Bell, FL — Planting Guide for July
Free PDF, personalized for your town's frost dates & climate. Drop your email — we'll send the link.
What to do in July
Each item below is timed to Gilchrist County, Florida's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
-
Pick basil, peppers, and thai basil
Check every 1–2 days. Many of these get tough or go to seed if you wait too long.
August prep starts now
- First harvests: ageratum, alpine strawberries, and anise
Bell gardens in a long-season climate (Zone 9a, 269 frost-free days). Spring arrives early and fall lingers, so most of the work is matching the right crop to the right window — heat-lovers go in the ground as soon as the soil warms, and cool-season crops shift to fall and even winter rather than spring. Succession planting is your friend; you can plant the same crop three or four times in a season.
Native soil is Sand — warms fast and drains free, but nutrients and water wash through. Plan on heavy organic-matter additions and either drip irrigation or frequent shallow waterings to keep crops happy.
Bell averages 21.5 drought weeks per year (US Drought Monitor, 2000–present, trend improving). Treat irrigation as a year-round system, not a summer add-on.
🌡️ USDA Zone
9a (20°F to 25°F min)
❄️ Avg. Last Frost
March 3
🍂 Avg. First Frost
November 27
📅 Growing Season
269 days
🌧️ Climate
Unknown 0.0" annual
💨 Wind
Calm 5.0 mph avg
🥶 Frost Tier
Regular 0% frost-free years
🏜️ Drought
21.5 wk/yr trend improving
📍 ZIP Codes
1 ZIP
Monthly Watering Calendar for Bell
When you'll need to water your garden — based on average monthly rainfall vs. the ~1 inch/week most gardens need.
For new gardeners: A drip irrigation system pays for itself in 1-2 seasons in any climate. Bell's 0" annual rainfall determines whether you'll run it weekly (dry zones) or maybe just during summer dry spells (wet zones).
View detailed monthly data
| Month | Avg Rainfall | Rainy Days | Extra Water Needed | Watering Effort |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 2.8 in | 6 days | — | None |
| Feb | 2.6 in | 6 days | 1.7 in | High |
| Mar | 3.6 in | 6 days | 0.7 in | Moderate |
| Apr | 2.3 in | 6 days | 2 in | High |
| May | 3.4 in | 9 days | 0.9 in | Moderate |
| Jun | 8 in | 16 days | — | Low |
| Jul | 8.8 in | 20 days | — | Low |
| Aug | 7.2 in | 14 days | — | Low |
| Sep | 6.5 in | 15 days | — | Low |
| Oct | 4 in | 11 days | 0.3 in | Low |
| Nov | 2.2 in | 6 days | 2.1 in | High |
| Dec | 2.1 in | 6 days | — | None |
Annual total: 53.5 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.
Bell Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sand
Soil pH
5.2-5.8
Drainage
Well Drained
Frost Risk Probability
Based on 28 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) | Mar 22 | Dec 20 | 273 days |
| Cautious | Mar 12 | Dec 2 | 265 days |
| Average year | Mar 3 | Nov 27 | 269 days |
| Optimistic | Feb 14 | Nov 18 | 277 days |
| Aggressive (risky) | Jan 27 | Nov 10 | 287 days |
Not very — frost dates can vary by ±54 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 4 days per decade). Spring is arriving earlier than it used to. Good news for gardeners.
Gardening Difficulty Score
Gilchrist County presents some gardening challenges. Choose adapted varieties and plan around frost dates.
Local Gardening Help in Gilchrist 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 Gilchrist County's climate and soil.
County Extension Office
Gilchrist 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 Gilchrist County
Finding local nurseries & garden centers in Gilchrist County
Why Buy Local
Local nurseries carry plants that are proven to grow in your area. Staff can give you advice specific to Gilchrist 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 Gilchrist County FL" or "garden center Gilchrist 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 Gilchrist County FL" or check your extension office and local parks department. Facebook groups like "Gilchrist 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 in Bell
Monthly daylight hours and peak sun — critical for onion varieties, photoperiod-sensitive plants, and solar garden planning.
Quick context: Onions are a great example of why day length matters. They "bulb up" only when daylight hits a specific number of hours — plant the wrong variety (short-day in the north, long-day in the south) and you'll get tiny bulbs no matter how well you grow them. Bell's latitude determines which onion varieties succeed.
