Avoid the September scramble and start setting the stage for your best growing season yet
Here in Central Florida, most people think of spring as the prime time to garden. But if you’ve lived here long enough—or watched your lettuce melt in April—you know that fall is where the magic happens. Our second (and often better) growing season starts in late summer, and what you do now in June and July can set you up for a healthy, vibrant garden come September.
So no, it’s not too soon to start planning your fall garden. In fact, you’ll thank yourself later.
Why Plan in June and July?
Avoid the September panic: Most gardeners wait until they feel a chill in the air—but by then, it’s often too late to start seeds or prep your beds.
Supplies are more available now: Soil amendments, seeds, raised beds, and even compost are easier to find before fall rush hits.
The soil is workable: Summer rains help soften the ground, making it easier to add compost, pull weeds, and reshape beds without fighting baked clay.
What to Do Now
1. Clear Out the Tired Summer Beds
Pull out bolted greens, dried-up basil, and any summer crops that are past their prime. Make room for what’s next.
2. Top-Dress with Compost
Add a 1–2 inch layer of compost, worm castings, or aged manure. Let it rest and mellow with the rain. This feeds your soil and gets microbes working again.
3. Plan Your Planting Zones
Do you want a salad garden? An herb garden? A pollinator patch? Decide now and sketch your layout while the beds are still empty.
4. Start Seeds Indoors
By late July, you can begin starting seeds for:
Kale
Collards
Broccoli
Marigolds
Zinnias
Parsley
5. Solarize Weedy Beds (Optional)
Cover weedy areas with a clear tarp for 4–6 weeks to kill off unwanted seeds using the summer sun. It’s a natural way to reset your soil.
Top Crops to Grow This Fall in Central Florida
Leafy Greens: kale, arugula, collards, Swiss chard, lettuce
Root Veggies: carrots, beets, radishes, turnips
Herbs: parsley, dill, cilantro, fennel, thyme
Edibles for Pollinators: calendula, nasturtiums, zinnias
Bonus: Don’t Forget to Water Deeply
While we’re getting rain now, your soil can still dry out quickly. Water deeply but less frequently to encourage strong root systems—and always water in the early morning.
Ready to Grow with Confidence?
If this is your first fall garden—or your tenth—I’d love to help you create a thriving, beautiful space you can actually enjoy. Whether you need a custom planting plan, help setting up raised beds, or just a little garden wisdom over coffee, I’ve got you covered.
Click here to schedule a consultation or reach out anytime.
Happy planning,
Larissa
Stepping Stone Garden Coach