Key Biscayne, FL — Planting Guide for July
Free PDF, personalized for your town's frost dates & climate. Drop your email — we'll send the link.
Top priorities for Miami-Dade County, Florida gardeners in July
A quick July briefing for Miami-Dade County, Florida gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.
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Plan the fall garden
Make a planting map for August. Tomatoes, peppers, brassicas, lettuce, root crops all go in over the next 8 weeks. Soil amendments and irrigation prep happen now.
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Keep heat-survivor crops productive
Daily harvest of okra and southern peas keeps plants producing. Let pods over-mature and the plant stops setting new fruit.
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Watch for hurricane prep season
August-October is hurricane season. Stake young trees, secure rain barrels, and plan how to protect tender transplants from high winds.
Key Biscayne is a year-round growing town. With 90% of years recording zero frost days and 64" of annual rainfall, the gardening calendar here looks nothing like the rest of the country — your prime growing weeks are exactly when northern gardeners are buried in snow. Cool-season crops (tomatoes, peppers, lettuce, brassicas) thrive in the cooler months; heat-survivors (okra, sweet potatoes, southern peas, Malabar spinach) take over in summer. The monthly brief above tells you exactly what to plant this month.
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.
Drought pressure is moderate (14.0 weeks/year on average). Mulching and drip irrigation pay for themselves quickly.
🌡️ USDA Zone
11a (40°F to 45°F min)
❄️ Last Frost
None expected Frost is exceptional (90% of years had zero frost days)
🌴 Growing Season
Year-round 365 frost-free days · plant any month
📆 Planting Strategy
Cool-season in winter Tomatoes & peppers thrive Oct–May; greens, broccoli, kale do best Nov–Feb
🌧️ Climate
Very Humid 64.1" annual
💨 Wind
Moderate 7.9 mph avg
🥶 Frost Tier
Frost Free 90% frost-free years
🏜️ Drought
14.0 wk/yr trend stable
📍 ZIP Codes
1 ZIP
Monthly Watering Calendar for Key Biscayne
When you'll need to water your garden — based on average monthly rainfall vs. the ~1 inch/week most gardens need.
Why it matters: In humid climates, watering is usually about timing (morning, not evening, to prevent disease) more than volume. In dry climates, it's about depth (water deep, less often) more than frequency. Key Biscayne's 64" annual tells you which side you're on.
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.
Key Biscayne 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.
No frost countdown needed. Frost is exceptional in this area — most years record zero frost days. Plan around heat and rainfall instead.
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 Next in Key Biscayne
In a year-round growing climate, succession planning isn't about beating frost — it's about matching the next crop to the next season's heat.
Cool-season crops typically finish March–April as temperatures climb. Don't replant lettuce or brassicas now — they'll bolt within weeks. Switch to heat-lovers.
Spring tomato vines fade as summer humidity rises. Pull them by June and plant heat-survivors that thrive in the conditions tomatoes hate.
As humidity drops in September–October, the second growing season opens. Plant transplants of tomatoes, peppers, eggplant — they'll set fruit through fall and into winter.
Winter is your "spring" — direct-sow every 2 weeks for continuous lettuce, spinach, and radish harvests. Plant strawberries, garlic, and onions. Brassicas planted now finish in January–March.
Sunlight & Day Length in Key Biscayne
Monthly daylight hours and peak sun — critical for onion varieties, photoperiod-sensitive plants, and solar garden planning.
For new gardeners: Lettuce and cilantro "bolt" (go to seed) when days lengthen. Knowing your day-length curve helps you time spring plantings to harvest before the bolting trigger hits. Key Biscayne's daylight ranges shape the planting calendar.
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 in Key Biscayne
Monthly soil temps tell you when to plant warm-season crops, and when your compost pile is actively working.
Quick context: Air temperature lies. Your air can be 70°F in April but the soil 4 inches down is still 50°F — too cold for tomatoes or peppers to root properly. Key Biscayne's soil temperature curve tells you the real planting window. A $5 soil thermometer pays for itself in one season.
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 Key Biscayne
Computed from local climate patterns — warmer, humid conditions increase pest generations and fungal disease risk.
Why it matters: Pollinators are the good bugs. Pest pressure is the bad bugs. Key Biscayne's climate makes both more abundant in warm humid regions, and rarer in cold dry ones — plan habitat to encourage the good while managing the bad.