Longest Day
13.9 hours
Summer solstice daylight
Shortest Day
10.1 hours
Winter solstice daylight
Peak Sun Hours
9.6 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 | 10.3 hr | 6.2 hr | Short day |
| February | 11 hr | 6.6 hr | Short day |
| March | 11.8 hr | 7.4 hr | Short day |
| April | 12.7 hr | 8.6 hr | Neutral |
| May | 13.5 hr | 9.6 hr | Neutral |
| June | 13.9 hr | 7.3 hr | Neutral |
| July | 13.7 hr | 6.9 hr | Neutral |
| August | 13.1 hr | 6.9 hr | Neutral |
| September | 12.2 hr | 6.2 hr | Neutral |
| October | 11.3 hr | 6.9 hr | Short day |
| November | 10.5 hr | 6.4 hr | Short day |
| December | 10.1 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 in Bell
Monthly soil temps tell you when to plant warm-season crops, and when your compost pile is actively working.
Why this matters: Most root crops germinate well at 50-60°F. Most fruit-bearing crops want 65-75°F. Bell's monthly soil curve maps these windows to actual months.
Plant Warm Crops When
Soil reaches 60°F+
Soil warm enough from Mar through Nov.
Best Month to Compost
Apr
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 | 53°F | 58°F | ♻️ Active | ~14 weeks |
| Feb | 52°F | 57°F | ♻️ Active | ~14 weeks |
| Mar | 62°F | 61°F | ♻️ Active | ~14 weeks |
| Apr | 67°F | 69°F | 🔥 Peak | ~8 weeks |
| May | 77°F | 76°F | 🔥 Peak | ~8 weeks |
| Jun | 88°F | 84°F | 🔥 Peak | ~8 weeks |
| Jul | 96°F | 91°F | 🔥 Peak | ~8 weeks |
| Aug | 95°F | 91°F | 🔥 Peak | ~8 weeks |
| Sep | 89°F | 89°F | 🔥 Peak | ~8 weeks |
| Oct | 78°F | 83°F | 🔥 Peak | ~8 weeks |
| Nov | 68°F | 74°F | 🔥 Peak | ~8 weeks |
| Dec | 56°F | 64°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 Bell
Computed from local climate patterns — warmer, humid conditions increase pest generations and fungal disease risk.
The practical takeaway: Warm humid regions cycle through pest generations 3-5x faster than cold dry regions. Bell's pest score is your early-warning system: high score means commit to disease-resistant varieties and accept some crop loss to bugs.
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 | Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov |
| Whiteflies | High | Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov |
| Spider mites | High | May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct |
| Fire ants | Moderate | Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov |
| Thrips | Moderate | Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug |
| Leaf miners | Moderate | Mar, Apr, May, Jun |
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 Bell
Cover crops protect bare soil, fix nitrogen, suppress weeds, and improve soil structure — with planting dates calibrated for your area.
What this means for you: Cover crops do four things at once: fix nitrogen (legumes), suppress weeds (any), prevent erosion, and add organic matter when chopped down. Bell's seasonal pattern determines which species fit which gap.
Spring Cover Crops (4 options) — Build soil before the main growing season
| Crop | Plant By | Terminate | N-Fixing | Soil Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buckwheat | Mar 13 | Sep 25 | — | Rapid growth, attracts pollinators, suppresses weeds |
| Cowpeas (southern peas) | Mar 9 | Sep 18 | ✓ Yes | Excellent nitrogen fixer for warm climates, edible |
| Sorghum-sudan grass | Mar 12 | Sep 18 | — | Massive biomass, breaks compaction, suppresses nematodes |
| White clover | Feb 3 | Sep 18 | ✓ 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 | Mar 28 | Nov 13 | — | Deep roots break compaction, attract pollinators and beneficial insects |
Fall Cover Crops (4 options) — Plant after harvest to protect soil over winter
| Crop | Plant By | Terminate | N-Fixing | Soil Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Austrian winter peas | Sep 17 | Feb 17 | ✓ Yes | Fixes nitrogen, good for heavy clay soils |
| Crimson clover | Sep 29 | Feb 17 | ✓ Yes | Fixes nitrogen, attracts pollinators in spring |
| Daikon radish | Oct 14 | Feb 10 | — | Deep taproot breaks compaction, excellent for clay soils |
| Hairy vetch | Sep 16 | Feb 17 | ✓ Yes | Excellent nitrogen fixer, good for depleted soils |
Wind & Microclimate in Bell
Why this matters: Wind is the silent water thief. Every breeze pulls moisture from leaves and soil. Bell's 5.0 mph average is one piece of the watering math: rainfall + irrigation must exceed evaporation + transpiration, and wind boosts both losses.
Wind dries soil, stresses plants, and affects frost patterns. Understanding your exposure helps with garden placement.
Seasonal Wind Speed
Spring: 11 mph Summer: 7 mph
Fall: 9 mph Winter: 9 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 (19 ft range). Frost pocket risk is minimal — garden placement is flexible.
Rainwater Harvesting in Bell
How much water you can collect, when to collect it, and what size system you need for your garden.
The practical takeaway: Rainwater scales linearly with roof area. A 2,000 sq ft roof in Bell captures ~1,200 gallons per 1" of rain — given 0" annual rainfall, that's thousands of gallons a year if you have storage to hold it.
