Complete Guide to
Northeast Florida Gardening
Everything you need to know about growing plants in St. Augustine, St. Johns County, and the First Coast. Your local guide to Zone 9b gardening success.
Understanding Northeast Florida's Growing Zones
St. Augustine sits in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b, giving us unique opportunities and challenges.
Zone 9b
St. Augustine & Coastal St. Johns County
Min Temp: 25-30°F
Freezes: 0-2 per winter
Includes: St. Augustine, St. Augustine Beach, Vilano, Crescent Beach
What This Means for Your Garden
✔ Year-round gardening: You can grow something 12 months a year
✔ Two growing seasons: Cool-season (fall/winter) and warm-season (spring/summer)
✔ Frost protection needed: Be prepared to cover tender plants during cold snaps (January-February)
✔ Heat & humidity: Summer temps hit mid-90s with 80%+ humidity - choose heat-tolerant varieties
✔ Coastal influences: Areas near the ocean benefit from moderating temperatures but face salt spray
Year-Round Planting Calendar
Know exactly when to plant vegetables, flowers, trees, and shrubs for maximum success in Northeast Florida.
January
WinterPlant:
Broccoli, cabbage, carrots, lettuce, peas, onions, pansies, snapdragons
Tasks:
Prune dormant trees; protect from frost
February
Late WinterPlant:
Irish potatoes, tomatoes (late month), strawberries, azaleas
Tasks:
Last frost typically mid-month; begin lawn prep
March
SpringPlant:
Tomatoes, peppers, squash, beans, marigolds, zinnias
Tasks:
Fertilize lawn; mulch beds; start regular watering
April
SpringPlant:
Melons, okra, sweet potatoes, impatiens, petunias
Tasks:
Watch for pests; increase watering frequency
May
SpringPlant:
Southern peas, okra, eggplant, tropicals
Tasks:
Fertilize lawn; mow weekly; water deeply
Summer
Jun to AugPlant:
Southern peas, sweet potatoes, okra. Start fall seeds indoors (Aug)
Tasks:
Water daily; pest control; maintain mulch
September
FallPlant:
Begin cool-season vegetables, fall annuals
Tasks:
Reduce lawn fertilizer; prepare fall beds
October
FallPlant:
ALL cool-season veggies, pansies, trees, shrubs, perennials
Tasks:
PRIME planting month! Plant strawberries; divide perennials
November
FallPlant:
Lettuce, greens, root vegetables, pansies, camellias
Tasks:
Compost leaves; reduce watering
December
WinterPlant:
Greens, lettuce, root vegetables, winter annuals
Tasks:
Minimal maintenance; plan spring garden
Best Plants for Northeast Florida
These plants thrive in our Zone 9b climate, tolerating heat, humidity, and occasional cold snaps.
Vegetables
Cool-Season Champions
- ✔ Lettuce (all varieties)
- ✔Kale & Collard Greens
- ✔Broccoli & Cabbage
- ✔Carrots & Beets
- ✔Snap Peas & English Peas
Warm-Season Winners
- ✔ Tomatoes (cherry varieties best)
- ✔ Peppers (love the heat!)
- ✔Squash & Zucchini
- ✔ Southern Peas
- ✔ Okra (thrives in humidity)
Flowers & Annuals
Pansies
Fall to Spring
Petunias
Year-Round
Marigolds
Spring to Fall
Zinnias
Spring to Summer
Heat-Tolerant Perennials
Salvia
Multiple varieties; attracts hummingbirds
Gaillardia
Native blanket flower; drought-tolerant
Lantana
Butterfly magnet; thrives in heat
Pentas
Year-round color; pollinator favorite
Black-Eyed Susan
Native; low maintenance
Muhly Grass
Stunning pink plumes in fall
Why Choose Native Plants?
Native plants have evolved to thrive in Northeast Florida's unique climate and ecosystem.
Less Water
Once established, natives require minimal irrigation, saving water and money.
Fewer Pests
Naturally resistant to local pests and diseases. Less pesticide needed.
Supports Wildlife
Provides food and habitat for native butterflies, birds, and pollinators.
Top Native Plant Recommendations
Trees
- Live Oak - Iconic shade tree
- Southern Magnolia - