Miami-Dade County, FL — Planting Guide
Miami-Dade County is in USDA Zone 10b. The average last spring frost is January 1 and the first fall frost is December 31, giving you a growing season of approximately 200 days.
At an elevation of 123 ft, Miami-Dade County receives approximately 58.7 in of rainfall annually. Summer highs average 90°F with winter lows around 59°F. The predominant soil type is Sand.
🌡️ Zone
10b (35°F to 40°F min)
❄️ Last Frost
January 1
🍂 First Frost
December 31
📅 Growing Season
200 days
⛰️ Elevation
123 ft
🌧️ Annual Rainfall
58.7 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 | 2.9 in | 8 days | 1.4 in | Moderate |
| Feb | 2.9 in | 6 days | 1.4 in | Moderate |
| Mar | 3.4 in | 8 days | 0.9 in | Moderate |
| Apr | 2.5 in | 5 days | 1.8 in | High |
| May | 3.8 in | 7 days | 0.5 in | Low |
| Jun | 8.1 in | 15 days | — | Low |
| Jul | 9.5 in | 19 days | — | Low |
| Aug | 8.6 in | 15 days | — | Low |
| Sep | 7.1 in | 15 days | — | Low |
| Oct | 5 in | 10 days | — | Low |
| Nov | 2.3 in | 6 days | 2 in | High |
| Dec | 2.7 in | 6 days | 1.6 in | High |
Annual total: 58.8 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.
Miami-Dade County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sand
Soil pH
5.1-6.3
Drainage
Well Drained
Gardening Difficulty Score
Miami-Dade County is a very forgiving place to garden. Most plants thrive here with minimal effort.
Local Gardening Help in Miami-Dade 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 Miami-Dade County's climate and soil.
County Extension Office
Miami-Dade 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 Miami-Dade County
Finding local nurseries & garden centers in Miami-Dade County
Why Buy Local
Local nurseries carry plants that are proven to grow in your area. Staff can give you advice specific to Miami-Dade 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 Miami-Dade County FL" or "garden center Miami-Dade 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 Miami-Dade County FL" or check your extension office and local parks department. Facebook groups like "Miami-Dade 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
9.1 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 | 10.6 hr | 6.3 hr | Short day |
| February | 11.1 hr | 7.2 hr | Short day |
| March | 11.8 hr | 7.6 hr | Short day |
| April | 12.6 hr | 8.5 hr | Neutral |
| May | 13.3 hr | 9.1 hr | Neutral |
| June | 13.6 hr | 7.8 hr | Neutral |
| July | 13.5 hr | 6.9 hr | Neutral |
| August | 12.9 hr | 6.5 hr | Neutral |
| September | 12.1 hr | 6.3 hr | Neutral |
| October | 11.4 hr | 6.5 hr | Short day |
| November | 10.7 hr | 6.4 hr | Short day |
| December | 10.4 hr | 5.7 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 Jan 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 | 60°F | 66°F | ♻️ Active | ~14 weeks |
| Feb | 60°F | 64°F | ♻️ Active | ~14 weeks |
| Mar | 65°F | 69°F | 🔥 Peak | ~8 weeks |
| Apr | 72°F | 72°F | 🔥 Peak | ~8 weeks |
| May | 81°F | 78°F | 🔥 Peak | ~8 weeks |
| Jun | 89°F | 85°F | 🔥 Peak | ~8 weeks |
| Jul | 96°F | 92°F | 🔥 Peak | ~8 weeks |
| Aug | 96°F | 92°F | 🔥 Peak | ~8 weeks |
| Sep | 91°F | 91°F | 🔥 Peak | ~8 weeks |
| Oct | 84°F | 86°F | 🔥 Peak | ~8 weeks |
| Nov | 72°F | 78°F | 🔥 Peak | ~8 weeks |
| Dec | 65°F | 71°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 Miami-Dade 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 | Low | 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 Miami-Dade 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 29 | — | Rapid growth, attracts pollinators, suppresses weeds |
| Cowpeas (southern peas) | Jan 6 | Oct 22 | ✓ Yes | Excellent nitrogen fixer for warm climates, edible |
| Sorghum-sudan grass | Jan 4 | Nov 5 | — | Massive biomass, breaks compaction, suppresses nematodes |
| White clover | Dec 5 | Nov 5 | ✓ 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 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 31 | Dec 11 | ✓ 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: 13 mph Summer: 10 mph
Fall: 10 mph Winter: 11 mph
Prevailing wind: E. Moderate wind — consider a temporary windbreak for young seedlings.
