Hendry County, FL — Planting Guide
Hendry County is in USDA Zone 10a. The average last spring frost is January 14 and the first fall frost is April 15, giving you a growing season of approximately 286 days.
At an elevation of 403 ft, Hendry County receives approximately 55.9 in of rainfall annually. Summer highs average 89°F with winter lows around 61°F. The predominant soil type is Sand.
Based on 10 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. The growing season is trending longer by about 20.17 days per decade. Hendry County scores 45/100 (Moderate) on the Microclimate Index.
🌡️ Zone
10a (30°F to 35°F min)
❄️ Last Frost
January 14
🍂 First Frost
April 15
📅 Growing Season
286 days
⛰️ Elevation
403 ft
🌧️ Annual Rainfall
55.9 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 | 2.6 in | 6 days | 1.7 in | High |
| Feb | 2.7 in | 7 days | 1.6 in | High |
| Mar | 3.7 in | 6 days | 0.6 in | Moderate |
| Apr | 2.6 in | 6 days | 1.7 in | High |
| May | 3.6 in | 9 days | 0.7 in | Moderate |
| Jun | 7.6 in | 14 days | — | Low |
| Jul | 8 in | 19 days | — | Low |
| Aug | 9.4 in | 16 days | — | Low |
| Sep | 6.7 in | 15 days | — | Low |
| Oct | 4.7 in | 10 days | — | Low |
| Nov | 2.2 in | 6 days | 2.1 in | High |
| Dec | 2 in | 6 days | 2.3 in | High |
Annual total: 55.8 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.
Hendry County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sand
Soil pH
5-5.8
Drainage
Well Drained
Frost Risk Probability
Based on 10 years of NOAA weather station data from 3 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 25 | — | — |
| Average year | Jan 14 | — | — |
| Optimistic | Jan 10 | — | — |
| 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.
Yes — growing seasons are getting longer here (about 20.2 days per decade). Spring is arriving earlier than it used to. Good news for gardeners.
Gardening Difficulty Score
Hendry County presents some gardening challenges. Choose adapted varieties and plan around frost dates.
Local Gardening Help in Hendry 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 Hendry County's climate and soil.
County Extension Office
Hendry 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 Hendry County
Finding local nurseries & garden centers in Hendry County
Why Buy Local
Local nurseries carry plants that are proven to grow in your area. Staff can give you advice specific to Hendry 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 Hendry County FL" or "garden center Hendry 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 Hendry County FL" or check your extension office and local parks department. Facebook groups like "Hendry 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
13.7 hours
Summer solstice daylight
Shortest Day
10.3 hours
Winter solstice daylight
Peak Sun Hours
9.4 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 | 6.7 hr | Short day |
| March | 11.8 hr | 7.5 hr | Short day |
| April | 12.6 hr | 9.1 hr | Neutral |
| May | 13.3 hr | 9.4 hr | Neutral |
| June | 13.7 hr | 7.3 hr | Neutral |
| July | 13.5 hr | 7 hr | Neutral |
| August | 12.9 hr | 6.9 hr | Neutral |
| September | 12.1 hr | 6.3 hr | Neutral |
| October | 11.4 hr | 7 hr | Short day |
| November | 10.7 hr | 6.3 hr | Short day |
| December | 10.3 hr | 5.5 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 Mar 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 | 64°F | ♻️ Active | ~14 weeks |
| Feb | 59°F | 66°F | ♻️ Active | ~14 weeks |
| Mar | 67°F | 67°F | 🔥 Peak | ~8 weeks |
| Apr | 72°F | 74°F | 🔥 Peak | ~8 weeks |
| May | 80°F | 80°F | 🔥 Peak | ~8 weeks |
| Jun | 88°F | 85°F | 🔥 Peak | ~8 weeks |
| Jul | 93°F | 91°F | 🔥 Peak | ~8 weeks |
| Aug | 98°F | 93°F | 🔥 Peak | ~8 weeks |
| Sep | 91°F | 91°F | 🔥 Peak | ~8 weeks |
| Oct | 83°F | 86°F | 🔥 Peak | ~8 weeks |
| Nov | 72°F | 78°F | 🔥 Peak | ~8 weeks |
| Dec | 61°F | 70°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 Hendry 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 | Moderate | 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 Hendry 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 6 | Oct 22 | — | Rapid growth, attracts pollinators, suppresses weeds |
| Cowpeas (southern peas) | Jan 3 | Oct 29 | ✓ Yes | Excellent nitrogen fixer for warm climates, edible |
| Sorghum-sudan grass | Jan 8 | Oct 29 | — | Massive biomass, breaks compaction, suppresses nematodes |
| White clover | Dec 7 | 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 24 | Dec 10 | — | 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 29 | 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: 8 mph
Fall: 9 mph Winter: 13 mph
Prevailing wind: E. Moderate wind — consider a temporary windbreak for young seedlings.