Annual Collection
26,664 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 1,250 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 53.5 inches of rain per year
- A 1,000 sq ft roof can collect roughly 26,664 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
🥬 Vegetables to Grow in Bell
114 vegetables matched to Zone 9a with planting dates calibrated for Bell.
Show all 114 vegetables with dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Fall Plant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acorn Squash | Feb 3 | Mar 3 | Mar 10 | — | Jun 2 – Jul 7 | 80–100 |
| Amaranth | Jan 20 | Mar 3 | Mar 10 | — | Jun 9 – Jul 28 | 90–120 |
| Artichoke | — | — | Mar 17 | — | Jul 21 – Sep 29 | 120–180 |
| Arugula | Feb 3 | Feb 10 | Mar 3 | Oct 2 | Apr 7 – Jun 9 | 30–50 |
| Asparagus | — | — | Mar 17 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Beets | — | Feb 10 | — | Oct 2 | Apr 7 – May 5 | 50–70 |
| Belgian Endive | Feb 3 | Feb 10 | Mar 3 | Oct 2 | Jun 23 – Aug 18 | 110–150 |
| Bitter Melon | Jan 20 | Mar 3 | Mar 10 | — | May 12 – Jun 23 | 60–90 |
| Black Beans | — | Mar 10 | — | — | Jun 9 – Jul 28 | 90–120 |
| Bok Choy | Feb 3 | Feb 10 | Mar 3 | Oct 2 | Apr 14 – May 19 | 40–60 |
| Broccoli | Feb 3 | Feb 10 | Mar 3 | Oct 2 | May 5 – Jun 16 | 60–90 |
| Broccoli Rabe | Feb 3 | Feb 10 | Mar 3 | Oct 2 | Apr 14 – May 19 | 40–60 |
| Brussels Sprouts | Feb 3 | Feb 10 | Mar 3 | Oct 2 | Jun 2 – Jul 28 | 90–130 |
| Butternut Squash | Feb 3 | Mar 3 | Mar 10 | — | Jun 9 – Jul 14 | 85–110 |
| Cabbage | Feb 3 | Feb 10 | Mar 3 | Oct 2 | May 5 – Jun 30 | 60–100 |
| Calabash | Jan 20 | Mar 3 | Mar 10 | — | Jun 2 – Jul 28 | 80–120 |
| Cardoon | — | — | Mar 17 | — | Jul 21 – Sep 1 | 120–150 |
| Carrots | — | Feb 10 | — | Oct 2 | Apr 14 – May 19 | 60–80 |
| Cauliflower | Feb 3 | Feb 10 | Mar 3 | Oct 2 | Apr 28 – Jun 30 | 55–100 |
| Celeriac | Feb 3 | Feb 10 | Mar 3 | Oct 2 | Jun 16 – Jul 21 | 100–120 |
| Celery | Feb 3 | Feb 10 | Mar 3 | Oct 2 | May 26 – Jul 21 | 80–120 |
| Celtuce | Feb 3 | Feb 10 | Mar 3 | Oct 2 | May 5 – Jun 16 | 60–90 |
| Chard | Feb 3 | Feb 10 | Mar 3 | Oct 2 | Apr 28 – Jun 16 | 50–60 |
| Chayote | Jan 20 | Mar 3 | Mar 10 | — | Jul 14 – Sep 22 | 120–180 |
| Chickpeas | Feb 3 | Feb 10 | Mar 3 | Oct 2 | May 26 – Jul 7 | 80–110 |
| Chicory | Feb 3 | Feb 10 | Mar 3 | Oct 2 | May 5 – Jun 16 | 60–85 |
| Chinese Cabbage | Feb 3 | Feb 10 | Mar 3 | Oct 2 | Apr 28 – May 26 | 50–70 |
| Christmas Lima Beans | Jan 20 | Mar 3 | Mar 10 | — | Jun 2 – Jul 7 | 80–100 |
| Collard Greens | Feb 3 | Feb 10 | Mar 3 | Oct 2 | Apr 28 – Jun 30 | 55–75 |
| Corn | — | Mar 10 | — | — | May 12 – Jul 7 | 60–100 |
| Cowpeas | — | Mar 10 | — | — | May 12 – Jun 23 | 60–90 |
| Cress | Feb 3 | Feb 10 | Mar 3 | Oct 2 | Mar 17 – Apr 7 | 14–21 |
| Crookneck Squash | Feb 3 | Mar 3 | Mar 10 | — | Apr 28 – May 26 | 45–60 |