Windbreak Benefit
5/10
Moderately beneficial — a simple fence or trellis can protect delicate crops from wind stress.
Frost Pocket Risk
Low
Relatively flat terrain (59 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
29,305 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 58.8 inches of rain per year
- A 1,000 sq ft roof can collect roughly 29,305 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 Miami-Dade County
Soil Type
Sand
Soil pH 5.1–6.3 · 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. (58.7 in. annual rainfall)
Season Tips
200-day frost-free season
Plenty of time for warm-season crops. Start heat-lovers indoors 6–8 weeks before last frost to maximise your harvest window.
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 Miami-Dade County
106 vegetables that grow well in Zone 10b with planting dates for Miami-Dade County.
Show all 106 vegetables with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acorn Squash | Dec 4 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | Apr 2 – May 7 | 80–100 |
| Amaranth | Nov 20 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | Apr 9 – May 28 | 90–120 |
| Artichoke | — | — | Jan 15 | May 21 – Jul 30 | 120–180 |
| Arugula | Dec 4 | Dec 11 | Jan 1 | Feb 5 – Apr 9 | 30–50 |
| Asparagus | — | — | Jan 15 | — | 730–1095 |
| Beets | — | Dec 11 | — | Feb 5 – Mar 5 | 50–70 |
| Belgian Endive | Dec 4 | Dec 11 | Jan 1 | Apr 23 – Jun 18 | 110–150 |
| Bitter Melon | Nov 20 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | Mar 12 – Apr 23 | 60–90 |
| Black Beans | — | Jan 8 | — | Apr 9 – May 28 | 90–120 |
| Bok Choy | Dec 4 | Dec 11 | Jan 1 | Feb 12 – Mar 19 | 40–60 |
| Broccoli | Dec 4 | Dec 11 | Jan 1 | Mar 5 – Apr 16 | 60–90 |
| Broccoli Rabe | Dec 4 | Dec 11 | Jan 1 | Feb 12 – Mar 19 | 40–60 |
| Brussels Sprouts | Dec 4 | Dec 11 | Jan 1 | Apr 2 – May 28 | 90–130 |
| Butternut Squash | Dec 4 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | Apr 9 – May 14 | 85–110 |
| Cabbage | Dec 4 | Dec 11 | Jan 1 | Mar 5 – Apr 30 | 60–100 |
| Calabash | Nov 20 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | Apr 2 – May 28 | 80–120 |
| Cardoon | — | — | Jan 15 | May 21 – Jul 2 | 120–150 |
| Carrots | — | Dec 11 | — | Feb 12 – Mar 19 | 60–80 |
| Cauliflower | Dec 4 | Dec 11 | Jan 1 | Feb 26 – Apr 30 | 55–100 |
| Celery | Dec 4 | Dec 11 | Jan 1 | Mar 26 – May 21 | 80–120 |
| Celtuce | Dec 4 | Dec 11 | Jan 1 | Mar 5 – Apr 16 | 60–90 |
| Chard | Dec 4 | Dec 11 | Jan 1 | Feb 26 – Apr 16 | 50–60 |
| Chayote | Nov 20 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | May 14 – Jul 23 | 120–180 |
| Chickpeas | Dec 4 | Dec 11 | Jan 1 | Mar 26 – May 7 | 80–110 |
| Chicory | Dec 4 | Dec 11 | Jan 1 | Mar 5 – Apr 16 | 60–85 |
| Chinese Cabbage | Dec 4 | Dec 11 | Jan 1 | Feb 26 – Mar 26 | 50–70 |
| Christmas Lima Beans | Nov 20 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | Apr 2 – May 7 | 80–100 |
| Collard Greens | Dec 4 | Dec 11 | Jan 1 | Feb 26 – Apr 30 | 55–75 |
| Corn | — | Jan 8 | — | Mar 12 – May 7 | 60–100 |
| Cowpeas | — | Jan 8 | — | Mar 12 – Apr 23 | 60–90 |
| Cress | Dec 4 | Dec 11 | Jan 1 | Jan 15 – Feb 5 | 14–21 |
| Crookneck Squash | Dec 4 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | Feb 26 – Mar 26 | 45–60 |
| Cucumber | Dec 4 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | Mar 5 – Apr 30 | 50–70 |
| Daikon | — | Dec 11 | — | Feb 5 – Mar 5 | 50–70 |
| Delicata Squash | Dec 4 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | Apr 2 – May 7 | 80–100 |
