Beat the Heat and Grow a Bountiful Summer Garden with These Easy, Delicious Crops
Let’s talk about veggies for Central Florida – This season, my adventures in vegetable gardening have been a mixed bag. While I can’t say it’s been a banner year for every crop, there have still been some bright spots worth celebrating. Among the successes, I managed to harvest a good amount of collard greens and bok choy, which I promptly blanched for storage.
The beets—both orange and classic varieties—did particularly well, and I also gathered a fair number of radishes and broccoli heads. Potatoes, both red and Yukon gold, came up nicely, and my beds of butter and romaine lettuces flourished. Jalapeño peppers, along with a handful of sweet peppers and a patch of arugula, rounded out my list of wins.
On the flip side, several crops left me disappointed. My tomato plants struggled, and the cabbages never really took off. Eggplants were the biggest letdown—just a single, undersized fruit appeared all season. Even more frustrating were the seeds that never germinated at all, like my carrots and field greens. Gardening in Central Florida is always a challenge. The sandy soil demands constant improvement, and it’s tough to know whether the plants are getting everything they need to thrive.
Despite these setbacks, one highlight has truly made my year: the Nam Dok Mai mango tree in my yard. My excitement is hard to contain! Two years ago, I watched in dismay as nearly all the tiny mangoes dropped prematurely, leaving me with just one fruit to savor. That lone mango turned out to be a revelation—silky, sweet, and free of any fibrous texture. I shared it with my husband, and we both agreed it was the best we’d ever tasted.
Fast forward to 2025, and the tree has finally come into its own. The sun-facing side is now heavy with around a hundred ripening mangoes. I’m keeping a close eye on the weather, hoping strong winds don’t spoil this long-awaited bounty. A helpful tip from my mechanic made all the difference: he recommended thoroughly soaking the soil around the tree, which seems to have prevented the premature fruit drop that plagued me before. I’m grateful for the advice and relieved to see the tree thriving.
Looking ahead to the coming months, I’m planning another round of eggplants, peppers, and cherry tomatoes. I’ll also be adding swiss chard and southern peas to the mix, and I’ve already put in corn and sweet potatoes. Fingers crossed for better results this time!
One valuable lesson I picked up from YouTube gardener @jamesprigioni is to shield crops from intense sunlight with shade cloth. After purchasing a few of these covers online, I’ve noticed a definite improvement in how well my plants handle the spring/summer heat. Here’s hoping these strategies lead to a more fruitful harvest in the next cycle!
Now, let’s dig into the seven must grow veggies to plant in Central Florida during June and July, along with planting tips and when you can expect to start harvesting your hard-earned bounty.
Cherry Tomatoes
Cherry tomatoes are a must grow veggie for Central Florida—sweet, juicy, and perfect for snacking or tossing into salads. But summer heat can be brutal on tomatoes. The trick? Start them indoors with a grow light in June or July, then transplant them outside once they’re sturdy enough to handle the sun. Choose heat-tolerant varieties for the best results.
Planting Tips:
- Start seeds indoors in seed trays or small pots.
- Use a high-quality seed starting mix.
- Transplant seedlings outside after 4–6 weeks, ideally under a shade cloth to protect from midday sun.
- Water consistently, but don’t let the soil get soggy.
Harvest Time:
Expect to harvest cherry tomatoes about 60–70 days after sowing. Once the plants are established outdoors, they’ll keep producing through the summer if you keep them watered and protected from pests.
Corn
Nothing says summer like fresh corn on the cob! Central Florida’s long, hot days are perfect for growing sweet corn, especially if you plant in June or early July. Corn grows fast and needs plenty of sun and space.
Planting Tips:
- Direct sow seeds outdoors in blocks (not single rows) for better pollination.
- Space seeds about 12–18 inches apart in rows 24–36 inches apart.
- Keep soil consistently moist, especially during germination and tasseling.
- Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer at planting and again when plants are knee-high.
Harvest Time:
Corn is ready to harvest 60–95 days after planting, depending on the variety. Ears are ready when the silks turn brown and the kernels are plump and milky when punctured.
Eggplant
Eggplants love heat, making them a great fit for Central Florida summers—if you start them right. Like tomatoes, eggplants do best when started indoors in June or July and transplanted out once they’re strong enough. ‘Black Beauty’ is a classic variety that does well in Florida’s conditions.
Planting Tips:
- Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before transplanting.
- Use a sturdy potting mix and keep seedlings under a grow light.
- Transplant outside when plants are at least 6–8 inches tall and nighttime temps are consistently above 65°F.
- Mulch around plants to retain soil moisture and keep roots cool.
