What to plant this week in Miami, FL
In Miami's frost-free Zone 11a, this week marks the peak of intense summer growth where heat-loving crops like okra, watermelon, and Malabar spinach thrive without a worry of chilling. With no last or first frost dates to track, your focus shifts entirely to managing humidity, heavy afternoon rains, and rapid plant development.
The next 7 days
Miami, FLGrowing in Miami right now
- Miami's sandy, acidic soils drain quickly after tropical downpours; consider adding organic matter or using raised beds for deep-rooted crops like sweet corn to prevent root rot during wet spells.
- The intense July-August heat can scorch basil and shiso leaves; provide afternoon shade cloth or move containers to sheltered patios to maintain leaf quality.
- Monitor soil moisture closely after passing tropical systems, as the porous local sand dries out faster than clay-rich areas but requires frequent watering in this humidity.
- Avoid planting transplants directly into wet ground; wait for drainage before introducing any new seedlings until the next week.
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
- Spider mites and aphids are exploding in populations due to high heat and low wind, targeting French marigolds and garden verbena with rapid infestation.
- Fruit flies are a constant summer nuisance in Miami kitchens; keep harvested okra, cucumbers, and squash covered immediately after cutting from the vine.
- Anthracnose fungal spots are appearing on yellow summer squash and zucchini leaves where humidity stays high for days without sun.
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.
Miami gardening questions
3Can I still start seeds indoors now or should everything go straight in the ground?
Given Miami's warm temperatures, there is no need to start anything indoors; simply sow basil, cosmos, and nasturtium directly into prepared beds this week.
My watermelons look fine but aren't ripening; is it too hot?
While extreme heat can slow sugar development, your vines are likely just prioritizing leaf growth over fruit maturation right now.
How do I protect my sweet corn from birds in this stormy season?
Since we have no frost protection needed, use floating row covers or individual netting over each ear immediately after silk emergence.
Other cities in zone 11a
2See the full zone 11a guide → · Plan your Miami garden in SproutGuide →