| Crosne | — | Feb 10 | — | Oct 2 | Jul 14 – Sep 15 | 150–200 |
| Cucumber | Feb 3 | Mar 3 | Mar 10 | — | May 5 – Jun 30 | 50–70 |
| Daikon | — | Feb 10 | — | Oct 2 | Apr 7 – May 5 | 50–70 |
| Delicata Squash | Feb 3 | Mar 3 | Mar 10 | — | Jun 2 – Jul 7 | 80–100 |
| Edamame | — | Mar 10 | — | — | May 26 – Jul 7 | 75–100 |
| Eggplant | Jan 20 | Mar 3 | Mar 10 | — | May 19 – Jul 21 | 65–85 |
| Endive | Feb 3 | Feb 10 | Mar 3 | Oct 2 | Apr 21 – May 26 | 45–65 |
| Escarole | Feb 3 | Feb 10 | Mar 3 | Oct 2 | Apr 28 – May 26 | 50–70 |
| Fava Beans | Feb 3 | Feb 10 | Mar 3 | Oct 2 | May 19 – Jun 30 | 75–100 |
| Fennel | Jan 20 | Mar 3 | Mar 10 | — | May 12 – Jun 23 | 60–90 |
| Garlic | — | — | — | Oct 16 | Jan 15 – Jul 2 | 90–240 |
| Ginger | Jan 20 | Mar 3 | Mar 10 | — | Nov 10 – Jan 5 | 240–300 |
| Green Beans | — | Mar 10 | — | — | May 5 – Jun 30 | 50–65 |
| Horseradish | — | — | Mar 17 | — | Jul 21 – Sep 29 | 120–180 |
| Hot Peppers | Jan 20 | Mar 3 | Mar 10 | — | May 19 – Aug 25 | 70–120 |
| Hubbard Squash | Feb 3 | Mar 3 | Mar 10 | — | Jun 23 – Jul 28 | 100–120 |
| Jicama | Jan 20 | Mar 3 | Mar 10 | — | Jul 14 – Sep 22 | 120–180 |
| Kabocha | Feb 3 | Mar 3 | Mar 10 | — | Jun 9 – Jul 7 | 85–100 |
| Kai Lan | Feb 3 | Feb 10 | Mar 3 | Oct 2 | Apr 21 – May 19 | 45–60 |
| Kale | Feb 3 | Feb 10 | Mar 3 | Oct 2 | Apr 28 – Jun 23 | 50–70 |
| Kidney Beans | — | Mar 10 | — | — | Jun 9 – Jul 14 | 85–110 |
| Kohlrabi | Feb 3 | Feb 10 | Mar 3 | Oct 2 | Apr 21 – May 26 | 45–65 |
| Komatsuna | Feb 3 | Feb 10 | Mar 3 | Oct 2 | Apr 7 – May 12 | 35–50 |
| Leeks | Feb 3 | Feb 10 | Mar 3 | Oct 2 | Jun 2 – Aug 18 | 90–150 |
| Lentils | Feb 3 | Feb 10 | Mar 3 | Oct 2 | May 26 – Jul 7 | 80–110 |
| Lettuce | Feb 3 | Feb 10 | Mar 3 | Oct 2 | Apr 7 – Jun 16 | 30–60 |
| Lima Beans | — | Mar 10 | — | — | May 12 – Jun 23 | 60–90 |
| Loofah | Jan 20 | Mar 3 | Mar 10 | — | Jun 23 – Aug 25 | 100–150 |
| Luffa | Jan 20 | Mar 3 | Mar 10 | — | Jun 9 – Aug 25 | 90–150 |
| Mache | Feb 3 | Feb 10 | Mar 3 | Oct 2 | Apr 14 – May 19 | 40–60 |
| Malabar Spinach | Jan 20 | Mar 3 | Mar 10 | — | May 5 – Jun 2 | 55–70 |
| Melon | Feb 3 | Mar 3 | Mar 10 | — | May 19 – Jul 7 | 70–100 |
| Microgreens | Feb 3 | Feb 10 | Mar 3 | Oct 2 | Mar 10 – Apr 7 | 7–21 |
| Mitsuba | Feb 3 | Feb 10 | Feb 24 | Oct 2 | Apr 21 – Jun 16 | 50–70 |
| Mizuna | Feb 3 | Feb 10 | Mar 3 | Oct 2 | Apr 7 – May 5 | 30–45 |
| Mustard Greens | Feb 3 | Feb 10 | Mar 3 | Oct 2 | Apr 7 – Jun 9 | 30–50 |
| Napa Cabbage | Feb 3 | Feb 10 | Mar 3 | Oct 2 | Apr 28 – Jun 2 | 55–75 |
| New Zealand Spinach | Jan 20 | Mar 3 | Mar 10 | — | May 5 – Jun 2 | 55–70 |
| Okra | Jan 20 | Mar 3 | Mar 10 | — | May 5 – Jun 30 | 50–65 |
| Onion | Feb 3 | Feb 10 | Mar 3 | Oct 2 | Jun 2 – Jul 21 | 90–120 |
| Pac Choi | Feb 3 | Feb 10 | Mar 3 | Oct 2 | Apr 14 – May 12 | 40–55 |
| Parsnip | — | Feb 10 | — | Oct 2 | May 26 – Jul 7 | 100–130 |
