August Vegetables: What to plant in your Florida Vegetable Garden month by month

[@godisincontrol32]

Yay 🎉 Time to start the fall Garden 😊

[@davidthegood]

You are like my twin sister. Good advice.

[@WildFloridian]

That’s high praise! Especially since you are close to your family! Thanks for stopping by 😄

[@teresaholland4790]

Being a native Fl girl and having being recently diagnosed with some skin cancer and surgery😩 Listen to this nice lady stay out of the midday sun. I rode horses for 30 years. I am a senior now and now I’m paying the price and an avid gardener. No more horses no more sun cover-up, slather that nasty sunscreen on ❤️

[@WildFloridian]

Preach Teresa! I'm so sorry you are going through skin cancer. But yes, we need to be sun wise.

[@teresaholland4790]

Sorry I was long winded but the sunshine isn’t like “up north “😆

[@bakerpe6733]

​@@WildFloridian I have a question. Throughout your life have you used sunscreen on a daily basis?

[@mari-leefiducia8640]

Enjoy the 'Blue Moon ' 😊 ...

[@nancycaldarola3090]

I’m sorry but when do you start your cruciferous seeds outdoors? I’m in 10a Safety Harbor, FL. Thank you! Love your information I’m learning so much!!!

[@WildFloridian]

Wait until next month

[@tombauer7330]

The first video of yours that I watched was on gardening in an HOA. Loved it, especially since I'm on the board of one. Ha. I haven't heard you mention your name but gotta tell ya, I thoroughly enjoy your videos. Your knowledge, wit and enthusiasm are infectious. Keep up the good work! Now if I can just figure out how to deal with those dang nematodes... They destroyed my first 4 tomato plants and two pepper plants.

[@marilynearl6887]

You and Petrine inspire me. I’ve already started 3 different tomato varieties, semonle pumpkin , moon and stars watermelon and will start my broccoli today

[@WildFloridian]

You rock Marilyn!

[@LottiesFaith]

I love your tips for our very different ecosystem. God bless.

[@WildFloridian]

Thank you Andrea!

[@jo-ellennyrkkanen4174]

Such great info! Since watching you I have so many butterfly’s! And my garden is small since it’s been so hot out there to work in. I’m across from you in Vero Beach.

[@WildFloridian]

OMG! Butterflies! That makes me so happy! You are doing wonderful work 🦋

[@CainCrafts]

Yay! The video I’ve been waiting for ❤❤

[@WildFloridian]

Yay!!!!

[@erikaerika7788]

I just got my 1st tiny babies black swallotails in my parsley..yay😆😆 my winter birds are cat birds and tons of wrens

[@WildFloridian]

Yay!!!! Cat birds!!! Nice! And wrens!!!

[@cathyhansen466]

When can you harvest broccoli?

[@mjcubo2246]

Thanks for the fall tips. Could you post about native/pollinator plants that could work around a mail box? Crazy question, I know, but I'm not sure what would be appropriate AND attractive. Don't want the plants to overtake the box and make my mail-lady mad. 🙂

[@WildFloridian]

You're welcome! I'll have to noodle that. But I will be coming out with some more native video this winter.

[@catherinecarreiro3955]

Packed full of info as usual. ❤ thanks. I did my seed starts this week

[@WildFloridian]

You are a rockstar!

[@Freedom2025-x2b]

You’re looking good - great energy.

[@WildFloridian]

Thank you Patricia! 🥰

[@jeanninethompson933]

Thank you! I feel inspired to try this vegetable gardening thing again. I never quite got the Florida growing season right and have mostly experienced failures. I should get a rain gauge, but it seems to me that our summer rains have changed in west central Florida. Instead of getting the regular daily rains, this summer we seem to be getting multiple dry days in a row then followed by a deluge day. You described this as something that happens later in the season but it seems like it has been this way since the start of the 2023 rainy season. Thanks for all the great content. I can't wait to dig in and learn.

[@WildFloridian]

I agree! I talked to Petrina who lives north of me. It seems our summers have flipped. She is getting the daily storms and we are getting rain the way it usually is in September. I think this is due to the warmer water. The warm water usually peaks in late August/September. So we'll see what August and September have in store.

