Long Key, 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 Monroe County, Florida gardeners in July
Welcome to July in Zone 11b. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
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Basket week: ageratum, artichoke, and begonias
Taste as you pick. The first ripe produce is the best feedback loop you'll get all season.
Before August arrives, get these ready
- First harvests: ageratum, artichoke, and begonias
Long Key gardens in a long-season climate (Zone 11b, 278 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.
Drought pressure is moderate (11.0 weeks/year on average). Mulching and drip irrigation pay for themselves quickly.
🌡️ USDA Zone
11b (45°F to 50°F min)
❄️ Last Frost
None expected Frost is exceptional (100% 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
Moderate 38.1" annual
💨 Wind
Moderate 8.0 mph avg
🥶 Frost Tier
Frost Free 100% frost-free years
🏜️ Drought
11.0 wk/yr trend stable
📍 ZIP Codes
1 ZIP
Monthly Watering Calendar for Long Key
When you'll need to water your garden — based on average monthly rainfall vs. the ~1 inch/week most gardens need.
The practical takeaway: Watering by the calendar wastes water. Watering by the soil moisture (or by a free rain gauge) cuts your water use 30%+ and produces healthier roots. Long Key's 38" annual baseline is the starting point.
View detailed monthly data
| Month | Avg Rainfall | Rainy Days | Extra Water Needed | Watering Effort |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 2.3 in | 5 days | 2 in | High |
| Feb | 2.7 in | 6 days | 1.6 in | High |
| Mar | 3.8 in | 7 days | 0.5 in | Low |
| Apr | 2.5 in | 6 days | 1.8 in | High |
| May | 3.2 in | 10 days | 1.1 in | Moderate |
| Jun | 7.1 in | 16 days | — | Low |
| Jul | 8.2 in | 16 days | — | Low |
| Aug | 8.7 in | 18 days | — | Low |
| Sep | 7.7 in | 13 days | — | Low |
| Oct | 4.8 in | 9 days | — | Low |
| Nov | 2.2 in | 6 days | 2.1 in | High |
| Dec | 2.5 in | 5 days | 1.8 in | High |
Annual total: 55.7 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.
Long Key Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sand
Soil pH
4.8-5.7
Drainage
Well Drained
Frost Risk Probability
Based on 11 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 16 | — | — |
| Cautious | Feb 15 | — | — |
| Average year | Jan 22 | — | — |
| Optimistic | Jan 17 | — | — |
| Aggressive (risky) | Jan 8 | — | — |
Not very — frost dates can vary by ±67 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 33 days per decade). Spring is arriving earlier than it used to. Good news for gardeners.
Gardening Difficulty Score
Monroe County presents some gardening challenges. Choose adapted varieties and plan around frost dates.
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 Monroe 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 Monroe County's climate and soil.
County Extension Office
Monroe 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 Monroe County
Finding local nurseries & garden centers in Monroe County
Why Buy Local
Local nurseries carry plants that are proven to grow in your area. Staff can give you advice specific to Monroe 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 Monroe County FL" or "garden center Monroe 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 Monroe County FL" or check your extension office and local parks department. Facebook groups like "Monroe County Gardeners" or "Florida Gardening" are also excellent for local advice and plant swaps.
What to Plant Next in Long Key
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 Long Key
Monthly daylight hours and peak sun — critical for onion varieties, photoperiod-sensitive plants, and solar garden planning.
For new gardeners: Onion varieties are sold by "short-day," "intermediate-day," and "long-day." Long Key's latitude determines which to buy — and getting it wrong is the difference between baseball-sized bulbs and marbles.
