What to plant this week in Tampa, FL
Tampa gardeners are deep in the heart of year-round growing, where last week's chill has long passed and temperatures now consistently hover well above 50°F. This week marks a prime window to sow heat-loving staples like okra and bush beans directly into our sandy soils while beginning the harvest cycle for winter squash and mature zucchini.
The next 7 days
Tampa, FLGrowing in Tampa right now
- Our coastal sandy soil drains quickly, so mulch heavily around young tomato and pepper plants to retain moisture in this humid spring air.
- With frost dates effectively over until late December, treat your garden as a tropical operation; plant cold-sensitive crops like cantaloupe and watermelon immediately without hesitation.
- Watch for rapid nutrient leaching in our porous soil after heavy rains typical of the Tampa Bay area, applying slow-release fertilizer sparingly rather than heavily.
- Space pollinator-friendly Zinnias and Cosmos close together to attract bees that are essential for setting your squash and melon crops.
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
- Spider mites can explode in populations during hot, dry spells later this month; inspect undersides of leaves on okra and beans regularly.
- Aphid colonies often build up fast on the new growth of sweet corn and pole beans in our humid climate; rinse with water or use insecticidal soap early.
- Root-knot nematodes are a persistent issue in Tampa's sandy loam, particularly affecting cucumbers and squash; rotate crops to non-susceptible families like legumes.
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.
Tampa gardening questions
3Can I still plant cold-sensitive vegetables like okra or watermelon now in Tampa?
Absolutely. Since our last average frost date is January 15th, the ground is warm enough this week to direct sow heat lovers like okra and watermelon without any protection.
My zucchini plants are getting huge; when should I start harvesting?
You can begin picking your yellow summer squash and zucchini soon. Harvest them regularly before they get too large, as leaving them on the plant stops new fruit from developing.
How do I protect my tomatoes in Tampa's sandy soil from drying out?
Because our native sand drains so fast, apply a thick layer of organic mulch like pine straw or shredded leaves around the base to keep roots cool and moisture consistent during dry spells.
Other cities in zone 10a
6See the full zone 10a guide → · Plan your Tampa garden in SproutGuide →