What to plant this week in Orlando, FL
Orlando gardeners are in the thick of peak summer heat as temperatures consistently hover above 90°F, making this week all about sowing warm-season crops like okra and sweet corn that thrive in our subtropical climate. With no frost risk until mid-January, you have months left to harvest bush beans, zucchini, and watermelon from your current plots before the intense humidity hits next August.
The next 7 days
Orlando, FLGrowing in Orlando right now
- Our sandy soils near Lake Apopka drain quickly during summer rainstorms, so add organic matter like composted pine straw or peat moss to help retain moisture for newly sown seeds.
- The region's high humidity creates a 'greenhouse effect' in dense plantings; space your sweet corn and squash carefully to improve air circulation and reduce fungal pressure.
- Since we rarely experience freezing nights, there is no need to cover tender transplants like basil or zinnia this week—they are ready to go straight into the sun.
- Monitor soil moisture closely after our frequent afternoon thunderstorms, as heavy rain can wash away delicate seeds sown directly in the ground.
Sow this week
27 crops- Basil
- Borage
- Bush Bean
- Cantaloupe
- Cleome (Spider Flower)
- Cosmos
- Cowpea (Black-Eyed Pea)
- Cucumber
- Edamame
- Fennel
- French Marigold
- Garden Verbena
- Lima Bean
- Malabar Spinach
- Nasturtium
- Okra
- Pole Bean
- Scarlet Runner Bean
- Shiso (Japanese Basil)
- Summer Savory
- Sweet Corn
- Thai Basil
- Vinca (Madagascar Periwinkle)
- Watermelon
- Yellow Summer Squash
- Zinnia
- Zucchini
Transplant this week
Nothing is due to go out this week.
Harvest soon
35 crops- Basil
- Borage
- Bush Bean
- Cantaloupe
- Cleome (Spider Flower)
- Cosmos
- Cowpea (Black-Eyed Pea)
- Cucumber
- Edamame
- Fennel
- Flour Corn
- French Marigold
- Garden Verbena
- Gourd (Ornamental/Bottle)
- Honeydew Melon
- Lima Bean
- Loofah (Luffa)
- Malabar Spinach
- Nasturtium
- Okra
- Pole Bean
- Pumpkin
- Roselle (Cranberry Hibiscus)
- Scarlet Runner Bean
- Shiso (Japanese Basil)
- Summer Savory
- Sunflower
- Sweet Corn
- Thai Basil
- Vinca (Madagascar Periwinkle)
- Watermelon
- Winter Squash
- Yellow Summer Squash
- Zinnia
- Zucchini
Seasonal tips
- Succession sow fast-growing bush beans every two weeks to ensure a steady harvest through the heat.
- Pinch back the tops of basil plants regularly to encourage bushier growth before they flower.
- Apply a light layer of compost around established squash and melons to conserve moisture in the dry air.
Pest & disease watch
- Watch for spider mites clustering on the undersides of leafy greens and herbs as humidity fluctuates during dry spells between storms.
- Early-season aphids are likely colonizing your new zinnia and cosmos seedlings; a strong blast of water or insecticidal soap can keep populations down.
- Flea beetles often target young okra and bean plants, leaving characteristic 'shot-hole' damage in the foliage.
Watering this week
Water deeply in the early morning to reduce evaporation and keep foliage dry throughout the day.
If your sweet corn is tasseling now, plant another row immediately for a second harvest later this summer.
Orlando gardening questions
3Can I still start tomatoes now that we are deep into summer?
Yes, you can plant heat-tolerant varieties like 'Sun Gold' or 'Celebrity' directly into the ground this week, though they will take longer to set fruit than spring-planted ones.
My basil plants are bolting and going to seed; should I cut them back?
Shear the stems back by half immediately to encourage a second flush of growth, but be aware that in Orlando's intense heat, basil may eventually bolt faster if temperatures stay above 90°F.
How often should I water my squash and melons during this dry spell?
Aim for one deep watering every two days to keep the soil consistently moist without overwatering, as shallow roots in sandy soil are prone to drying out rapidly under direct sun.
Other cities in zone 10a
6See the full zone 10a guide → · Plan your Orlando garden in SproutGuide →