What to plant this week in Tampa, FL
In Tampa's tropical heat, this week marks the absolute peak of summer harvests as the air remains well above 90°F with no chance of frost. Gardeners should focus on pulling mature crops like zucchini, okra, and melons before they overheat or crack in our intense afternoon sun.
The next 7 days
Tampa, FLGrowing in Tampa right now
- Our sandy Hillsborough County soil dries rapidly during these dry spells; water deeply early morning to keep roots hydrated without washing away nutrients.
- With no frost risk until mid-January, there is zero urgency for cold-tender transplants; focus energy solely on heat-lovers and annuals listed in your sowable list.
- The intense Tampa sun can scorch young foliage quickly; provide temporary shade cloth for new seedlings of Cosmos or Zinnia planted this week.
- Monitor for late-season fruit cracking on watermelons and cantaloupes as humidity drops slightly toward the end of the summer season.
Sow this week
26 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)
- 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 bush beans every two weeks to ensure a continuous summer supply.
- Thin emerging seedlings now so they can develop strong root systems before heat sets in.
- Mulch around heat-sensitive plants like fennel and nasturtium to keep soil temperatures stable.
Pest & disease watch
- Aphid outbreaks are common now on the undersides of Okra, Bush Beans, and Shiso leaves; spray with insecticidal soap or strong water jets.
- Spider Mites thrive in our dry, hot afternoons and will attack Fennel and Malabar Spinach if humidity is low; mist plants late evening to suppress them.
- Fire ants often nest near garden beds in Tampa's sandy soil; avoid stepping on mounds and use diatomaceous earth as a barrier around vulnerable seedlings.
Watering this week
Water deeply in the morning to reduce evaporation while keeping foliage dry to prevent fungal issues.
Pinch off spent flowers from zinnias regularly to encourage a second wave of blooms later this season.
Tampa gardening questions
3Should I start any new vegetable seeds this week?
No, the current heat is too intense for starting most vegetables indoors or outdoors; wait until late August or September for cool-season crops like lettuce.
When do I harvest my watermelons and cantaloupes in Tampa?
You can expect to harvest these melons any day now, especially if the ground feels firm when tapped and they have lost their green sheen near the stem.
How often should I water my Zucchini and Yellow Summer Squash right now?
Water deeply 2-3 times per week early in the morning to encourage deep roots, as our sandy soil drains too quickly for shallow watering.
Other cities in zone 10a
6See the full zone 10a guide → · Plan your Tampa garden in SproutGuide →