Now
29°C · Overcast
Today
31° / 24°
Soil 6 cm
29°C
First frost
Rare
Gardening in Miami
AI field guide · refreshed weeklyMiami Gardening: September—Cool-Season Crops Begin, Heat-Lovers Peak
Zone 11a means frost is essentially absent—you garden year-round. September marks the transition into Miami's prime growing season (October–May). Soil at 29°C (84°F) is still warm but cooling; this week's light rain and stable temps create ideal conditions for starting cool-season crops that will thrive through winter. No frost risk here, ever.
Sow outdoors now
Lettuce (Lactuca sativa)
Direct-sow 'Buttercrunch', 'Jericho', or 'Salad Bowl' varieties. Germinates fast in 29°C soil; thin seedlings to 15 cm (6 in) spacing. Harvest in 45–50 days.
Spinach (Spinacia oleracea)
Sow 'Space' or 'Bloomsdale Long Standing'. Prefers cooler nights ahead; germinates well now and produces through winter. Thin to 10 cm (4 in).
Radish (Raphanus sativus)
Direct-sow 'Cherry Belle' or 'Icicle'. Ready in 25–30 days; tolerates heat and light shade. Succession-sow weekly for continuous harvest.
Beet (Beta vulgaris)
Sow 'Detroit Dark Red' or 'Golden'. Soil temp is still warm enough for germination; roots mature in 60–70 days as temps drop. Thin to 8 cm (3 in).
Arugula (Eruca vesicana)
Direct-sow thickly; thin to 10 cm (4 in). Germinates quickly in warm soil, grows fast through fall, and bolts less once October cools arrive.
Start indoors now
Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) – transplants
Start 'Cherry', 'Sungold', or 'Micro Tom' indoors now for transplanting in 4–5 weeks (early October). Miami's winter is mild enough for year-round tomato growth if you choose heat-tolerant varieties.
Pepper (Capsicum annuum) – transplants
Start 'Jalapeño', 'Habanero', or 'Thai Hot' indoors. Peppers need 8–10 weeks to transplant size; October planting gives them a full winter-to-spring season.
Eggplant (Solanum melongena) – transplants
Start 'Ichiban', 'Orient Express', or 'Black Beauty'. Thrives in Miami's warmth; transplant in early October for harvest by December.
Harvest now
Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus)
Still producing in September heat. Pick pods at 7–10 cm (3–4 in) daily; older pods become woody. Expect decline as October cools arrive.
Basil (Ocimum basilicum)
Pinch flowering tips to extend season. Sweet basil slows as temps stabilize; Thai and African Blue varieties tolerate heat better.
Chili peppers (Capsicum spp.)
Habanero, Scotch Bonnet, and Thai varieties still producing. Harvest regularly to encourage more fruit.
Tasks this week
- Mulch beds with 5 cm (2 in) of compost or wood chips to retain moisture and moderate soil temp as it cools.
- Set up drip irrigation or soaker hoses; September–October often brings scattered rain, but consistency matters for germinating seeds.
- Scout for spider mites and whiteflies (common in Miami heat); spray neem oil early morning if populations spike.
- Deadhead spent flowers on heat-lovers (basil, okra) to redirect energy to new growth.
- Prepare beds for October transplants by working in 2–3 cm (1 in) aged compost and checking soil pH (aim for 6.0–7.0).
Watch out for
- Tropical Storm Season: September is peak Atlantic hurricane/tropical storm season. Secure trellises, stake tall plants, and have a plan to protect seedlings if heavy wind arrives.
- Fungal diseases: High humidity (79% today) plus warm soil create ideal conditions for powdery mildew and leaf spot. Ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering.
- Heat stress on transplants: If you move seedlings outdoors this week, harden them off gradually (start with 2–3 hours shade, increase daily) to prevent wilting.
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