Longest Day
13.5 hours
Summer solstice daylight
Shortest Day
10.5 hours
Winter solstice daylight
Peak Sun Hours
9.3 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 | 5.9 hr | Short day |
| February | 11.2 hr | 6.6 hr | Short day |
| March | 11.8 hr | 7.4 hr | Short day |
| April | 12.6 hr | 8.4 hr | Neutral |
| May | 13.2 hr | 9.3 hr | Neutral |
| June | 13.5 hr | 7.6 hr | Neutral |
| July | 13.4 hr | 6.8 hr | Neutral |
| August | 12.9 hr | 6.9 hr | Neutral |
| September | 12.1 hr | 6 hr | Neutral |
| October | 11.4 hr | 7.1 hr | Short day |
| November | 10.8 hr | 6.2 hr | Short day |
| December | 10.5 hr | 5.8 hr | Short day |
Peak sun hours factor in typical cloud cover — use these for solar panel and shade-planning calculations.
Soil Temperature & Composting in Long Key
Monthly soil temps tell you when to plant warm-season crops, and when your compost pile is actively working.
Why it matters: Soil temperature predicts plant emergence better than calendar dates. Long Key's spring soil warm-up curve tells you which weeks are safe for direct-sow beans, cucumbers, squash, and corn.
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 | 63°F | 68°F | ♻️ Active | ~14 weeks |
| Feb | 64°F | 68°F | ♻️ Active | ~14 weeks |
| Mar | 71°F | 72°F | 🔥 Peak | ~8 weeks |
| Apr | 75°F | 77°F | 🔥 Peak | ~8 weeks |
| May | 81°F | 83°F | 🔥 Peak | ~8 weeks |
| Jun | 88°F | 87°F | 🔥 Peak | ~8 weeks |
| Jul | 94°F | 91°F | 🔥 Peak | ~8 weeks |
| Aug | 96°F | 94°F | 🔥 Peak | ~8 weeks |
| Sep | 94°F | 91°F | 🔥 Peak | ~8 weeks |
| Oct | 86°F | 87°F | 🔥 Peak | ~8 weeks |
| Nov | 75°F | 81°F | 🔥 Peak | ~8 weeks |
| Dec | 69°F | 72°F | 🔥 Peak | ~8 weeks |
Highlighted rows = soil 60°F+ (safe for warm-season transplants). Compost finishes fastest during peak activity months.
Pest & Disease Pressure in Long Key
Computed from local climate patterns — warmer, humid conditions increase pest generations and fungal disease risk.
For new gardeners: In Long Key's climate, pest pressure shapes which crops are easy and which are heartbreak. Tomatoes are easy in dry mountain air, hard in humid coast — same plant, completely different gardening experience.
Insect Pest Pressure
High — expect multiple pest generations. Preventative measures essential.
Disease Risk
High fungal/bacterial risk. Space plants for airflow, water at soil level.
Seasonal Risk
View 6 common pests in your area
| Pest | Risk Level | Peak Months |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | High | Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec |
| Whiteflies | High | Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec |
| Spider mites | High | Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov |
| Thrips | High | Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep |
| Scale insects | Moderate | Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct |
| Nematodes | Moderate | May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep |
Organic pest management tips
- Install physical barriers: floating row covers, copper tape for slugs, mesh netting
- Apply Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) for caterpillar control — safe for beneficial insects
- Use kaolin clay spray to deter a wide range of insects on fruiting crops
- Release beneficial insects: ladybugs for aphids, parasitic wasps for caterpillars
- Apply neem oil weekly during high-pressure months
- Mulch heavily (3-4 inches) to reduce soil-borne disease splash
Cover Crops for Long Key
Cover crops protect bare soil, fix nitrogen, suppress weeds, and improve soil structure — with planting dates calibrated for your area.
The practical takeaway: The "chop and drop" approach to cover crops: cut them down right before flowering, let them lay on the surface as mulch, plant your vegetables through the mulch. Less work, healthier soil.
