SproutGuide Almanac · updated weekly

SproutGuide

What to plant this week in Zone 12a

Week of 2026-W31

Welcome to the tropical paradise of Zone 12a, where frost is a thing of the past and you can enjoy year-round gardening. This week is perfect for sowing Malabar Spinach and Okra directly into your warm soil.

In the ground

Sow this week

2 crops
  • Malabar Spinach
  • Okra
Move out

Transplant this week

Nothing is due to go out this week.

Coming ripe

Harvest soon

2 crops
  • Malabar Spinach
  • Okra
Do this now

Seasonal tips

  • Keep your okra seedlings well-watered as they establish their deep roots.
  • Thin out Malabar Spinach seedlings to ensure each plant has enough space to thrive.
  • Consider adding a light layer of organic mulch to retain moisture in the intense heat.
Keep watch

Pest & disease watch

  • Watch for aphids clustering on new Okra growth and spray with water if needed.
  • Check Malabar Spinach leaves for signs of spider mites in dry, hot conditions.
Water

Watering this week

Water deeply in the early morning to provide plants with moisture before the midday heat sets in.

One more thing

Harvest your Okra pods regularly to encourage continued production throughout the season.

All year

Zone 12a planting calendar

3 crops

Average planting and harvest windows for everything that grows in zone 12a — dates shift a week or two with the season, so treat them as a starting point and check the weekly guide above for what's open right now.

Vegetables 3

Vegetable planting and harvest windows for USDA zone 12a
CropStart indoorsSow outdoors TransplantHarvestMaturity JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Malabar Spinach Jan 11 – Jan 18 Feb 15 – Sep 22 Feb 15 – Mar 1 Apr 16 – Dec 1 65d
Okra Feb 22 – Sep 27 Feb 22 – Mar 8 Apr 18 – Dec 1 60d
Sweet Potato Feb 15 – Mar 15 May 16 – Jul 13 105d

Plan your own zone 12a garden in SproutGuide →