Windbreak Benefit
5.4/10
Moderately beneficial — a simple fence or trellis can protect delicate crops from wind stress.
Frost Pocket Risk
Low
Relatively flat terrain (24 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
27,810 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 55.8 inches of rain per year
- A 1,000 sq ft roof can collect roughly 27,810 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 Hendry County
Soil Type
Sand
Soil pH 5–5.8 · Excessively Drained drainage
Raised beds strongly recommended here — native soil drainage or texture limits in-ground options.
Watering Needs
Drought stress: 5.5/10
Moderate drought pressure. Drip irrigation and mulching are highly recommended to maintain soil moisture through summer.
Season Tips
286-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 Hendry County
106 vegetables that grow well in Zone 10a with planting dates for Hendry County.
Show all 106 vegetables with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acorn Squash | Dec 17 | Jan 14 | Jan 21 | Apr 15 – May 20 | 80–100 |
| Amaranth | Dec 3 | Jan 14 | Jan 21 | Apr 22 – Jun 10 | 90–120 |
| Artichoke | — | — | Jan 28 | Jun 3 – Aug 12 | 120–180 |
| Arugula | Dec 17 | Dec 24 | Jan 14 | Feb 18 – Apr 22 | 30–50 |
| Asparagus | — | — | Jan 28 | — | 730–1095 |
| Beets | — | Dec 24 | — | Feb 18 – Mar 18 | 50–70 |
| Belgian Endive | Dec 17 | Dec 24 | Jan 14 | May 6 – Jul 1 | 110–150 |
| Bitter Melon | Dec 3 | Jan 14 | Jan 21 | Mar 25 – May 6 | 60–90 |
| Black Beans | — | Jan 21 | — | Apr 22 – Jun 10 | 90–120 |
| Bok Choy | Dec 17 | Dec 24 | Jan 14 | Feb 25 – Apr 1 | 40–60 |
| Broccoli | Dec 17 | Dec 24 | Jan 14 | Mar 18 – Apr 29 | 60–90 |
| Broccoli Rabe | Dec 17 | Dec 24 | Jan 14 | Feb 25 – Apr 1 | 40–60 |
| Brussels Sprouts | Dec 17 | Dec 24 | Jan 14 | Apr 15 – Jun 10 | 90–130 |
| Butternut Squash | Dec 17 | Jan 14 | Jan 21 | Apr 22 – May 27 | 85–110 |
| Cabbage | Dec 17 | Dec 24 | Jan 14 | Mar 18 – May 13 | 60–100 |
| Calabash | Dec 3 | Jan 14 | Jan 21 | Apr 15 – Jun 10 | 80–120 |
| Cardoon | — | — | Jan 28 | Jun 3 – Jul 15 | 120–150 |
| Carrots | — | Dec 24 | — | Feb 25 – Apr 1 | 60–80 |
| Cauliflower | Dec 17 | Dec 24 | Jan 14 | Mar 11 – May 13 | 55–100 |
| Celery | Dec 17 | Dec 24 | Jan 14 | Apr 8 – Jun 3 | 80–120 |