| Patty Pan Squash | Feb 3 | Mar 3 | Mar 10 | — | Apr 28 – May 26 | 45–60 |
| Peas | Feb 3 | Feb 10 | Mar 3 | Oct 2 | Apr 28 – Jun 23 | 55–70 |
| Peppers | Jan 20 | Mar 3 | Mar 10 | — | May 12 – Jul 21 | 60–90 |
| Pole Beans | Jan 20 | Mar 3 | Mar 10 | — | May 5 – Jun 30 | 55–70 |
| Potatoes | Jan 20 | Mar 3 | Mar 10 | — | May 19 – Jul 28 | 70–120 |
| Pumpkin | Feb 3 | Mar 3 | Mar 10 | — | Jun 9 – Jul 28 | 85–120 |
| Purslane | Feb 3 | Feb 10 | Mar 3 | Oct 2 | Apr 14 – May 19 | 40–60 |
| Radicchio | Feb 3 | Feb 10 | Mar 3 | Oct 2 | May 5 – Jun 9 | 60–80 |
| Radish | — | Feb 10 | — | Oct 2 | Mar 10 – Mar 31 | 22–35 |
| Romanesco | Feb 3 | Feb 10 | Mar 3 | Oct 2 | May 19 – Jun 30 | 75–100 |
| Rutabaga | — | Feb 10 | — | Oct 2 | May 5 – Jun 9 | 80–100 |
| Salsify | — | Feb 10 | — | Oct 2 | May 26 – Jul 7 | 100–130 |
| Savoy Cabbage | Feb 3 | Feb 10 | Mar 3 | Oct 2 | May 12 – Jul 7 | 70–110 |
| Scallions | Feb 3 | Feb 10 | Mar 3 | Oct 2 | Apr 28 – May 26 | 50–70 |
| Scarlet Runner Beans | Jan 20 | Mar 3 | Mar 10 | — | May 12 – Jun 16 | 60–80 |
| Shallot | Feb 3 | Feb 10 | Mar 3 | Oct 2 | Jun 2 – Jul 21 | 90–120 |
| Shiso | Jan 20 | Mar 10 | Mar 10 | — | May 5 – Jun 30 | 50–70 |
| Snap Peas | Jan 20 | Mar 3 | Mar 10 | — | May 5 – Jun 30 | 55–70 |
| Snow Peas | Feb 3 | Feb 10 | Mar 3 | Oct 2 | Apr 28 – Jun 23 | 50–65 |
| Soybeans | — | Mar 10 | — | — | Jun 2 – Jul 28 | 80–120 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Feb 3 | Mar 3 | Mar 10 | — | Jun 9 – Jul 7 | 85–100 |
| Spinach | Feb 3 | Feb 10 | Mar 3 | Oct 2 | Apr 7 – Jun 9 | 35–50 |
| Squash (Summer) | Feb 3 | Mar 3 | Mar 10 | — | Apr 28 – Jun 30 | 45–65 |
| Squash (Winter) | Feb 3 | Mar 3 | Mar 10 | — | Jun 2 – Jul 28 | 80–120 |
| Sunchoke | — | — | Mar 17 | — | Jul 7 – Sep 1 | 110–150 |
| Sweet Corn | — | Mar 10 | — | — | May 12 – Jun 23 | 60–90 |
| Sweet Potatoes | Jan 20 | Mar 3 | Mar 10 | — | Jun 9 – Jul 28 | 90–120 |
| Tatsoi | Feb 3 | Feb 10 | Mar 3 | Oct 2 | Apr 7 – May 12 | 35–50 |
| Tomatillo | Jan 20 | Mar 3 | Mar 10 | — | May 12 – Jul 21 | 60–85 |
| Tomatoes | Jan 20 | Mar 3 | Mar 10 | — | May 12 – Jul 21 | 60–85 |
| Turmeric | Jan 20 | Mar 3 | Mar 10 | — | Nov 10 – Jan 5 | 240–300 |
| Turnip | — | Feb 10 | — | Oct 2 | Mar 24 – Apr 28 | 40–60 |
| Watercress | Feb 3 | Feb 10 | Mar 3 | Oct 2 | Apr 14 – May 19 | 40–60 |
| Watermelon | Feb 3 | Mar 3 | Mar 10 | — | May 19 – Jul 7 | 70–100 |
| Wax Beans | — | Mar 10 | — | — | May 5 – Jun 30 | 50–65 |
| Winter Melon | Jan 20 | Mar 3 | Mar 10 | — | Jun 9 – Jul 28 | 90–120 |
| Yam | Jan 20 | Mar 3 | Mar 10 | — | Sep 8 – Jan 5 | 180–330 |
| Yard Long Beans | Jan 20 | Mar 3 | Mar 10 | — | May 5 – Jun 16 | 55–80 |
| Zucchini | Feb 3 | Mar 3 | Mar 10 | — | Apr 28 – Jun 23 | 45–60 |
🍓 Fruits to Grow in Bell
24 fruits matched to Zone 9a with planting dates calibrated for Bell.