[@gidget8717]

I tell what Jackie, I have learned so much from you, not only are you helping me understand growing seasons and cycles down here (I'm on the 9a/9b line just above you) but you have helped tremendously about the weather here. Irma was our first. (and you always remember your first 😳🤣) The eye went over our house but it had dropped to category 2 by that time. The video that you and your dad did helped, and learning about the nhc website was the best thing possible for us. Being old country folks we have for decades checked the weather forecast every morning however national weathermen do a crappy job of Florida weather. Just a few days ago I heard one say, "Is this going to be the next big storm!" I looked at the nhc and there was one yellow "x" barely off Africa 🙄 I thought, "Oh great! Now they're going to fearmonger the weather too" My next thought was, "Bless you Jackie for the hurricane video and the nhc website information!" ❤

[@WildFloridian]

I’m so happy I helped you Gidget 🥰 I really try to help how I can and it makes me so happy to hear my efforts are valued. The news can be like chicken little. There is a reason for it that my dad talks about… it’s actually coming from a place of help… BUT it can just be too much and hard to tell what you really should do… and sometimes you only have one shot to get it right. Wishing you a calm hurricane season.

[@gidget8717]

@@WildFloridian wishing you & Ben a quite hurricane season also! Everybody in this state can use a break this year 🥴

[@nadinesoldivieri1263]

Love love love your videos! My fiancé lived in St Pete, Pinellas county until June when he moved here (New Smyrna Beach) with me. I miss all that was in there, Friends, food, stores, and more! Would love some ideas and resources for my area here, especially Florida natives! I feel like we are about a month or so north of you(based on a friend who has his own wild Florida in yard-I think near you)…still struggling to learn my specific environment here as I am. It a notice (I’m a traitor form NJ-lol) and my family had a fabulous garden there that had us prep food for the entire winter, but it’s so different here and a struggle to “ re-learn”. Any help you can offer is so appreciated as I struggle to find native plants in my direct local area! Ps-I just love you and Petrina who you recommended on your channel!!

[@WildFloridian]

All of the native plants I discussed will work in your area. I tend to recommend species that work for large amounts of Florida. I don't know of native nurseries in your area. But hopefully others will make recommendations. Cheers Nadine!

[@katiecannon8186]

Your Purple Coneflowers are some of the prettiest I’ve ever seen in FL. I’d really like to see just where they’re planted & spacing. Because they really should not be so vigorous. Especially the first year.

[@WildFloridian]

LOL! Here is what I know. I got them from Little Red Wagon in Tampa. I know they have tried a few different eco types to get better results. Their supplier for plants is in Bradenton and services many native nurseries on the Tampa Bay Area. The plants are about three feet apart. They were planted in February??? You can check the videos for official timing. They get A LOT of shade. Even Petrina, when she has visited, was surprised by how much shade I get in the front. Maybe 3 hours???

[@katiecannon8186]

@@WildFloridian I think I’ll have to go to Red Wagon just for these. They’re amazing. Also, you’re garden is absolutely amazing. Can’t believe how it’s developed in such a short time.

[@mixingreen]

WOW you have a deep knowledge of much more than vegetables. Thank you for sharing.

[@WildFloridian]

So nice of you!

[@GreatLeity]

I love your channel and even though I moved to Georgia last year, I still watch! BTW, do you know any channels similar to yours but about Georgia?

[@katiecannon8186]

Just out if curiosity, I search for native gardening channels in other states. I still haven’t found one in GA. If you run across one, I’d be super interested.

[@nonyadamnbusiness9887]

Our summer rains in Archer have not been consistent for two years now; on a week, off a week. I'm planting Silver Queen this weekend. I expect to have to spray Bt on it constantly for a month to keep the army worms from eating it all. I hope this year to learn how to grow sweet corn, cucumbers and summer squash in the fall.

[@WildFloridian]

The rain is all over the map for me. Shenanigans! Wishing you the best with your fall planting!

[@teresaholland4790]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this post ❤

[@WildFloridian]

You’re welcome!

[@lisaawild]

I actually planted carrots for the swallowtail butterflies lol.

[@claytongriggs7527]

Damn those echinaceas are huge can't seem to get mine to get over 2 foot tall

[@WildFloridian]

Thank you!

[@redcherries93x2]

I love my monarchs that eat all my milkweed but when I saw my first Zebra long wing in my yard...so geeked out. Thanks to you the inspiration and information you share I regularly see monarchs, swallow tails, gulf flitteraries and whatever those little yellow ones are!

[@rexmonarch2]

Cloudless sulpher maybe -- I have candlestick cassia for them to lay egss on. Their caterpillars are plain green.

[@WildFloridian]

That’s amazing!!! 😍

[@mojosgarden3576]

You are so informative, love your channel. Been down here in FL 10b for only 5 years, still messes with my head on when to grow, thank you for sharing your knowledge. 🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋

[@WildFloridian]

I’m so happy to being helping 🥰

[@frankbelt633]

These monthly videos are so helpful. Thank you.

