South Florida is warmer compared to the rest of the parts of Florida. The warm and humid climate of South Florida gives us the chance to grow a variety of vegetables. But this suitable climate brings a lot of challenges too (like pest attacks, diseases, and drought). Considering all the facts, I have created this list of 10 easy-to-grow vegetables in South Florida.
Well, here I have listed those vegetables that require low maintenance and low effort and you don't have to spend much time caring for them.
Low maintenance means they will perform well with less caring or minimal caring.
Note: Florida Native plants are the easiest to grow. Unfortunately, most of the edible native plants do not fall under the vegetable category.
You may find most of the low-maintenance veggies can be grown in cooler months in South Florida. The reason is simple: pests/harmful insects are less likely to attack our vegetable plants in wintertime due to low humidity.
List of 10 low-maintenance easy to grow vegetables for South Florida
Let's look at the 10 easy-to-grow vegetables:
Spinach
Spinach is a popular leafy green that grows well in South Florida with very little maintenance. From when I started gardening at the age of 14 with my grandfather, I never missed growing Spinach even in a single growing season. In South Florida, spinach is best planted during the cooler months, from October to February.
If you want the full-year planting calendar for South Florida, this is for you: South Florida Visual Planting Calendar
Beets
Beets are another root-type vegetable that thrives in South Florida when planted at the right time. It loves cool weather. You can plant Beet from October to March (But if you want the best result try to plant in between October – February).
Note: Try direct seed sowing and avoid transplanting. They don't like the roots to be disturbed.
Broccoli
One of my favorite vegetables is Broccoli, not only do I love to grow it, but also I love to consume this vegetable.
In the South Florida climate, broccoli grows best during the colder months, from September to February. Since broccoli prefers temperatures between 55–75°F, planting it in fall and winter helps prevent heat stress and bolting.
Note: "Green Magic" variety is heat tolerant and performs great in South Florida.
Okra
Okra loves warm weather. It performs best when the temperature is consistently above 70°F. For this reason, spring and summer are the suitable time for starting this vegetable in South Florida. It loves full sun for 6 to 8 hours a day.
Try to plant it between March to November. Direct seed sowing will give a better result for Okra.
Note: Each Okra flower will produce an Okra. A small pod forms and grows behind the dead flower.
Lettuce
Lettuce is super easy to grow in South Florida's climate. Since lettuce prefers temperatures between 45–75°F, it is better to plant it in the cooler months between October to February.
Note: To make it easier to grow Lettuce, choose the heat tolerant varieties like: Black Seeded Simpson and Salad Bowl.
Due to heavy heat, some lettuce turns bitter.
Radish
Cooler months are perfect for radish as it loves cold weather. October to March is perfect for planting and growing this cool-weather root vegetable. Loose and well-drainage soil with organic matter will help to increase your radish well.
Note: If you want Peppery - spicy flavor, go for red radish instead of white.
Carrot
Carrot is a popular root vegetable rich in nutrients like vitamin A and vitamin K. Cooler months from October to March are the perfect time as it performs great in cool temperatures. It loves loose, well drainage and sandy or loamy soil.
Pepper
Pepper is another vegetable that is easier to plant and grow comparable to most of the other vegetables. In South Florida, peppers grow best from September to March. Soil with well-draining, rich in organic matter, with a pH of 6.0–6.8 is the best. It requires 6 to 8 hours of sunlight daily.
Sweet potato
In South Florida, sweet potatoes grow well in warmer seasons. You should plant it between March and June. A full sun of 6 to 8 hours daily is perfect.
Eggplant
In South Florida, you can start eggplant successfully anytime between August and February. It generally prefers the cool season of South Florida. Black Beauty, Dancer, Dusky, and Long are some of the eggplant varieties that are easy to grow in South Florida. These varieties have a low chance of attracting pests.
Aphids are a pest that is sometimes found on eggplant. Here is a guide on how to deal with it easily: Aphids on Eggplant - How to get rid of it.