| Celtuce | Dec 17 | Dec 24 | Jan 14 | Mar 18 – Apr 29 | 60–90 |
| Chard | Dec 17 | Dec 24 | Jan 14 | Mar 11 – Apr 29 | 50–60 |
| Chayote | Dec 3 | Jan 14 | Jan 21 | May 27 – Aug 5 | 120–180 |
| Chickpeas | Dec 17 | Dec 24 | Jan 14 | Apr 8 – May 20 | 80–110 |
| Chicory | Dec 17 | Dec 24 | Jan 14 | Mar 18 – Apr 29 | 60–85 |
| Chinese Cabbage | Dec 17 | Dec 24 | Jan 14 | Mar 11 – Apr 8 | 50–70 |
| Christmas Lima Beans | Dec 3 | Jan 14 | Jan 21 | Apr 15 – May 20 | 80–100 |
| Collard Greens | Dec 17 | Dec 24 | Jan 14 | Mar 11 – May 13 | 55–75 |
| Corn | — | Jan 21 | — | Mar 25 – May 20 | 60–100 |
| Cowpeas | — | Jan 21 | — | Mar 25 – May 6 | 60–90 |
| Cress | Dec 17 | Dec 24 | Jan 14 | Jan 28 – Feb 18 | 14–21 |
| Crookneck Squash | Dec 17 | Jan 14 | Jan 21 | Mar 11 – Apr 8 | 45–60 |
| Cucumber | Dec 17 | Jan 14 | Jan 21 | Mar 18 – May 13 | 50–70 |
| Daikon | — | Dec 24 | — | Feb 18 – Mar 18 | 50–70 |
| Delicata Squash | Dec 17 | Jan 14 | Jan 21 | Apr 15 – May 20 | 80–100 |
| Edamame | — | Jan 21 | — | Apr 8 – May 20 | 75–100 |
| Eggplant | Dec 3 | Jan 14 | Jan 21 | Apr 1 – Jun 3 | 65–85 |
| Endive | Dec 17 | Dec 24 | Jan 14 | Mar 4 – Apr 8 | 45–65 |
| Escarole | Dec 17 | Dec 24 | Jan 14 | Mar 11 – Apr 8 | 50–70 |
| Fava Beans | Dec 17 | Dec 24 | Jan 14 | Apr 1 – May 13 | 75–100 |
| Fennel | Dec 3 | Jan 14 | Jan 21 | Mar 25 – May 6 | 60–90 |
| Ginger | Dec 3 | Jan 14 | Jan 21 | Sep 23 – Dec 2 | 240–300 |
| Green Beans | — | Jan 21 | — | Mar 18 – May 13 | 50–65 |
| Hot Peppers | Dec 3 | Jan 14 | Jan 21 | Apr 1 – Jul 8 | 70–120 |
| Hubbard Squash | Dec 17 | Jan 14 | Jan 21 | May 6 – Jun 10 | 100–120 |
| Jicama | Dec 3 | Jan 14 | Jan 21 | May 27 – Aug 5 | 120–180 |
| Kabocha | Dec 17 | Jan 14 | Jan 21 | Apr 22 – May 20 | 85–100 |
| Kai Lan | Dec 17 | Dec 24 | Jan 14 | Mar 4 – Apr 1 | 45–60 |
| Kale | Dec 17 | Dec 24 | Jan 14 | Mar 11 – May 6 | 50–70 |
| Kidney Beans | — | Jan 21 | — | Apr 22 – May 27 | 85–110 |
| Kohlrabi | Dec 17 | Dec 24 | Jan 14 | Mar 4 – Apr 8 | 45–65 |
| Komatsuna | Dec 17 | Dec 24 | Jan 14 | Feb 18 – Mar 25 | 35–50 |
| Leeks | Dec 17 | Dec 24 | Jan 14 | Apr 15 – Jul 1 | 90–150 |
| Lentils | Dec 17 | Dec 24 | Jan 14 | Apr 8 – May 20 | 80–110 |
| Lettuce | Dec 17 | Dec 24 | Jan 14 | Feb 18 – Apr 29 | 30–60 |
