 | Dec 22 | Jan 12 | Feb 23 – Mar 30 | 40–60 |
| Radicchio | Dec 15 | Dec 22 | Jan 12 | Mar 16 – Apr 20 | 60–80 |
| Radish | — | Dec 22 | — | Jan 19 – Feb 9 | 22–35 |
| Romanesco | Dec 15 | Dec 22 | Jan 12 | Mar 30 – May 11 | 75–100 |
| Savoy Cabbage | Dec 15 | Dec 22 | Jan 12 | Mar 23 – May 18 | 70–110 |
| Scallions | Dec 15 | Dec 22 | Jan 12 | Mar 9 – Apr 6 | 50–70 |
| Scarlet Runner Beans | Dec 1 | Jan 12 | Jan 19 | Mar 23 – Apr 27 | 60–80 |
| Shallot | Dec 15 | Dec 22 | Jan 12 | Apr 13 – Jun 1 | 90–120 |
| Shiso | Dec 1 | Jan 19 | Jan 19 | Mar 16 – May 11 | 50–70 |
| Snap Peas | Dec 1 | Jan 12 | Jan 19 | Mar 16 – May 11 | 55–70 |
| Snow Peas | Dec 15 | Dec 22 | Jan 12 | Mar 9 – May 4 | 50–65 |
| Soybeans | — | Jan 19 | — | Apr 13 – Jun 8 | 80–120 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Dec 15 | Jan 12 | Jan 19 | Apr 20 – May 18 | 85–100 |
| Spinach | Dec 15 | Dec 22 | Jan 12 | Feb 16 – Apr 20 | 35–50 |
| Squash (Summer) | Dec 15 | Jan 12 | Jan 19 | Mar 9 – May 11 | 45–65 |
| Squash (Winter) | Dec 15 | Jan 12 | Jan 19 | Apr 13 – Jun 8 | 80–120 |
| Sunflower | Dec 1 | Jan 12 | Jan 19 | Mar 30 – May 18 | 70–100 |
| Sweet Corn | — | Jan 19 | — | Mar 23 – May 4 | 60–90 |
| Sweet Potatoes | Dec 1 | Jan 12 | Jan 19 | Apr 20 – Jun 8 | 90–120 |
| Tatsoi | Dec 15 | Dec 22 | Jan 12 | Feb 16 – Mar 23 | 35–50 |
| Tomatillo | Dec 1 | Jan 12 | Jan 19 | Mar 23 – Jun 1 | 60–85 |
| Tomatoes | Dec 1 | Jan 12 | Jan 19 | Mar 23 – Jun 1 | 60–85 |
| Turmeric | Dec 1 | Jan 12 | Jan 19 | Sep 21 – Nov 30 | 240–300 |
| Turnip | — | Dec 22 | — | Feb 2 – Mar 9 | 40–60 |
| Watercress | Dec 15 | Dec 22 | Jan 12 | Feb 23 – Mar 30 | 40–60 |
| Watermelon | Dec 15 | Jan 12 | Jan 19 | Mar 30 – May 18 | 70–100 |
| Wax Beans | — | Jan 19 | — | Mar 16 – May 11 | 50–65 |
| Winter Melon | Dec 1 | Jan 12 | Jan 19 | Apr 20 – Jun 8 | 90–120 |
| Yam | Dec 1 | Jan 12 | Jan 19 | Jul 20 – Jan 4 | 180–330 |
| Yard Long Beans | Dec 1 | Jan 12 | Jan 19 | Mar 16 – Apr 27 | 55–80 |
| Zucchini | Dec 15 | Jan 12 | Jan 19 | Mar 9 – May 4 | 45–60 |
🍓 Fruits to Grow in Collier County
16 fruits that grow well in Zone 10a with planting dates for Collier County.
Show all 16 fruits with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alpine Strawberries | — | — | Jan 26 | Apr 27 – Aug 10 | 90–180 |
| Blackberries | — | — | Jan 26 | — | 365–730 |
| Boysenberries | — | — | Jan 26 | — | 365–730 |
| Cantaloupe | — | — | Jan 26 | Apr 6 – May 11 | 70–90 |
| Che Fruit | — | — | Jan 26 | — | 1095–1825 |
| Dragon Fruit | — | — | Jan 26 | — | 365–730 |
| Figs | — | — | Jan 26 | — | 730–1825 |
| Goji Berries | — | — | Jan 26 | — | 730–1095 |
| Grapes | — | — | Jan 26 | — | 730–1095 |
| Ground Cherry | — | — | Jan 26 | Apr 6 – Jun 1 | 65–80 |
| Guava | — | — | Jan 26 | — | 365–730 |
| Honeydew | — | — | Jan 26 | Apr 20 – Jun 1 | 80–110 |
| Loquat | — | — | Jan 26 | — | 730–1825 |
| Passion Fruit | — | — | Jan 26 | — | 365–545 |
| Pomegranate | — | — | Jan 26 | — | 730–1095 |
| Strawberries | — | — | Jan 26 | Apr 27 – Jan 25 | 90–365 |
🌿 Herbs to Grow in Collier County
23 herbs that grow well in Zone 10a with planting dates for Collier County.