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 Key Biscayne
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 fix nitrogen by hosting bacteria that pull it from the air. A vigorous legume cover crop can deliver 50-150 lbs/acre of nitrogen — meaningful for the next vegetable season.
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 in Key Biscayne
Why it matters: Wind dries soil, knocks over young transplants, and disrupts pollination for bees and butterflies. Key Biscayne averages 7.9 mph — above 10 mph means windbreaks (shrubs, fences, taller crops to windward), staked tomatoes from day one, and an extra round of watering during dry windy spells. Lower wind = lower water bills and fewer broken stems.
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 in Key Biscayne
How much water you can collect, when to collect it, and what size system you need for your garden.
For new gardeners: Even in arid regions, rainwater harvesting works — you just need bigger storage and patience. In wet regions like Key Biscayne (64" annually), you're mostly limited by how much water you can store between storms.
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
🥬 Vegetables to Grow in Key Biscayne
73 vegetables matched to Zone 11a with planting dates calibrated for Key Biscayne.
Show all 73 vegetables with dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Fall Plant | 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 | Nov 5 | Feb 5 – Apr 9 | 30–50 |
| Beets | — | Dec 11 | — | Nov 5 | Feb 5 – Mar 5 | 50–70 |
| 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 | Nov 5 | Feb 12 – Mar 19 | 40–60 |
| Broccoli | Dec 4 | Dec 11 | Jan 1 | Nov 5 | Mar 5 – Apr 16 | 60–90 |
| Butternut Squash | Dec 4 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | — | Apr 9 – May 14 | 85–110 |
| Calabash | Nov 20 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | — | Apr 2 – May 28 | 80–120 |
| Chard | Dec 4 | Dec 11 | Jan 1 | Nov 5 | Feb 26 – Apr 16 | 50–60 |
| Chayote | Nov 20 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | — | May 14 – Jul 23 | 120–180 |
| Chinese Cabbage | Dec 4 | Dec 11 | Jan 1 | Nov 5 | 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 | Nov 5 | 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 | Nov 5 | 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 | — | Nov 5 | Feb 5 – Mar 5 | 50–70 |
| Delicata Squash | Dec 4 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | — | Apr 2 – May 7 | 80–100 |
| Eggplant | Nov 20 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | — | Mar 19 – May 21 | 65–85 |
| 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 |
| 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 | Nov 5 | Feb 19 – Mar 19 | 45–60 |
| Kale | Dec 4 | Dec 11 | Jan 1 | Nov 5 | Feb 26 – Apr 23 | 50–70 |
| Kidney Beans | — | Jan 8 | — | — | Apr 9 – May 14 | 85–110 |
| Kohlrabi | Dec 4 | Dec 11 | Jan 1 | Nov 5 | Feb 19 – Mar 26 | 45–65 |
| Komatsuna | Dec 4 | Dec 11 | Jan 1 | Nov 5 | Feb 5 – Mar 12 | 35–50 |
| Lettuce | Dec 4 | Dec 11 | Jan 1 | Nov 5 | 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 |
| 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 | Nov 5 | Jan 8 – Feb 5 | 7–21 |
| Mizuna | Dec 4 | Dec 11 | Jan 1 | Nov 5 | Feb 5 – Mar 5 | 30–45 |
| Mustard Greens | Dec 4 | Dec 11 | Jan 1 | Nov 5 | Feb 5 – Apr 9 | 30–50 |
| Napa Cabbage | Dec 4 | Dec 11 | Jan 1 | Nov 5 | 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 |
| Pac Choi | Dec 4 | Dec 11 | Jan 1 | Nov 5 | 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 | Nov 5 | 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 |
| Purslane | Dec 4 | Dec 11 | Jan 1 | Nov 5 | Feb 12 – Mar 19 | 40–60 |
| Radish | — | Dec 11 | — | Nov 5 | Jan 8 – Jan 29 | 22–35 |
| Scarlet Runner Beans | Nov 20 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | — | Mar 12 – Apr 16 | 60–80 |
| 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 | Nov 5 | Feb 26 – Apr 23 | 50–65 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Dec 4 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | — | Apr 9 – May 7 | 85–100 |
| 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 |
| 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 | Nov 5 | 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 |
| Watercress | Dec 4 | Dec 11 | Jan 1 | Nov 5 | 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 Key Biscayne
7 fruits matched to Zone 11a with planting dates calibrated for Key Biscayne.