| Lima Beans | — | Jan 21 | — | Mar 25 – May 6 | 60–90 |
| Loofah | Dec 3 | Jan 14 | Jan 21 | May 6 – Jul 8 | 100–150 |
| Luffa | Dec 3 | Jan 14 | Jan 21 | Apr 22 – Jul 8 | 90–150 |
| Mache | Dec 17 | Dec 24 | Jan 14 | Feb 25 – Apr 1 | 40–60 |
| Malabar Spinach | Dec 3 | Jan 14 | Jan 21 | Mar 18 – Apr 15 | 55–70 |
| Melon | Dec 17 | Jan 14 | Jan 21 | Apr 1 – May 20 | 70–100 |
| Microgreens | Dec 17 | Dec 24 | Jan 14 | Jan 21 – Feb 18 | 7–21 |
| Mizuna | Dec 17 | Dec 24 | Jan 14 | Feb 18 – Mar 18 | 30–45 |
| Mustard Greens | Dec 17 | Dec 24 | Jan 14 | Feb 18 – Apr 22 | 30–50 |
| Napa Cabbage | Dec 17 | Dec 24 | Jan 14 | Mar 11 – Apr 15 | 55–75 |
| New Zealand Spinach | Dec 3 | Jan 14 | Jan 21 | Mar 18 – Apr 15 | 55–70 |
| Okra | Dec 3 | Jan 14 | Jan 21 | Mar 18 – May 13 | 50–65 |
| Onion | Dec 17 | Dec 24 | Jan 14 | Apr 15 – Jun 3 | 90–120 |
| Pac Choi | Dec 17 | Dec 24 | Jan 14 | Feb 25 – Mar 25 | 40–55 |
| Patty Pan Squash | Dec 17 | Jan 14 | Jan 21 | Mar 11 – Apr 8 | 45–60 |
| Peas | Dec 17 | Dec 24 | Jan 14 | Mar 11 – May 6 | 55–70 |
| Peppers | Dec 3 | Jan 14 | Jan 21 | Mar 25 – Jun 3 | 60–90 |
| Pole Beans | Dec 3 | Jan 14 | Jan 21 | Mar 18 – May 13 | 55–70 |
| Potatoes | Dec 3 | Jan 14 | Jan 21 | Apr 1 – Jun 10 | 70–120 |
| Pumpkin | Dec 17 | Jan 14 | Jan 21 | Apr 22 – Jun 10 | 85–120 |
| Purslane | Dec 17 | Dec 24 | Jan 14 | Feb 25 – Apr 1 | 40–60 |
| Radicchio | Dec 17 | Dec 24 | Jan 14 | Mar 18 – Apr 22 | 60–80 |
| Radish | — | Dec 24 | — | Jan 21 – Feb 11 | 22–35 |
| Romanesco | Dec 17 | Dec 24 | Jan 14 | Apr 1 – May 13 | 75–100 |
| Savoy Cabbage | Dec 17 | Dec 24 | Jan 14 | Mar 25 – May 20 | 70–110 |
| Scallions | Dec 17 | Dec 24 | Jan 14 | Mar 11 – Apr 8 | 50–70 |
| Scarlet Runner Beans | Dec 3 | Jan 14 | Jan 21 | Mar 25 – Apr 29 | 60–80 |
| Shallot | Dec 17 | Dec 24 | Jan 14 | Apr 15 – Jun 3 | 90–120 |
| Shiso | Dec 3 | Jan 21 | Jan 21 | Mar 18 – May 13 | 50–70 |
| Snap Peas | Dec 3 | Jan 14 | Jan 21 | Mar 18 – May 13 | 55–70 |
| Snow Peas | Dec 17 | Dec 24 | Jan 14 | Mar 11 – May 6 | 50–65 |
| Soybeans | — | Jan 21 | — | Apr 15 – Jun 10 | 80–120 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Dec 17 | Jan 14 | Jan 21 | Apr 22 – May 20 | 85–100 |