Show all 24 fruits with dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Fall Plant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alpine Strawberries | — | — | Mar 17 | — | Jun 16 – Sep 29 | 90–180 |
| Blackberries | — | — | Mar 17 | — | — | 365–730 |
| Boysenberries | — | — | Mar 17 | — | — | 365–730 |
| Cantaloupe | — | — | Mar 17 | — | May 26 – Jun 30 | 70–90 |
| Che Fruit | — | — | Mar 17 | — | — | 1095–1825 |
| Dragon Fruit | — | — | Mar 17 | — | — | 365–730 |
| Elderberries | — | — | Mar 17 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Figs | — | — | Mar 17 | — | — | 730–1825 |
| Goji Berries | — | — | Mar 17 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Grapes | — | — | Mar 17 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Ground Cherry | — | — | Mar 17 | — | May 26 – Jul 21 | 65–80 |
| Guava | — | — | Mar 17 | — | — | 365–730 |
| Honeydew | — | — | Mar 17 | — | Jun 9 – Jul 21 | 80–110 |
| Kiwi | — | — | Mar 17 | — | — | 1095–1825 |
| Loquat | — | — | Mar 17 | — | — | 730–1825 |
| Mulberries | — | — | Mar 17 | — | — | 730–1825 |
| Passion Fruit | — | — | Mar 17 | — | — | 365–545 |
| Pawpaw | — | — | Mar 17 | — | — | 1095–2555 |
| Persimmon | — | — | Mar 17 | — | — | 1095–2555 |
| Pomegranate | — | — | Mar 17 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Quince | — | — | Mar 17 | — | — | 1095–1825 |
| Raspberries | — | — | Mar 17 | — | — | 365–730 |
| Serviceberries | — | — | Mar 17 | — | — | 730–1095 |
| Strawberries | — | — | Mar 17 | — | Jun 16 – Jan 12 | 90–365 |
🌿 Herbs to Grow in Bell
37 herbs matched to Zone 9a with planting dates calibrated for Bell.
Show all 37 herbs with dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Fall Plant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anise | Feb 3 | Feb 10 | Feb 24 | Oct 2 | May 26 – Aug 11 | 90–120 |
| Basil | Jan 20 | Mar 10 | Mar 10 | — | May 5 – Jul 7 | 50–75 |
| Bee Balm | — | — | Mar 10 | — | Jun 9 – Aug 25 | 90–120 |
| Borage | Feb 3 | Feb 10 | Feb 24 | Oct 2 | Apr 21 – Jun 9 | 50–60 |
| Caraway | Feb 3 | Feb 10 | Feb 24 | Oct 2 | — | 365–450 |
| Catnip | — | — | Mar 10 | — | May 12 – Jul 14 | 60–80 |
| Chamomile | Feb 3 | Feb 10 | Feb 24 | Oct 2 | Apr 28 – Jul 7 | 60–90 |
| Chervil | Feb 3 | Feb 10 | Feb 24 | Oct 2 | Apr 7 – Jun 9 | 40–60 |
| Chives | — | — | Mar 10 | — | May 12 – Jul 21 | 60–90 |
| Cilantro | Feb 3 | Feb 10 | Feb 24 | Oct 2 | Apr 7 – Jun 9 | 40–60 |
| Comfrey | — | — | Mar 10 | — | May 12 – Jul 21 | 60–90 |
| Cumin | Feb 3 | Feb 10 | Feb 24 | Oct 2 | Jun 9 – Aug 11 | 100–120 |
| Dill | Feb 3 | Feb 10 | Feb 24 | Oct 2 | Apr 7 – Jun 9 | 40–60 |
| Epazote | Jan 20 | Mar 10 | Mar 10 | — | Apr 28 – Jun 23 | 45–60 |
| Fennel (herb) | Feb 3 | Feb 10 | Feb 24 | Oct 2 | Apr 28 – Jul 7 | 60–90 |
| Feverfew | — | — | Mar 10 | — | Jun 9 – Aug 25 | 90–120 |
| Garlic Chives | — | — | Mar 10 | — | May 12 – Jul 21 | 60–90 |
| Horehound | — | — | Mar 10 | — | May 26 – Jul 21 | 75–90 |
| Hyssop | — | — | Mar 10 | — | May 19 – Jul 21 | 70–90 |
| Lemon Balm | — | — | Mar 10 | — | May 12 – Jun 30 | 60–70 |