Spring Cover Crops (1 options) — Build soil before the main growing season
| Crop | Plant By | Terminate | N-Fixing | Soil Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cowpeas (southern peas) | Jan 1 | Nov 5 | ✓ Yes | Excellent nitrogen fixer for warm climates, edible |
Wind & Microclimate in Long Key
The practical takeaway: Wind dries soil, knocks over young transplants, and disrupts pollination for bees and butterflies. Long Key averages 8.0 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: 11 mph Summer: 8 mph
Fall: 9 mph Winter: 11 mph
Prevailing wind: E. Moderate wind — consider a temporary windbreak for young seedlings.
Windbreak Benefit
5.3/10
Moderately beneficial — a simple fence or trellis can protect delicate crops from wind stress.
Frost Pocket Risk
Low
Relatively flat terrain (50 ft range). Frost pocket risk is minimal — garden placement is flexible.
Rainwater Harvesting in Long Key
How much water you can collect, when to collect it, and what size system you need for your garden.
The practical takeaway: Even in arid regions, rainwater harvesting works — you just need bigger storage and patience. In wet regions like Long Key (38" annually), you're mostly limited by how much water you can store between storms.
Annual Collection
27,760 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
Jan, 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 55.7 inches of rain per year
- A 1,000 sq ft roof can collect roughly 27,760 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 Long Key
73 vegetables matched to Zone 11b with planting dates calibrated for Long Key.
Show all 73 vegetables with dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Fall Plant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acorn Squash | Dec 25 | Jan 22 | Jan 29 | — | Apr 23 – May 28 | 80–100 |
| Amaranth | Dec 11 | Jan 22 | Jan 29 | — | Apr 30 – Jun 18 | 90–120 |
| Artichoke | — | — | Feb 5 | — | Jun 11 – Aug 20 | 120–180 |
| Arugula | Dec 25 | Jan 1 | Jan 22 | Feb 18 | Feb 26 – Apr 30 | 30–50 |
| Beets | — | Jan 1 | — | Feb 18 | Feb 26 – Mar 26 | 50–70 |
| Bitter Melon | Dec 11 | Jan 22 | Jan 29 | — | Apr 2 – May 14 | 60–90 |
| Black Beans | — | Jan 29 | — | — | Apr 30 – Jun 18 | 90–120 |
| Bok Choy | Dec 25 | Jan 1 | Jan 22 | Feb 18 | Mar 5 – Apr 9 | 40–60 |
| Broccoli | Dec 25 | Jan 1 | Jan 22 | Feb 18 | Mar 26 – May 7 | 60–90 |
| Butternut Squash | Dec 25 | Jan 22 | Jan 29 | — | Apr 30 – Jun 4 | 85–110 |
| Calabash | Dec 11 | Jan 22 | Jan 29 | — | Apr 23 – Jun 18 | 80–120 |
| Chard | Dec 25 | Jan 1 | Jan 22 | Feb 18 | Mar 19 – May 7 | 50–60 |