| Edamame | — | Jan 8 | — | Mar 26 – May 7 | 75–100 |
| Eggplant | Nov 20 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | Mar 19 – May 21 | 65–85 |
| Endive | Dec 4 | Dec 11 | Jan 1 | Feb 19 – Mar 26 | 45–65 |
| Escarole | Dec 4 | Dec 11 | Jan 1 | Feb 26 – Mar 26 | 50–70 |
| Fava Beans | Dec 4 | Dec 11 | Jan 1 | Mar 19 – Apr 30 | 75–100 |
| Fennel | Nov 20 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | Mar 12 – Apr 23 | 60–90 |
| Ginger | Nov 20 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | Sep 10 – Nov 19 | 240–300 |
| Green Beans | — | Jan 8 | — | Mar 5 – Apr 30 | 50–65 |
| Hot Peppers | Nov 20 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | Mar 19 – Jun 25 | 70–120 |
| Hubbard Squash | Dec 4 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | Apr 23 – May 28 | 100–120 |
| Jicama | Nov 20 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | May 14 – Jul 23 | 120–180 |
| Kabocha | Dec 4 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | Apr 9 – May 7 | 85–100 |
| Kai Lan | Dec 4 | Dec 11 | Jan 1 | Feb 19 – Mar 19 | 45–60 |
| Kale | Dec 4 | Dec 11 | Jan 1 | Feb 26 – Apr 23 | 50–70 |
| Kidney Beans | — | Jan 8 | — | Apr 9 – May 14 | 85–110 |
| Kohlrabi | Dec 4 | Dec 11 | Jan 1 | Feb 19 – Mar 26 | 45–65 |
| Komatsuna | Dec 4 | Dec 11 | Jan 1 | Feb 5 – Mar 12 | 35–50 |
| Leeks | Dec 4 | Dec 11 | Jan 1 | Apr 2 – Jun 18 | 90–150 |
| Lentils | Dec 4 | Dec 11 | Jan 1 | Mar 26 – May 7 | 80–110 |
| Lettuce | Dec 4 | Dec 11 | Jan 1 | Feb 5 – Apr 16 | 30–60 |
| Lima Beans | — | Jan 8 | — | Mar 12 – Apr 23 | 60–90 |
| Loofah | Nov 20 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | Apr 23 – Jun 25 | 100–150 |
| Luffa | Nov 20 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | Apr 9 – Jun 25 | 90–150 |
| Mache | Dec 4 | Dec 11 | Jan 1 | Feb 12 – Mar 19 | 40–60 |
| Malabar Spinach | Nov 20 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | Mar 5 – Apr 2 | 55–70 |
| Melon | Dec 4 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | Mar 19 – May 7 | 70–100 |
| Microgreens | Dec 4 | Dec 11 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 – Feb 5 | 7–21 |
| Mizuna | Dec 4 | Dec 11 | Jan 1 | Feb 5 – Mar 5 | 30–45 |
| Mustard Greens | Dec 4 | Dec 11 | Jan 1 | Feb 5 – Apr 9 | 30–50 |
| Napa Cabbage | Dec 4 | Dec 11 | Jan 1 | Feb 26 – Apr 2 | 55–75 |
| New Zealand Spinach | Nov 20 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | Mar 5 – Apr 2 | 55–70 |
| Okra | Nov 20 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | Mar 5 – Apr 30 | 50–65 |
| Onion | Dec 4 | Dec 11 | Jan 1 | Apr 2 – May 21 | 90–120 |
| Pac Choi | Dec 4 | Dec 11 | Jan 1 | Feb 12 – Mar 12 | 40–55 |
| Patty Pan Squash | Dec 4 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | Feb 26 – Mar 26 | 45–60 |
| Peas | Dec 4 | Dec 11 | Jan 1 | Feb 26 – Apr 23 | 55–70 |
| Peppers | Nov 20 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | Mar 12 – May 21 | 60–90 |
| Pole Beans | Nov 20 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | Mar 5 – Apr 30 | 55–70 |
| Potatoes | Nov 20 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | Mar 19 – May 28 | 70–120 |
| Pumpkin | Dec 4 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | Apr 9 – May 28 | 85–120 |
| Purslane | Dec 4 | Dec 11 | Jan 1 | Feb 12 – Mar 19 | 40–60 |
| Radicchio | Dec 4 | Dec 11 | Jan 1 | Mar 5 – Apr 9 | 60–80 |
| Radish | — | Dec 11 | — | Jan 8 – Jan 29 | 22–35 |