Show all 7 fruits with dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Fall Plant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cantaloupe | — | — | Jan 15 | — | Mar 26 – Apr 30 | 70–90 |
| Dragon Fruit | — | — | Jan 15 | — | — | 365–730 |
| Figs | — | — | Jan 15 | — | — | 730–1825 |
| Ground Cherry | — | — | Jan 15 | — | Mar 26 – May 21 | 65–80 |
| Guava | — | — | Jan 15 | — | — | 365–730 |
| Honeydew | — | — | Jan 15 | — | Apr 9 – May 21 | 80–110 |
| Passion Fruit | — | — | Jan 15 | — | — | 365–545 |
🌿 Herbs to Grow in Key Biscayne
10 herbs matched to Zone 11a with planting dates calibrated for Key Biscayne.
Show all 10 herbs with dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Fall Plant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basil | Nov 20 | Jan 8 | Jan 8 | — | Mar 5 – May 7 | 50–75 |
| Borage | Dec 4 | Dec 11 | Dec 25 | Nov 5 | Feb 19 – Apr 9 | 50–60 |
| Cilantro | Dec 4 | Dec 11 | Dec 25 | Nov 5 | Feb 5 – Apr 9 | 40–60 |
| Cumin | Dec 4 | Dec 11 | Dec 25 | Nov 5 | Apr 9 – Jun 11 | 100–120 |
| Dill | Dec 4 | Dec 11 | Dec 25 | Nov 5 | Feb 5 – Apr 9 | 40–60 |
| Epazote | Nov 20 | Jan 8 | Jan 8 | — | Feb 26 – Apr 23 | 45–60 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
🌸 Flowers to Grow in Key Biscayne
19 flowers matched to Zone 11a with planting dates calibrated for Key Biscayne.
Show all 19 flowers with dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Fall Plant | Bloom | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ageratum | Nov 20 | Nov 6 | Nov 6 | — | Jan 1 – Aug 13 | 60–75 |
| Bachelor's Button | — | Oct 9 | Nov 6 | Sep 24 | Dec 25 – Mar 26 | 60–90 |
| Begonias | Oct 23 | — | Nov 6 | — | Jan 15 – Oct 8 | 70–90 |
| Calendula | — | Oct 9 | Nov 6 | Sep 10 | Dec 11 – Mar 12 | 50–70 |
| Celosia | Dec 4 | Nov 6 | Nov 6 | — | Jan 8 – Sep 10 | 60–90 |
| Cosmos | Dec 4 | Nov 6 | Nov 6 | — | Jan 15 – Aug 27 | 60–90 |
| Freesia | — | — | — | Nov 19 | Nov 19 – Dec 24 | 84–112 |
| Geraniums | Oct 23 | — | Nov 6 | — | Jan 15 – Oct 8 | 70–100 |
| Impatiens | Nov 6 | — | Nov 6 | — | Jan 15 – Aug 27 | 60–75 |
| Marigolds | Dec 4 | Nov 6 | Nov 6 | — | Jan 1 – Aug 13 | 50–70 |
| Nasturtium | Dec 4 | Nov 6 | Nov 6 | — | Jan 1 – Aug 27 | 55–65 |
| Petunia | Nov 6 | — | Nov 6 | — | Jan 15 – Aug 13 | 70–90 |
| Portulaca | Dec 4 | Nov 6 | Nov 6 | — | Dec 25 – Sep 10 | 50–70 |
| Salvia | Nov 6 | — | Nov 6 | — | Jan 15 – Aug 27 | 70–90 |
| Snapdragon | — | Oct 9 | Nov 6 | Sep 10 | Jan 1 – Jun 18 | 70–100 |
| Sunflower | Dec 11 | Nov 6 | Nov 6 | — | Jan 29 – Aug 27 | 70–100 |
| Sweet Alyssum | — | Oct 9 | Nov 6 | Sep 24 | Dec 4 – Feb 12 | 45–60 |
| Vinca (Annual) | Oct 23 | — | Nov 6 | — | Jan 15 – Oct 8 | 70–90 |
| Zinnia | Dec 4 | Nov 6 | Nov 6 | — | Jan 15 – Aug 27 | 60–70 |
Monthly Planting Guide for Key Biscayne
ZIP Codes in Key Biscayne
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 Miami-Dade County.
Your Miami-Dade County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Miami-Dade County (Zone 11a). 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