| Chayote | Dec 11 | Jan 22 | Jan 29 | — | Jun 4 – Aug 13 | 120–180 |
| Chinese Cabbage | Dec 25 | Jan 1 | Jan 22 | Feb 18 | Mar 19 – Apr 16 | 50–70 |
| Christmas Lima Beans | Dec 11 | Jan 22 | Jan 29 | — | Apr 23 – May 28 | 80–100 |
| Collard Greens | Dec 25 | Jan 1 | Jan 22 | Feb 18 | Mar 19 – May 21 | 55–75 |
| Corn | — | Jan 29 | — | — | Apr 2 – May 28 | 60–100 |
| Cowpeas | — | Jan 29 | — | — | Apr 2 – May 14 | 60–90 |
| Cress | Dec 25 | Jan 1 | Jan 22 | Feb 18 | Feb 5 – Feb 26 | 14–21 |
| Crookneck Squash | Dec 25 | Jan 22 | Jan 29 | — | Mar 19 – Apr 16 | 45–60 |
| Cucumber | Dec 25 | Jan 22 | Jan 29 | — | Mar 26 – May 21 | 50–70 |
| Daikon | — | Jan 1 | — | Feb 18 | Feb 26 – Mar 26 | 50–70 |
| Delicata Squash | Dec 25 | Jan 22 | Jan 29 | — | Apr 23 – May 28 | 80–100 |
| Eggplant | Dec 11 | Jan 22 | Jan 29 | — | Apr 9 – Jun 11 | 65–85 |
| Ginger | Dec 11 | Jan 22 | Jan 29 | — | Oct 1 – Dec 10 | 240–300 |
| Green Beans | — | Jan 29 | — | — | Mar 26 – May 21 | 50–65 |
| Hot Peppers | Dec 11 | Jan 22 | Jan 29 | — | Apr 9 – Jul 16 | 70–120 |
| Jicama | Dec 11 | Jan 22 | Jan 29 | — | Jun 4 – Aug 13 | 120–180 |
| Kabocha | Dec 25 | Jan 22 | Jan 29 | — | Apr 30 – May 28 | 85–100 |
| Kai Lan | Dec 25 | Jan 1 | Jan 22 | Feb 18 | Mar 12 – Apr 9 | 45–60 |
| Kale | Dec 25 | Jan 1 | Jan 22 | Feb 18 | Mar 19 – May 14 | 50–70 |
| Kidney Beans | — | Jan 29 | — | — | Apr 30 – Jun 4 | 85–110 |
| Kohlrabi | Dec 25 | Jan 1 | Jan 22 | Feb 18 | Mar 12 – Apr 16 | 45–65 |
| Komatsuna | Dec 25 | Jan 1 | Jan 22 | Feb 18 | Feb 26 – Apr 2 | 35–50 |
| Lettuce | Dec 25 | Jan 1 | Jan 22 | Feb 18 | Feb 26 – May 7 | 30–60 |
| Lima Beans | — | Jan 29 | — | — | Apr 2 – May 14 | 60–90 |
| Loofah | Dec 11 | Jan 22 | Jan 29 | — | May 14 – Jul 16 | 100–150 |
| Luffa | Dec 11 | Jan 22 | Jan 29 | — | Apr 30 – Jul 16 | 90–150 |
| Malabar Spinach | Dec 11 | Jan 22 | Jan 29 | — | Mar 26 – Apr 23 | 55–70 |
| Melon | Dec 25 | Jan 22 | Jan 29 | — | Apr 9 – May 28 | 70–100 |
| Microgreens | Dec 25 | Jan 1 | Jan 22 | Feb 18 | Jan 29 – Feb 26 | 7–21 |
| Mizuna | Dec 25 | Jan 1 | Jan 22 | Feb 18 | Feb 26 – Mar 26 | 30–45 |
| Mustard Greens | Dec 25 | Jan 1 | Jan 22 | Feb 18 | Feb 26 – Apr 30 | 30–50 |
| Napa Cabbage | Dec 25 | Jan 1 | Jan 22 | Feb 18 | Mar 19 – Apr 23 | 55–75 |
| New Zealand Spinach | Dec 11 | Jan 22 | Jan 29 | — | Mar 26 – Apr 23 | 55–70 |
| Okra | Dec 11 | Jan 22 | Jan 29 | — | Mar 26 – May 21 | 50–65 |
| Pac Choi | Dec 25 | Jan 1 | Jan 22 | Feb 18 | Mar 5 – Apr 2 | 40–55 |
| Patty Pan Squash | Dec 25 | Jan 22 | Jan 29 | — | Mar 19 – Apr 16 | 45–60 |