| Lemon Thyme | — | — | Mar 10 | — | May 19 – Jul 21 | 70–90 |
| Lemon Verbena | Jan 20 | Mar 10 | Mar 10 | — | May 12 – Jul 21 | 60–90 |
| Lemongrass | Jan 20 | Mar 10 | Mar 10 | — | May 26 – Aug 25 | 75–120 |
| Marjoram | — | — | Mar 10 | — | May 12 – Jul 21 | 60–90 |
| Mint | — | — | Mar 10 | — | May 12 – Jul 21 | 60–90 |
| Oregano | — | — | Mar 10 | — | May 12 – Jul 21 | 60–90 |
| Parsley | Feb 3 | Feb 10 | Feb 24 | Oct 2 | Apr 28 – Jun 30 | 60–80 |
| Rosemary | — | — | Mar 10 | — | Jun 2 – Oct 20 | 80–180 |
| Rue | — | — | Mar 10 | — | May 19 – Jul 21 | 70–90 |
| Sage | — | — | Mar 10 | — | May 26 – Jul 21 | 75–90 |
| Savory | — | — | Mar 10 | — | May 5 – Jun 30 | 50–70 |
| Sorrel | Feb 3 | Feb 10 | Feb 24 | Oct 2 | Apr 7 – Jun 9 | 40–60 |
| Stevia | Jan 20 | Mar 10 | Mar 10 | — | May 12 – Jul 21 | 60–90 |
| Tarragon | — | — | Mar 10 | — | May 12 – Jul 21 | 60–90 |
| Thai Basil | Jan 20 | Mar 10 | Mar 10 | — | May 5 – Jul 7 | 50–75 |
| Thyme | — | — | Mar 10 | — | May 19 – Jul 21 | 70–90 |
| Valerian | — | — | Mar 10 | — | Jul 14 – Oct 20 | 120–180 |
🌸 Flowers to Grow in Bell
49 flowers matched to Zone 9a with planting dates calibrated for Bell.
Show all 49 flowers with dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Fall Plant | Bloom | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ageratum | Jan 20 | Feb 17 | Feb 17 | — | Apr 14 – Sep 29 | 60–75 |
| Alliums | — | — | — | Oct 30 | Nov 27 – Dec 18 | 28–42 |
| Anemones | — | — | — | Oct 2 | Oct 9 – Nov 6 | 90–120 |
| Bachelor's Button | — | Jan 6 | Feb 3 | Sep 18 | Mar 31 – Jul 21 | 60–90 |
| Begonias | Dec 23 | — | Feb 10 | — | Apr 21 – Oct 20 | 70–90 |
| Black-eyed Susan | Jan 6 | Feb 17 | Feb 17 | — | Apr 28 – Sep 15 | 60–80 |
| Bleeding Hearts | Jan 6 | — | Feb 17 | — | Apr 7 – Apr 28 | 60–90 |
| Calendula | — | Jan 6 | Feb 3 | Sep 4 | Mar 17 – Jul 21 | 50–70 |
| California Poppy | — | — | — | Sep 4 | Nov 13 – Mar 19 | 60–90 |
| Celosia | Feb 3 | Feb 17 | Feb 17 | — | Apr 21 – Oct 27 | 60–90 |
| Columbine | Jan 6 | Feb 17 | Feb 17 | — | Apr 7 – Apr 28 | 70–100 |
| Coreopsis | Jan 6 | Feb 17 | Feb 17 | — | Apr 14 – Sep 15 | 60–80 |
| Cosmos | Feb 3 | Feb 3 | Feb 3 | — | Apr 14 – Sep 29 | 60–90 |
| Daffodils | — | — | — | Oct 30 | Oct 16 – Nov 6 | 20–40 |
| Dahlias | — | Mar 3 | Mar 3 | — | May 12 – Nov 10 | 70–120 |
| Daylily | Jan 6 | — | Feb 17 | — | Apr 28 – Oct 13 | 60–90 |
| Dianthus | Jan 6 | Jan 6 | Jan 6 | — | Feb 24 – Apr 28 | 60–80 |
| Echinacea (Purple Coneflower) | Jan 6 | Feb 17 | Feb 17 | — | Apr 28 – Sep 15 | 70–90 |
| Foxglove | Jan 6 | Feb 17 | Feb 17 | — | Apr 7 – Apr 28 | 80–120 |
| Freesia | — | — | — | Oct 16 | Oct 30 – Nov 27 | 84–112 |
| Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) | Jan 20 | Feb 17 | Feb 17 | — | Apr 28 – Oct 27 | 70–100 |
| Geraniums | Dec 23 | — | Feb 10 | — | Apr 21 – Oct 20 | 70–100 |
| Gladiolus | — | Mar 3 | Mar 3 | — | May 12 – Nov 10 | 70–100 |
| Hostas | Jan 6 | — | Feb 17 | — | Apr 28 – Aug 18 | 60–90 |
| Hyacinths | — | — | — | Oct 30 | Oct 30 – Nov 20 | 14–28 |
| Hydrangeas | Jan 6 | — | Feb 17 | — | Apr 28 – Aug 18 | 90–150 |