Harvest Time:
Eggplants are ready to pick 75–110 days after sowing, or about 60–80 days after transplanting. Harvest when fruits are glossy and firm, before the skin dulls.
Peppers
Peppers—both sweet and hot—can be grown in Central Florida’s summer, but like tomatoes and eggplant, they prefer to start life indoors before facing the blazing sun. Jalapeños, bell peppers, and specialty varieties like cachucha/aji dulce all thrive here.
Planting Tips:
- Start seeds indoors 8–10 weeks before transplanting.
- Use a grow light for strong seedlings.
- Transplant outside under shade cloth when plants are 6–8 inches tall.
- Water regularly and mulch to conserve moisture.
Harvest Time:
Peppers are usually ready 60–100 days from transplanting, depending on the variety. Pick when fruits are firm and reach their mature color.
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are one of the easiest and most rewarding veggies for Central Florida summers. They thrive in sandy soil and love the heat, making them a top pick for June and July planting.
Planting Tips:
- Plant slips (rooted cuttings) directly into loose, well-amended soil.
- Space slips 12–18 inches apart in rows 36 inches apart.
- Water well after planting, then keep soil moist but not soggy.
- Vines will sprawl, so give them plenty of room.
Harvest Time:
Sweet potatoes are ready to dig up 90–120 days after planting. Leaves will start to yellow when tubers are mature. Be gentle when harvesting to avoid bruising the delicate skins.
Swiss Chard
Swiss chard is a heat-tolerant leafy green that can handle Central Florida’s summer sun, especially with a bit of shade cloth. It’s a great alternative to spinach, which struggles in the heat.
Planting Tips:
- Direct sow seeds outdoors or start indoors for transplanting.
- Space seeds 6–12 inches apart.
- Mulch to keep roots cool and retain moisture.
- Harvest outer leaves regularly to encourage new growth.
Harvest Time:
Swiss chard can be harvested as baby greens in about 30 days, or as mature leaves in 50–60 days. It will keep producing through the summer and even into the cooler months.
Southern Beans (Southern Peas)
Southern beans (not my favorite, but I like to plant them for my neighbors) —also known as southern peas, cowpeas, or black-eyed peas—are classic summer crops for Central Florida. They thrive in the heat and help improve soil by fixing nitrogen.
Planting Tips:
- Direct sow seeds outdoors in rows 2–3 feet apart.
- Space seeds 2–4 inches apart.
- Water well during germination, then reduce watering once established.
- Minimal fertilizer needed—these beans enrich the soil!
Harvest Time:
Southern beans are ready to harvest 60–90 days after planting. Pick pods when they’re plump but before they dry out for fresh eating, or allow them to dry fully for storage.
Bonus: Flowers to Brighten Your Garden
Don’t forget to add some color and pollinator power to your veggie patch!
Summer Flowers
- Blanket Flowers (Gaillardia): Perennials in Central Florida, they bloom in vibrant reds and yellows and attract pollinators all summer long.
- Pentas: These butterfly magnets come in pinks, reds, and whites and thrive in the heat.
- Blue Daze: Low-growing, blue-flowered groundcover that loves the sun.
- Blue Salvia: Tall spikes of blue flowers that attract bees and butterflies.
Central Florida Summer Gardening Tips
- Shade Cloth is Your Friend: Protect tender plants from harsh afternoon sun with a 30–50% shade cloth. This helps prevent sunburn and keeps soil cooler.
- Water Wisely: Early morning or late evening is best. Drip irrigation or soaker hoses save water and keep leaves dry, reducing disease risk.
- Mulch, Mulch, Mulch: A thick layer of mulch (pine straw, leaves, or compost) helps retain moisture and keeps roots cool.
- Fertilize Carefully: Use a balanced organic fertilizer or compost at planting and again mid-season.
- Watch for Pests: Neem oil is a great organic option for aphids, whiteflies, and other common pests.
Savor the Fruits (and Veggies) of Your Labor
There’s nothing quite like sweating it out in the Florida sun, dirt under your fingernails, and then biting into a fresh tomato or sweet, homegrown corn. Central Florida gardening isn’t easy—you’ll battle sandy soil, relentless heat, and the occasional pest invasion. But with a little planning, the right varieties, and a few tricks (hello, shade cloth!), you can enjoy a garden that’s both beautiful and bountiful.
So go ahead—plant those veggies for Central Florida like cherry tomatoes, corn, eggplant, peppers, sweet potatoes, Swiss chard, and southern beans. Add a splash of color with blanket flowers and pentas. And when you finally sit down to a meal made from your own backyard, take a moment to admire the beauty and abundance you’ve created. Happy planting!
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