[@sarahsaller9033]

First season down here - how do you handle blossom end rot on tomatoes and peppers? And is summer not the season to grow tomatoes?

[@tidegirl6526]

I'm so glad I watched this, I was getting ready to plant lettuce seeds. When should I start lettuce in north FL?

[@WildFloridian]

Yay! Off the top of my head, I believe it is October.

[@stevencoderre]

Hello. I’m sitting in the Waterloo Teahouse in Cardiff, Wales wondering how I’m going to create native gardens when I get back to my home in The Burg. Then I remembered this thing called the Google and miraculously I found you. Quick scenario: 100 year old cottage on a double lot located behind The Chattaway. I want to turn the entire site into native gardens. HELP!

[@fishingpinky3165]

I am just curious about the Fl. Native MW comment. During the migration back south or to Mexico why do the Monarchs need the MW? I thought it was just to lay eggs. If they lay eggs now is that encouraging over wintering then possible freezing to the occasional freezes we have. Dont we want nectar plants for them other than MW? I am learning so much about Monarchs and have raised and released 27 from eggs to butterfly. But this is my first year and I have so much more to learn. Thank you for all your wonderful content. Your the best! Love form east coast of Central Fl. And PLEASE...do not use Tropical MW. Very detrimental to Monarchs.

[@cheridefries4980]

I’m planting swamp milkweed in Orlando right now so it can become established before it dies back. Then it’s ready to sprout back in the Spring. Plus the flowers will help any migrating butterflies…along with many other flowers! And absolutely agree, don’t plant Tropical Milkweed or any of the other names it goes by. Shop native nurseries and ask questions. 😊🦋

[@fishingpinky3165]

@@cheridefries4980 Cool...I have 24 Swamp MW I started from seed 2 months ago. They are about 2 inches tall now so I hope they will be established by the first cold. Im in Daytona.

[@cheridefries4980]

Wow! That is so awesome to have such great success with seeds. 😊🦋

[@WildFloridian]

Great questions! So the monarchs that leave Canada aren’t necessarily the ones that make it to Mexico. Multiple generations will head north and back south. From egg to butterfly is pretty quick, when I raised monarch it was all done in 21 days. Nectar plants is priority for migrating butterflies but host plants are important too. Tropical Milkweed isn’t native so I don’t recommend it. Keep up the great work!

[@mistycarter9809]

I literally just went out and put wildflower seeds next to my squash babies this morning, love the timing of the video 😊

[@WildFloridian]

Yay Misty! 🙌 That’s amazing!!!!

[@digital_crickets]

Curious if you have ever trellised Seminole Pumpkin? I've committed to the experiment, I guess I'll see how it goes.

[@hojoknight1648]

OMG, so glad I found you. And I lived here forever..2sons in st. Pete.

[@Christopher-xd5in]

Do you do anything to mitigate damage from tropical storms and hurricanes? Or just reseed when needed?

[@doreenaitken5308]

can it be november already

[@WildFloridian]

For real!!!

[@jesselee121]

Listen !!!! I’m just gonna tidy up the garden until September. It’s just too darn hot this year

[@oreopaksun2512]

You really are the Butterfly Whisperer! Even though my natives have been slow to take off (they can feel my ambivalence, and are just not falling into line), I moved out my passion fruit vines, pots, trellis, supports and all from my screened lanai, out to the hot cruel world (actually a part of my garden storm-proofing). Those established vines actually had problems settling into the blazing sunlight, but now, they are fine.....except there is not a single leaf that is whole. The vine, covered with those spiny little gulf fritillerary caterpillars, frankly, are a bit yuck.....but the cloud of butterflies in the morning to lay their eggs, pollinate my few vegetables.....wow....just wow! So enchanting. Thanks for the magic.

[@WildFloridian]

Awww big thanks Monica 🥰 I’m so happy your getting the magic of our wildlife in your garden! Butterflies are truly enchanting 🌟

[@debbiebaker93]

I live in Punta Gorda about 30min south of Venice. Zone 10A I believe. I just had knee surgery yesterday and will be out of commission for about 3 weeks. Will I be able to start my seeds in the beginning of September or will that be too late?

[@WildFloridian]

You definitely still have time. Warm weather crops like tomatoes can still be started in September 👍 And you’ll have months of ability to start cold weather crops

[@WildFloridian]

Also, best wishes for your knee surgery. 😊

[@debbiebaker93]

Great thank you and I'm recovering well so far.