| Peas | Dec 25 | Jan 1 | Jan 22 | Feb 18 | Mar 19 – May 14 | 55–70 |
| Peppers | Dec 11 | Jan 22 | Jan 29 | — | Apr 2 – Jun 11 | 60–90 |
| Pole Beans | Dec 11 | Jan 22 | Jan 29 | — | Mar 26 – May 21 | 55–70 |
| Purslane | Dec 25 | Jan 1 | Jan 22 | Feb 18 | Mar 5 – Apr 9 | 40–60 |
| Radish | — | Jan 1 | — | Feb 18 | Jan 29 – Feb 19 | 22–35 |
| Scarlet Runner Beans | Dec 11 | Jan 22 | Jan 29 | — | Apr 2 – May 7 | 60–80 |
| Shiso | Dec 11 | Jan 29 | Jan 29 | — | Mar 26 – May 21 | 50–70 |
| Snap Peas | Dec 11 | Jan 22 | Jan 29 | — | Mar 26 – May 21 | 55–70 |
| Snow Peas | Dec 25 | Jan 1 | Jan 22 | Feb 18 | Mar 19 – May 14 | 50–65 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Dec 25 | Jan 22 | Jan 29 | — | Apr 30 – May 28 | 85–100 |
| Squash (Summer) | Dec 25 | Jan 22 | Jan 29 | — | Mar 19 – May 21 | 45–65 |
| Squash (Winter) | Dec 25 | Jan 22 | Jan 29 | — | Apr 23 – Jun 18 | 80–120 |
| Sweet Corn | — | Jan 29 | — | — | Apr 2 – May 14 | 60–90 |
| Sweet Potatoes | Dec 11 | Jan 22 | Jan 29 | — | Apr 30 – Jun 18 | 90–120 |
| Tatsoi | Dec 25 | Jan 1 | Jan 22 | Feb 18 | Feb 26 – Apr 2 | 35–50 |
| Tomatillo | Dec 11 | Jan 22 | Jan 29 | — | Apr 2 – Jun 11 | 60–85 |
| Tomatoes | Dec 11 | Jan 22 | Jan 29 | — | Apr 2 – Jun 11 | 60–85 |
| Turmeric | Dec 11 | Jan 22 | Jan 29 | — | Oct 1 – Dec 10 | 240–300 |
| Watercress | Dec 25 | Jan 1 | Jan 22 | Feb 18 | Mar 5 – Apr 9 | 40–60 |
| Watermelon | Dec 25 | Jan 22 | Jan 29 | — | Apr 9 – May 28 | 70–100 |
| Wax Beans | — | Jan 29 | — | — | Mar 26 – May 21 | 50–65 |
| Winter Melon | Dec 11 | Jan 22 | Jan 29 | — | Apr 30 – Jun 18 | 90–120 |
| Yam | Dec 11 | Jan 22 | Jan 29 | — | Jul 30 – Jan 14 | 180–330 |
| Yard Long Beans | Dec 11 | Jan 22 | Jan 29 | — | Mar 26 – May 7 | 55–80 |
| Zucchini | Dec 25 | Jan 22 | Jan 29 | — | Mar 19 – May 14 | 45–60 |
🍓 Fruits to Grow in Long Key
7 fruits matched to Zone 11b with planting dates calibrated for Long Key.
Show all 7 fruits with dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Fall Plant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cantaloupe | — | — | Feb 5 | — | Apr 16 – May 21 | 70–90 |
| Dragon Fruit | — | — | Feb 5 | — | — | 365–730 |
| Figs | — | — | Feb 5 | — | — | 730–1825 |
| Ground Cherry | — | — | Feb 5 | — | Apr 16 – Jun 11 | 65–80 |
| Guava | — | — | Feb 5 | — | — | 365–730 |
| Honeydew | — | — | Feb 5 | — | Apr 30 – Jun 11 | 80–110 |
| Passion Fruit | — | — | Feb 5 | — | — | 365–545 |
🌿 Herbs to Grow in Long Key
10 herbs matched to Zone 11b with planting dates calibrated for Long Key.