| Romanesco | Dec 4 | Dec 11 | Jan 1 | Mar 19 – Apr 30 | 75–100 |
| Savoy Cabbage | Dec 4 | Dec 11 | Jan 1 | Mar 12 – May 7 | 70–110 |
| Scallions | Dec 4 | Dec 11 | Jan 1 | Feb 26 – Mar 26 | 50–70 |
| Scarlet Runner Beans | Nov 20 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | Mar 12 – Apr 16 | 60–80 |
| Shallot | Dec 4 | Dec 11 | Jan 1 | Apr 2 – May 21 | 90–120 |
| Shiso | Nov 20 | Jan 8 | Jan 8 | Mar 5 – Apr 30 | 50–70 |
| Snap Peas | Nov 20 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | Mar 5 – Apr 30 | 55–70 |
| Snow Peas | Dec 4 | Dec 11 | Jan 1 | Feb 26 – Apr 23 | 50–65 |
| Soybeans | — | Jan 8 | — | Apr 2 – May 28 | 80–120 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Dec 4 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | Apr 9 – May 7 | 85–100 |
| Spinach | Dec 4 | Dec 11 | Jan 1 | Feb 5 – Apr 9 | 35–50 |
| Squash (Summer) | Dec 4 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | Feb 26 – Apr 30 | 45–65 |
| Squash (Winter) | Dec 4 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | Apr 2 – May 28 | 80–120 |
| Sunflower | Nov 20 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | Mar 19 – May 7 | 70–100 |
| Sweet Corn | — | Jan 8 | — | Mar 12 – Apr 23 | 60–90 |
| Sweet Potatoes | Nov 20 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | Apr 9 – May 28 | 90–120 |
| Tatsoi | Dec 4 | Dec 11 | Jan 1 | Feb 5 – Mar 12 | 35–50 |
| Tomatillo | Nov 20 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | Mar 12 – May 21 | 60–85 |
| Tomatoes | Nov 20 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | Mar 12 – May 21 | 60–85 |
| Turmeric | Nov 20 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | Sep 10 – Nov 19 | 240–300 |
| Turnip | — | Dec 11 | — | Jan 22 – Feb 26 | 40–60 |
| Watercress | Dec 4 | Dec 11 | Jan 1 | Feb 12 – Mar 19 | 40–60 |
| Watermelon | Dec 4 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | Mar 19 – May 7 | 70–100 |
| Wax Beans | — | Jan 8 | — | Mar 5 – Apr 30 | 50–65 |
| Winter Melon | Nov 20 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | Apr 9 – May 28 | 90–120 |
| Yam | Nov 20 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | Jul 9 – Dec 24 | 180–330 |
| Yard Long Beans | Nov 20 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | Mar 5 – Apr 16 | 55–80 |
| Zucchini | Dec 4 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | Feb 26 – Apr 23 | 45–60 |
🍓 Fruits to Grow in Miami-Dade County
16 fruits that grow well in Zone 10b with planting dates for Miami-Dade County.
Show all 16 fruits with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alpine Strawberries | — | — | Jan 15 | Apr 16 – Jul 30 | 90–180 |
| Blackberries | — | — | Jan 15 | — | 365–730 |
| Boysenberries | — | — | Jan 15 | — | 365–730 |
| Cantaloupe | — | — | Jan 15 | Mar 26 – Apr 30 | 70–90 |
| Che Fruit | — | — | Jan 15 | — | 1095–1825 |
| Dragon Fruit | — | — | Jan 15 | — | 365–730 |
| Figs | — | — | Jan 15 | — | 730–1825 |
| Goji Berries | — | — | Jan 15 | — | 730–1095 |
| Grapes | — | — | Jan 15 | — | 730–1095 |
| Ground Cherry | — | — | Jan 15 | Mar 26 – May 21 | 65–80 |
| Guava | — | — | Jan 15 | — | 365–730 |
| Honeydew | — | — | Jan 15 | Apr 9 – May 21 | 80–110 |
| Loquat | — | — | Jan 15 | — | 730–1825 |
| Passion Fruit | — | — | Jan 15 | — | 365–545 |
| Pomegranate | — | — | Jan 15 | — | 730–1095 |
| Strawberries | — | — | Jan 15 | Apr 16 – Jan 14 | 90–365 |
🌿 Herbs to Grow in Miami-Dade County
23 herbs that grow well in Zone 10b with planting dates for Miami-Dade County.