[@charlesfarley3299]

Thank you for explaining that the purple coneflowers we buy may not take off. I have bought two, put them in the ground and they just croaked. I will definitely have to look at the Florida seed you suggested. The American beauty berry I got from wilcox is doing well, and so is the elderberry, and i planted a viburnam as well. I am hoping the fruit will be enjoyed by the birds. I am pondering a small tree, a large bush to take over what was planted by the bedroom windows, that is more native. I was thinking spicebush but that is more northern. Any suggestions?

[@WildFloridian]

The purple coneflower I got is from Little Red Wagon. Check early March for foot inventory. I’m guessing semi shade. Firebush is always a easy one or shiny coffee if it is shady.

[@dianapagan8991]

Hi, I'm from central Orlando. How do you feel about those ugly yellow grasshoppers that are here?

[@beverlydonaldson3205]

Use sciccors to kill them also usefull for lubers

[@WildFloridian]

Mixed feelings. I think you are speaking about Lubbers. I don't have them in my garden since I don't have their host plants. But they are Florida Wildlife, so I support them. BUT I recognize they can be challenging for some. Plant diversity helps and bringing other wildlife. In the native community there is a lot of feedback that if you diversify and let other wildlife in. You may have a bad year or two but then it evens out and while they don't go away. They aren't devastating to the garden.

[@dianapagan8991]

@WildFloridian yes they are lubbers, I don't know their name. I don't know what the plant host you are talking about. I really don't like them. I don't have a lot, but yes, more than a few. Thank you for answering my question.

[@nydiamarcial3844]

So Jackie here in southern Florida do not start my seedling until September?

[@WildFloridian]

You can start warm weather crops now. But I would hold back seeds to start a second wave in September.

[@mariannemanners6420]

What about spaghetti squash? I love spaghetti squash, and I live in Saint Pete Florida.

[@camimesa3572]

Thank you! I love your channel! When do you recommend we “start” in South Florida? September?

[@WildFloridian]

You car start warm weather crops them. it is just riskier that you may lose them. I would start them and keep seeds on hand to restart. But yes, I would wait until September.

[@sylviakirchel2519]

I love it when you talk about native plants and butterfly gardens. We love our Cardinal birds, but they are not allowed in the butterfly garden.😂

[@WildFloridian]

That makes me so happy that you are into native plants and helping our wildlife!!!

[@breezebye7193]

My question is what if Amy berries grow wild in central Florida?

[@2021-j2d]

Any reason not to plant a bed with Fl native plants mixed with say, beauty berry, beach buttercup all together?

[@katiecannon8186]

For birds, bees & butterflies, the best combo of shrubs would be: Fire bush, Simpson’s Stopper, Walter’s Viburnum, Elderberry, Marlberry (different from Mulberry), and one of the FL native Hollies. And Wild Coffee. While birds will eat the Beauty Berry berries, it’s not a favorite. Also, the Walter’s Viburnum is a favorite nesting bush for FL birds + bees like the flowers & it produces berries. The Withlacoochie is my favorite form. You can keep the lower branches cut off and force it into a more tree like form, giving you more space to plant more stuff. Well, you can do this with most shrubs, but sone are easier than others. Simpson Stopper is another one that’s easy.

[@WildFloridian]

You can always mix native and exotic. In general there isn’t a real issue. I don’t know buttercups so I have 0 opinion one way or the other.

[@SouthernLatitudesFL]

Hey girl, I have a question. I found Common Milkweed seeds at my local hardware store. I take it that these are not the same as the ones you mentioned. I am still germinating them. I won't be harming any butterflies, will I? Secondly, we shall see if the California Wonder bells work in 9b. It's been years since I grew them. I have also done Bullnose and King something. The Giant Ozarks struggled for me. Edited: Watching your Milkweed video next!

[@katiecannon8186]

You can try any milk weed. But the non-natives should be cut way back at least once a year to minimize a spore that harms monarchs. Also, the tropical milk weed is almost certainly becoming an invasive. I still use it but keep it in pots and then basically destroy them once the heaviest monarch population dies back.

[@SouthernLatitudesFL]

@@katiecannon8186 ok, thanks. What time of year should I cut back?

[@WildFloridian]

Howdy howdy neighbor! Common milkweed is a native milkweed to the US but not to Florida. If I remember it can be aggressive because it spreads by runners. A lot of northerners have mixed feeling about it. But my guess is it will struggle at some point in Florida… maybe in the summer? It will be interesting to hear your experience! Im curious to hear how California fares for you. I got some seeds from Southern Exposure, so I’m going to try again with these seeds and in the fall and see if they fare better in zone 10a.