| Spinach | Dec 17 | Dec 24 | Jan 14 | Feb 18 – Apr 22 | 35–50 |
| Squash (Summer) | Dec 17 | Jan 14 | Jan 21 | Mar 11 – May 13 | 45–65 |
| Squash (Winter) | Dec 17 | Jan 14 | Jan 21 | Apr 15 – Jun 10 | 80–120 |
| Sunflower | Dec 3 | Jan 14 | Jan 21 | Apr 1 – May 20 | 70–100 |
| Sweet Corn | — | Jan 21 | — | Mar 25 – May 6 | 60–90 |
| Sweet Potatoes | Dec 3 | Jan 14 | Jan 21 | Apr 22 – Jun 10 | 90–120 |
| Tatsoi | Dec 17 | Dec 24 | Jan 14 | Feb 18 – Mar 25 | 35–50 |
| Tomatillo | Dec 3 | Jan 14 | Jan 21 | Mar 25 – Jun 3 | 60–85 |
| Tomatoes | Dec 3 | Jan 14 | Jan 21 | Mar 25 – Jun 3 | 60–85 |
| Turmeric | Dec 3 | Jan 14 | Jan 21 | Sep 23 – Dec 2 | 240–300 |
| Turnip | — | Dec 24 | — | Feb 4 – Mar 11 | 40–60 |
| Watercress | Dec 17 | Dec 24 | Jan 14 | Feb 25 – Apr 1 | 40–60 |
| Watermelon | Dec 17 | Jan 14 | Jan 21 | Apr 1 – May 20 | 70–100 |
| Wax Beans | — | Jan 21 | — | Mar 18 – May 13 | 50–65 |
| Winter Melon | Dec 3 | Jan 14 | Jan 21 | Apr 22 – Jun 10 | 90–120 |
| Yam | Dec 3 | Jan 14 | Jan 21 | Jul 22 – Jan 6 | 180–330 |
| Yard Long Beans | Dec 3 | Jan 14 | Jan 21 | Mar 18 – Apr 29 | 55–80 |
| Zucchini | Dec 17 | Jan 14 | Jan 21 | Mar 11 – May 6 | 45–60 |
🍓 Fruits to Grow in Hendry County
16 fruits that grow well in Zone 10a with planting dates for Hendry County.
Show all 16 fruits with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alpine Strawberries | — | — | Jan 28 | Apr 29 – Aug 12 | 90–180 |
| Blackberries | — | — | Jan 28 | — | 365–730 |
| Boysenberries | — | — | Jan 28 | — | 365–730 |
| Cantaloupe | — | — | Jan 28 | Apr 8 – May 13 | 70–90 |
| Che Fruit | — | — | Jan 28 | — | 1095–1825 |
| Dragon Fruit | — | — | Jan 28 | — | 365–730 |
| Figs | — | — | Jan 28 | — | 730–1825 |
| Goji Berries | — | — | Jan 28 | — | 730–1095 |
| Grapes | — | — | Jan 28 | — | 730–1095 |
| Ground Cherry | — | — | Jan 28 | Apr 8 – Jun 3 | 65–80 |
| Guava | — | — | Jan 28 | — | 365–730 |
| Honeydew | — | — | Jan 28 | Apr 22 – Jun 3 | 80–110 |
| Loquat | — | — | Jan 28 | — | 730–1825 |
| Passion Fruit | — | — | Jan 28 | — | 365–545 |
| Pomegranate | — | — | Jan 28 | — | 730–1095 |
| Strawberries | — | — | Jan 28 | Apr 29 – Jan 27 | 90–365 |
🌿 Herbs to Grow in Hendry County
23 herbs that grow well in Zone 10a with planting dates for Hendry County.