Show all 23 herbs with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anise | Dec 15 | Dec 22 | Jan 5 | Apr 6 – Jun 22 | 90–120 |
| Basil | Dec 1 | Jan 19 | Jan 19 | Mar 16 – May 18 | 50–75 |
| Borage | Dec 15 | Dec 22 | Jan 5 | Mar 2 – Apr 20 | 50–60 |
| Chervil | Dec 15 | Dec 22 | Jan 5 | Feb 16 – Apr 20 | 40–60 |
| Chives | — | — | Jan 19 | Mar 23 – Jun 1 | 60–90 |
| Cilantro | Dec 15 | Dec 22 | Jan 5 | Feb 16 – Apr 20 | 40–60 |
| Cumin | Dec 15 | Dec 22 | Jan 5 | Apr 20 – Jun 22 | 100–120 |
| Dill | Dec 15 | Dec 22 | Jan 5 | Feb 16 – Apr 20 | 40–60 |
| Epazote | Dec 1 | Jan 19 | Jan 19 | Mar 9 – May 4 | 45–60 |
| Fennel (herb) | Dec 15 | Dec 22 | Jan 5 | Mar 9 – May 18 | 60–90 |
| Garlic Chives | — | — | Jan 19 | Mar 23 – Jun 1 | 60–90 |
| Horehound | — | — | Jan 19 | Apr 6 – Jun 1 | 75–90 |
| Lemon Verbena | Dec 1 | Jan 19 | Jan 19 | Mar 23 – Jun 1 | 60–90 |
| Lemongrass | Dec 1 | Jan 19 | Jan 19 | Apr 6 – Jul 6 | 75–120 |
| Marjoram | — | — | Jan 19 | Mar 23 – Jun 1 | 60–90 |
| Mint | — | — | Jan 19 | Mar 23 – Jun 1 | 60–90 |
| Oregano | — | — | Jan 19 | Mar 23 – Jun 1 | 60–90 |
| Parsley | Dec 15 | Dec 22 | Jan 5 | Mar 9 – May 11 | 60–80 |
| Rosemary | — | — | Jan 19 | Apr 13 – Aug 31 | 80–180 |
| Sage | — | — | Jan 19 | Apr 6 – Jun 1 | 75–90 |
| Savory | — | — | Jan 19 | Mar 16 – May 11 | 50–70 |
| Stevia | Dec 1 | Jan 19 | Jan 19 | Mar 23 – Jun 1 | 60–90 |
| Thai Basil | Dec 1 | Jan 19 | Jan 19 | Mar 16 – May 18 | 50–75 |
Monthly Planting Guide for Collier County
Gardening Guides & Resources
Helpful guides from The Ultimate Homestead to improve your garden in Collier County.
Frequently Asked Questions
What planting zone is Collier County, FL?
Collier County is in USDA Hardiness Zone 10a. This zone classification determines which perennial plants survive winter and sets the baseline for frost timing across the county.
When is the last frost in Collier County, FL?
Based on 6 years of NOAA weather station data, the median last spring frost in Collier County falls around January 12. In 8 out of 10 years, last frost lands between January 5 and February 9 — a 35-day window of variability. Use February 9 as your conservative safe-to-plant date for frost-sensitive crops.
How long is the growing season in Collier County?
Collier County has a frost-free growing season of approximately 288 days. This long season supports multiple succession plantings and warm-season crops that need extended heat, like sweet potatoes and melons.
What is the soil like in Collier County for gardening?
Collier County has predominantly Sand soil with a pH range of 5–6.2 and Excessively Drained drainage. The native soil conditions make raised beds a particularly good investment here — they let you control drainage and fertility independent of the ground soil.
What is grown commercially in Collier County?
Collier County has commercial agriculture that includes Citrus, Sugarcane, Cattle, Tomatoes, Green Beans. These crops reflect the local climate and soil conditions — what succeeds commercially often translates well to home gardens in the same area.
Is Collier County a good location for home gardening?
Collier County scores 62/100 (Good) on our Microclimate Index, which combines frost reliability, drought pressure, soil challenge, elevation risk, and long-term climate trend. Conditions here are moderate — most common crops grow well with standard timing and care.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Collier County gardeners in Zone 10a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
Get Your Free Garden Planner →Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.
