What to plant this week in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Fort Lauderdale gardeners face a unique challenge this week: while your Zone 11a heat supports rapid growth, the lack of frost dates and warm nights mean plants like Okra and Watermelon are ready for immediate harvest or sowing. With no winter break to signal dormancy, you must stay vigilant against humidity-driven diseases rather than worrying about freezing damage.
The next 7 days
Fort Lauderdale, FLGrowing in Fort Lauderdale right now
- The sandy soils common in Broward County drain quickly after our summer rains; apply 2-3 inches of organic matter like pine straw before planting Sweet Corn or Zucchini to retain moisture.
- Our intense afternoon sun can scorch tender seedlings fast, so start Cosmos and Shiso under temporary shade cloth for the first week until they harden off.
- Since transplants are rarely needed here due to year-round warmth, focus on direct sowing crops like Malabar Spinach and Cucumber right now for best results.
Sow this week
22 crops- Basil
- Cantaloupe
- Cleome (Spider Flower)
- Cosmos
- Cowpea (Black-Eyed Pea)
- Cucumber
- French Marigold
- Garden Verbena
- Gourd (Ornamental/Bottle)
- Honeydew Melon
- Malabar Spinach
- Nasturtium
- Okra
- Shiso (Japanese Basil)
- Sunflower
- 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
24 crops- Basil
- Cantaloupe
- Cleome (Spider Flower)
- Cosmos
- Cowpea (Black-Eyed Pea)
- Cucumber
- French Marigold
- Garden Verbena
- Gourd (Ornamental/Bottle)
- Honeydew Melon
- Loofah (Luffa)
- Malabar Spinach
- Nasturtium
- Okra
- Roselle (Cranberry Hibiscus)
- Shiso (Japanese Basil)
- Sunflower
- Sweet Corn
- Thai Basil
- Vinca (Madagascar Periwinkle)
- Watermelon
- Yellow Summer Squash
- Zinnia
- Zucchini
Seasonal tips
- Succession sow quick-maturing beans or lettuce between heavy harvests of corn and squash.
- Pinch back the tips of basil and marigolds regularly to encourage bushier growth.
- Add a light layer of organic mulch around young plants to retain moisture as heat increases.
Pest & disease watch
- Aphid outbreaks are frequent on Sunflower and Zinnia stems during our humid spells; inspect the undersides of leaves daily and spray with insecticidal soap if populations spike.
- Spider Mites thrive in Fort Lauderdale's dry winds, especially attacking French Marigold and Garden Verbena; rinse plants with a strong water jet early morning to dislodge them.
Watering this week
Provide deep watering in the early morning, especially during midday heat spikes to prevent wilting.
Harvest basil leaves just before they flower to keep the plant producing fragrant greens longer.
Fort Lauderdale gardening questions
3Can I plant Cool-season crops like Kale or Lettuce now?
No, the current heat will bolt these plants immediately before they produce heads. Wait until late summer when temperatures dip slightly lower for a brief cool-weather window if you want to try greens later in the season.
How often should I water my Okra and Squash during this dry stretch?
Water deeply once or twice weekly rather than daily light sprinkles, as frequent shallow watering encourages weak root systems on our sandy soil. Water early morning to let leaves dry before sunset and reduce fungal risk.
My Cantaloupe flowers are dropping off—what's causing this?
Flower drop in Fort Lauderdale is usually caused by fluctuating temperatures or inconsistent watering rather than cold stress. Ensure consistent moisture and consider applying a light phosphorus boost to encourage pollination success.
Other cities in zone 11a
2See the full zone 11a guide → · Plan your Fort Lauderdale garden in SproutGuide →