[@SouthernLatitudesFL]

@@WildFloridian OK. I will let you know. Thanks for the explanation on the Milkweed. I feel like there is so much to learn with it. No time like the present.

[@masfish21]

What brand of seeds did you say produce more per bag that others? Where do you buy them?

[@WildFloridian]

Southern Exposure Seed Exchange. They sell online

[@bethmanger8133]

Can I start with seed?

[@WildFloridian]

Yes

[@psalms125selah]

Are you going to sell any of your echinacea flower seeds? I would love it if you did! I live in North Florida and because, I don't know what it is with the seeds from stores or on online for that flower, but I never have any success in direct sowing them in my garden beds, and I have really good soil, but they never germinate! I also have the same problem with trying to grow Lavender from seed as well! I checked out the link for the Florida Wildflower Cooperative and they do not sell purple cone flower by itself, they only include some of that seed in their Pollinator Mixes which are $90.00/lb for the HB1 Honey Bee Specialty Mix or $131.00/lb for SS-D1 Pollinator Conservation Mix, or $181.00/lb for SS-W1 Pollinator Conservation Mix, or $207.00/lb for the SS-BH1 Butterfly and Hummingbird Mix , all of which are way outside of my price range and need for that much seed!

[@katiecannon8186]

You almost certainly have a native nursery fairly close to you. You could buy one Purple Coneflower and get seeds that way. I have to say, Jackie’s are some of the most beautiful I’ve seen. I have no idea why. In my garden, they’re very picky & difficult to get well established.

[@WildFloridian]

I’m not planning on selling seeds. 🥲I got my plants from Little Red Wagon in Tampa. That’s a bummer they don’t sell it singularly.

[@VeryMiley]

Did you try stratifying them in the freezer prior to germinating?

[@mfpJ4ever]

Thanks for the video! I'm new to Florida and gardening and so if you could list the names of the seeds you're using and the other plants you mentioned that are native here in the Description Box, it'd be very much appreciated! 😊 I want to order a lot of those seeds online but am not sure on the spelling.

[@WildFloridian]

This Friday I’ll be going over all the veggies I’m planting. So you’ll a real good list. On the natives, I mentioned Salt&Pepper, Starry Rosinweed, purple Coneflower, Goldenrod, Blazing Star… I think that is it…

[@mfpJ4ever]

@@WildFloridian Thank you!

[@FloridaGardeningdiva]

It feels like the devil farted on FL...we need a tropical storm to cool us off.

[@WildFloridian]

LOL! Farts 💨

[@johngault8688]

Monarch butterflies are the most aggressive butterflies. I see them not only fighting off other Monarchs, but all other species of butterflies.

[@WildFloridian]

LOL! They fight a lot! I find gulf fritillaries to be the most aggressive in my garden.

[@shirlenapatterson3306]

Butterflies in florida and lizards don't mix's they will eat them seen it happen often😕

[@itsvintagethyme7148]

Newby here. Cant catch names of some of the flowers you are referring to. Closed caption cant even catch it. "Starry Ross and Wheat" and then Starry wash and wheat' is what shows up in your transcript. Ive tried everything and cant figure out what this is you are saying. Help please!

[@WildFloridian]

Yeah, sometimes I can’t catch it because these aren’t really common flowers. The flower you’re trying to find is Starry Rosinweed.

[@marilynearl2562]

What is the name of the pepper seeds you got? Are they sweet or hot?

[@WildFloridian]

Aji Dulce or Ajise Dulce. They are are a sweet pepper (with a VERY tiny bite). I eat them raw in the garden all the time.

[@RobinL4715]

We have had a very dry July here in SW Florida. I look forward to planting seeds again, it’s very hard to wait. I’m going to try starting indoors under grow lights. My pink eye purple hull beans are getting covered in aphids, but I saw some ladybugs- grateful for natures help. Thanks for the info- so many gardening channels just don’t address our planting seasons here, which are so different from the rest of the country. Great video!

[@kathleendavis2008]

Look up "electroculture" ....Yannick Van Doorne will give accurate info.on it. Other ppl do it wrong and have bad outcomes. It keeps the pests away and there is better hydration of the soil. The veggies/plants do way better with this copper coil therapy.

[@WildFloridian]

Thank you so much Robin! 🥰

[@samf8405]

You are SO helpful, oh my gosh. Thank you so much for always trying to include us North FL enthusiasts. I cannot wait to get started in my best friend's yard. We'll be planting in NW FL and definitely paying close attention to your upcoming content!

[@WildFloridian]

You are so welcome! Best of luck in my northern nieghbor!

[@iamonfire4553]

I was so distracted by how much you kept moving your hands when you talked