Show all 23 herbs with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anise | Dec 17 | Dec 24 | Jan 7 | Apr 8 – Jun 24 | 90–120 |
| Basil | Dec 3 | Jan 21 | Jan 21 | Mar 18 – May 20 | 50–75 |
| Borage | Dec 17 | Dec 24 | Jan 7 | Mar 4 – Apr 22 | 50–60 |
| Chervil | Dec 17 | Dec 24 | Jan 7 | Feb 18 – Apr 22 | 40–60 |
| Chives | — | — | Jan 21 | Mar 25 – Jun 3 | 60–90 |
| Cilantro | Dec 17 | Dec 24 | Jan 7 | Feb 18 – Apr 22 | 40–60 |
| Cumin | Dec 17 | Dec 24 | Jan 7 | Apr 22 – Jun 24 | 100–120 |
| Dill | Dec 17 | Dec 24 | Jan 7 | Feb 18 – Apr 22 | 40–60 |
| Epazote | Dec 3 | Jan 21 | Jan 21 | Mar 11 – May 6 | 45–60 |
| Fennel (herb) | Dec 17 | Dec 24 | Jan 7 | Mar 11 – May 20 | 60–90 |
| Garlic Chives | — | — | Jan 21 | Mar 25 – Jun 3 | 60–90 |
| Horehound | — | — | Jan 21 | Apr 8 – Jun 3 | 75–90 |
| Lemon Verbena | Dec 3 | Jan 21 | Jan 21 | Mar 25 – Jun 3 | 60–90 |
| Lemongrass | Dec 3 | Jan 21 | Jan 21 | Apr 8 – Jul 8 | 75–120 |
| Marjoram | — | — | Jan 21 | Mar 25 – Jun 3 | 60–90 |
| Mint | — | — | Jan 21 | Mar 25 – Jun 3 | 60–90 |
| Oregano | — | — | Jan 21 | Mar 25 – Jun 3 | 60–90 |
| Parsley | Dec 17 | Dec 24 | Jan 7 | Mar 11 – May 13 | 60–80 |
| Rosemary | — | — | Jan 21 | Apr 15 – Sep 2 | 80–180 |
| Sage | — | — | Jan 21 | Apr 8 – Jun 3 | 75–90 |
| Savory | — | — | Jan 21 | Mar 18 – May 13 | 50–70 |
| Stevia | Dec 3 | Jan 21 | Jan 21 | Mar 25 – Jun 3 | 60–90 |
| Thai Basil | Dec 3 | Jan 21 | Jan 21 | Mar 18 – May 20 | 50–75 |
Monthly Planting Guide for Hendry County
Gardening Guides & Resources
Helpful guides from The Ultimate Homestead to improve your garden in Hendry County.
Frequently Asked Questions
What planting zone is Hendry County, FL?
Hendry 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 Hendry County, FL?
Based on 10 years of NOAA weather station data, the median last spring frost in Hendry County falls around January 14. 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 Hendry County?
Hendry County has a frost-free growing season of approximately 286 days. This long season supports multiple succession plantings and warm-season crops that need extended heat, like sweet potatoes and melons. Climate records show the growing season is trending longer by about 20.17 days per decade.
What is the soil like in Hendry County for gardening?
Hendry County has predominantly Sand soil with a pH range of 5–5.8 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 Hendry County?
Hendry 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 Hendry County a good location for home gardening?
Hendry County scores 45/100 (Moderate) on our Microclimate Index, which combines frost reliability, drought pressure, soil challenge, elevation risk, and long-term climate trend. Gardening here benefits from close attention to frost timing and season extension due to the challenging microclimate factors.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Hendry 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.