| Impatiens | Jan 6 | — | Feb 17 | — | Apr 28 – Oct 13 | 60–75 |
| Irises | — | Division | Feb 17 | — | Apr 7 – May 12 | 60–100 |
| Larkspur | — | — | — | Sep 18 | Nov 27 – Mar 19 | 60–90 |
| Lavender | Jan 6 | — | Feb 17 | — | Apr 28 – Aug 4 | 90–120 |
| Lilies | — | Division | Feb 17 | — | Apr 28 – Aug 4 | 70–120 |
| Lobelia | Jan 6 | — | Jan 6 | — | Mar 3 – Mar 31 | 70–80 |
| Marigolds | Jan 27 | Feb 17 | Feb 17 | — | Apr 14 – Sep 15 | 50–70 |
| Nasturtium | Feb 3 | Feb 10 | Feb 10 | — | Apr 7 – Oct 6 | 55–65 |
| Pansy | Dec 23 | — | Feb 3 | Sep 4 | Mar 24 – Jun 23 | 70–90 |
| Petunia | Jan 6 | — | Feb 17 | — | Apr 28 – Sep 29 | 70–90 |
| Phlox | Jan 6 | Feb 17 | Feb 17 | — | Apr 28 – Jun 23 | 80–110 |
| Portulaca | Feb 3 | Feb 17 | Feb 17 | — | Apr 7 – Oct 13 | 50–70 |
| Ranunculus | — | — | — | Oct 2 | Oct 16 – Nov 13 | 90–120 |
| Roses | Jan 6 | — | Feb 17 | — | Apr 28 – Oct 13 | 90–180 |
| Salvia | Jan 6 | — | Feb 10 | — | Apr 21 – Oct 6 | 70–90 |
| Sedum (Stonecrop) | Jan 6 | — | Feb 17 | — | Jun 9 – Aug 18 | 60–90 |
| Snapdragon | — | Jan 6 | Feb 3 | Sep 4 | Apr 7 – Aug 4 | 70–100 |
| Sunflower | Feb 10 | Feb 10 | Feb 10 | — | May 5 – Oct 6 | 70–100 |
| Sweet Alyssum | — | Jan 6 | Feb 3 | Sep 18 | Mar 10 – Jun 23 | 45–60 |
| Sweet Pea | — | — | — | Sep 18 | Nov 27 – Jan 22 | 65–85 |
| Vinca (Annual) | Dec 23 | — | Feb 10 | — | Apr 21 – Oct 20 | 70–90 |
| Yarrow | Jan 6 | Feb 17 | Feb 17 | — | Apr 14 – Sep 1 | 60–90 |
| Zinnia | Feb 3 | Feb 10 | Feb 10 | — | Apr 21 – Oct 6 | 60–70 |
Monthly Planting Guide for Bell
ZIP Codes in Bell
Click any ZIP to see its specific frost, soil, and climate measurements (some ZIPs differ noticeably from the town aggregate):
Gardening Guides & Resources
Helpful guides from The Ultimate Homestead to improve your garden in Gilchrist County.
Your Gilchrist County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Gilchrist County (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.
The Gardener's Encyclopedia to Companion Planting
The pairings that make vegetables, herbs, and flowers grow better — and the ones that quietly wreck a bed.
- Proven pairings for 200+ vegetables, herbs, flowers, and fruits
- Full seed-starting + planting schedule with timing and spacing
- Bonus: square-foot gardening guide + printable seasonal planners
Seed Saving & Storage Guide
Most saved seeds go bad before next season. This shows exactly when to pick, how to dry, and where to store seeds from 200 plants so yours don't.
- 200 plants, step-by-step: life cycle, pollination type, isolation
- Exact temperature + humidity ranges that keep seeds viable
- Bonus: searchable Google Sheets tracker + custom GPT assistant
Composting Guide for Homesteaders
Turn kitchen scraps and yard waste into compost that actually feeds the garden — instead of a pile that smells, attracts pests, and never breaks down.
- 14 sections on composting methods, soil science, and troubleshooting
- The 7-step hot-compost system from start to finish
- Bonus tools: troubleshooting chart, safety guide, monitoring log