Show all 10 herbs with dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Fall Plant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basil | Dec 11 | Jan 29 | Jan 29 | — | Mar 26 – May 28 | 50–75 |
| Borage | Dec 25 | Jan 1 | Jan 15 | Feb 18 | Mar 12 – Apr 30 | 50–60 |
| Cilantro | Dec 25 | Jan 1 | Jan 15 | Feb 18 | Feb 26 – Apr 30 | 40–60 |
| Cumin | Dec 25 | Jan 1 | Jan 15 | Feb 18 | Apr 30 – Jul 2 | 100–120 |
| Dill | Dec 25 | Jan 1 | Jan 15 | Feb 18 | Feb 26 – Apr 30 | 40–60 |
| Epazote | Dec 11 | Jan 29 | Jan 29 | — | Mar 19 – May 14 | 45–60 |
| Lemon Verbena | Dec 11 | Jan 29 | Jan 29 | — | Apr 2 – Jun 11 | 60–90 |
| Lemongrass | Dec 11 | Jan 29 | Jan 29 | — | Apr 16 – Jul 16 | 75–120 |
| Stevia | Dec 11 | Jan 29 | Jan 29 | — | Apr 2 – Jun 11 | 60–90 |
| Thai Basil | Dec 11 | Jan 29 | Jan 29 | — | Mar 26 – May 28 | 50–75 |
🌸 Flowers to Grow in Long Key
19 flowers matched to Zone 11b with planting dates calibrated for Long Key.
Show all 19 flowers with dates
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Fall Plant | Bloom | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ageratum | Dec 11 | Nov 20 | Nov 20 | — | Jan 15 – Sep 10 | 60–75 |
| Bachelor's Button | — | Oct 23 | Nov 20 | Jan 7 | Jan 8 – Apr 9 | 60–90 |
| Begonias | Nov 13 | — | Nov 20 | — | Jan 29 – Nov 19 | 70–90 |
| Calendula | — | Oct 23 | Nov 20 | Dec 24 | Dec 25 – Mar 26 | 50–70 |
| Celosia | Dec 25 | Nov 20 | Nov 20 | — | Jan 22 – Oct 8 | 60–90 |
| Cosmos | Dec 25 | Nov 20 | Nov 20 | — | Jan 29 – Sep 24 | 60–90 |
| Freesia | — | — | — | Mar 4 | Mar 4 – Apr 8 | 84–112 |
| Geraniums | Nov 13 | — | Nov 20 | — | Jan 29 – Nov 19 | 70–100 |
| Impatiens | Nov 27 | — | Nov 20 | — | Jan 29 – Sep 24 | 60–75 |
| Marigolds | Dec 25 | Nov 20 | Nov 20 | — | Jan 15 – Sep 10 | 50–70 |
| Nasturtium | Dec 25 | Nov 20 | Nov 20 | — | Jan 15 – Sep 24 | 55–65 |
| Petunia | Nov 27 | — | Nov 20 | — | Jan 29 – Sep 10 | 70–90 |
| Portulaca | Dec 25 | Nov 20 | Nov 20 | — | Jan 8 – Oct 8 | 50–70 |
| Salvia | Nov 27 | — | Nov 20 | — | Jan 29 – Sep 24 | 70–90 |
| Snapdragon | — | Oct 23 | Nov 20 | Dec 24 | Jan 15 – Jul 2 | 70–100 |
| Sunflower | Jan 1 | Nov 20 | Nov 20 | — | Feb 12 – Sep 24 | 70–100 |
| Sweet Alyssum | — | Oct 23 | Nov 20 | Jan 7 | Dec 18 – Feb 26 | 45–60 |
| Vinca (Annual) | Nov 13 | — | Nov 20 | — | Jan 29 – Nov 19 | 70–90 |
| Zinnia | Dec 25 | Nov 20 | Nov 20 | — | Jan 29 – Sep 24 | 60–70 |
Monthly Planting Guide for Long Key
ZIP Codes in Long Key
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 Monroe County.
Your Monroe County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Monroe County (Zone 11b). 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