What to Grow in South Florida (Zone 11) in October: A Goblin’s Guide
October in South Florida isn’t about sweaters and pumpkin spice—it’s about sweating and planting! In Zone 11, the growing season is practically year-round, and October is the perfect time to get some seriously cool crops into the ground. Grab your trowel, garden gnome, and a glass of iced tea (you’ll need it), and let’s dive into what you can grow this month.
1. Tomatoes: Your Garden’s Red Gems
Tomatoes are the unofficial kings of the October garden. Here in South Florida, you want to go with heat-tolerant varieties that won’t melt under the sun. Try ‘Everglades’ tomatoes—they’re native to Florida and basically indestructible. Other winners include ‘Roma’ (great for sauces) and ‘Heatmaster’ (the name says it all). In South Florida’s warm fall, these varieties thrive. Plant them in well-draining soil, give them 6-8 hours of sunlight, and water consistently. Your tomato plants will be popping with fruits before you know it.
2. Peppers: Spice Things Up
Hot or sweet, October is the month to start growing peppers! For South Florida, varieties like ‘Cayenne’, ‘Jalapeño’, and ‘Cubanelle’ are great choices. They handle the heat well and love the full sun. Bell peppers like ‘California Wonder’ are also good options for subtropical gardens. Whether you prefer spicy or sweet, these peppers will add color and flavor to your garden—and your meals! Just give them time to ripen, and soon you’ll be swimming in peppers.
3. Herbs: The Kitchen’s Best Friend
Fresh herbs are a garden staple, and in October, you can plant a variety that will thrive in the Florida warmth. Basil (especially ‘Genovese’) loves the sun and will thrive in these conditions, while mint (go for ‘Spearmint’ or ‘Peppermint’) prefers a bit more shade. Other great choices are oregano (try ‘Greek Oregano’), thyme (‘English Thyme’ is a good pick), and cilantro. Just imagine fresh mojitos with your homegrown mint—it’s basically mandatory in this heat.
4. Leafy Greens: Salad’s Back on the Menu
October evenings are (finally) cooler, so it’s the perfect time to plant leafy greens. ‘Buttercrunch’ lettuce, ‘Red Romaine’, and ‘Lacinato Kale’ (also known as dinosaur kale) are some of the best greens for subtropical climates. If you’re into spinach, ‘Malabar Spinach’ is the MVP of warm-weather greens. These greens are easy to grow in containers or garden beds, and in just a few weeks, you’ll have the freshest salads in town.
5. Beans: Legume It to Me
Beans are the MVPs of your fall garden. October is prime time to plant varieties like ‘Contender’ bush beans or ‘Kentucky Wonder’ pole beans—both thrive in warm weather and give you a bountiful harvest. These beans grow quickly and are very low-maintenance. Plus, they’re nitrogen-fixers, meaning they help improve your soil as they grow. Win-win!
6. Eggplant: The Bold & Beautiful Veggie
Eggplant loves Florida’s tropical climate and October is prime time to plant varieties like ‘Black Beauty’ and ‘Ping Tung Long’ (an Asian variety that’s slender and perfect for stir-fry). Eggplants enjoy full sun, well-drained soil, and a good dose of compost to keep them happy. Once they start producing, you’ll have a garden full of glossy, delicious eggplants ready for your culinary adventures.
7. Carrots: Underground Magic
October is carrot-planting season in Zone 11, and these root veggies love loose, sandy soil. Varieties like ‘Nantes’ and ‘Danvers’ carrots grow particularly well in subtropical conditions. They’re sweet, crunchy, and perfect for adding to fall soups, salads, or even snacking right out of the garden. Just plant them now, and in a couple of months, you’ll have fresh carrots that’ll put store-bought ones to shame.
8. Squash: Pumpkins Aren’t the Only Stars
While pumpkins are the stars of October, don’t forget their cousins, squash! ‘Cocozelle Zucchini’, ‘Butternut Squash’, and ‘Yellow Crookneck Squash’ thrive in South Florida’s October climate. These guys need space to sprawl, so give them room and some good, rich soil. Soon enough, you’ll have squash to spare for everything from soups to casseroles to desserts.
Gnome-tastic Tips for Growing in October
- Watering Wisdom: October can still be hot, so make sure your plants get about an inch of water a week. Morning watering is best, especially in humid Florida, to prevent mold and mildew.
- Pest Patrol: Keep an eye out for aphids, caterpillars, and whiteflies. Neem oil or insecticidal soap are great organic options to keep pests at bay.
- Compost Craze: Mix in some compost when planting to give your crops a nutrient boost. Your future salads and stir-fries will thank you.
Final Thoughts from the Gnomestead
October in South Florida is like a gardening sweet spot. The heat of summer is fading (slowly), and the cooler months ahead make it perfect for a wide variety of crops. So, whether you’re growing veggies for dinner or herbs to sprinkle on your pizza, Zone 11’s October planting calendar is bursting with possibilities.
Now, go forth and grow! Your garden gnome army is ready to assist. 🌱🧙♂️
GoblinSteader 