Show all 23 herbs with planting dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anise | Dec 4 | Dec 11 | Dec 25 | Mar 26 – Jun 11 | 90–120 |
| Basil | Nov 20 | Jan 8 | Jan 8 | Mar 5 – May 7 | 50–75 |
| Borage | Dec 4 | Dec 11 | Dec 25 | Feb 19 – Apr 9 | 50–60 |
| Chervil | Dec 4 | Dec 11 | Dec 25 | Feb 5 – Apr 9 | 40–60 |
| Chives | — | — | Jan 8 | Mar 12 – May 21 | 60–90 |
| Cilantro | Dec 4 | Dec 11 | Dec 25 | Feb 5 – Apr 9 | 40–60 |
| Cumin | Dec 4 | Dec 11 | Dec 25 | Apr 9 – Jun 11 | 100–120 |
| Dill | Dec 4 | Dec 11 | Dec 25 | Feb 5 – Apr 9 | 40–60 |
| Epazote | Nov 20 | Jan 8 | Jan 8 | Feb 26 – Apr 23 | 45–60 |
| Fennel (herb) | Dec 4 | Dec 11 | Dec 25 | Feb 26 – May 7 | 60–90 |
| Garlic Chives | — | — | Jan 8 | Mar 12 – May 21 | 60–90 |
| Horehound | — | — | Jan 8 | Mar 26 – May 21 | 75–90 |
| Lemon Verbena | Nov 20 | Jan 8 | Jan 8 | Mar 12 – May 21 | 60–90 |
| Lemongrass | Nov 20 | Jan 8 | Jan 8 | Mar 26 – Jun 25 | 75–120 |
| Marjoram | — | — | Jan 8 | Mar 12 – May 21 | 60–90 |
| Mint | — | — | Jan 8 | Mar 12 – May 21 | 60–90 |
| Oregano | — | — | Jan 8 | Mar 12 – May 21 | 60–90 |
| Parsley | Dec 4 | Dec 11 | Dec 25 | Feb 26 – Apr 30 | 60–80 |
| Rosemary | — | — | Jan 8 | Apr 2 – Aug 20 | 80–180 |
| Sage | — | — | Jan 8 | Mar 26 – May 21 | 75–90 |
| Savory | — | — | Jan 8 | Mar 5 – Apr 30 | 50–70 |
| Stevia | Nov 20 | Jan 8 | Jan 8 | Mar 12 – May 21 | 60–90 |
| Thai Basil | Nov 20 | Jan 8 | Jan 8 | Mar 5 – May 7 | 50–75 |
Monthly Planting Guide for Miami-Dade County
Gardening Guides & Resources
Helpful guides from The Ultimate Homestead to improve your garden in Miami-Dade County.
Frequently Asked Questions
What planting zone is Miami-Dade County, FL?
Miami-Dade County is in USDA Hardiness Zone 10b. 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 Miami-Dade County, FL?
Based on 3 years of NOAA weather station data, the median last spring frost in Miami-Dade County falls around January 1. Use April 15 as your conservative safe-to-plant date for frost-sensitive crops.
When is the first fall frost in Miami-Dade County, FL?
The median first fall frost in Miami-Dade County arrives around December 31. In cold years it can arrive as early as April 15; in mild years as late as April 15. Harvest or protect frost-sensitive crops — tomatoes, peppers, basil, squash — before this date.
How long is the growing season in Miami-Dade County?
Miami-Dade County has a frost-free growing season of approximately 200 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 Miami-Dade County for gardening?
Miami-Dade County has predominantly Sand soil with a pH range of 5.1–6.3 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 Miami-Dade County?
Miami-Dade County has commercial agriculture that includes Sugarcane, Citrus, Tomatoes, Green Beans, Strawberries. These crops reflect the local climate and soil conditions — what succeeds commercially often translates well to home gardens in the same area.
Is Miami-Dade County a good location for home gardening?
Miami-Dade County scores 80/100 (Excellent) on our Microclimate Index, which combines frost reliability, drought pressure, soil challenge, elevation risk, and long-term climate trend. This is an above-average location for home gardening with relatively predictable growing conditions.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Miami-Dade County gardeners in Zone 10b 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.
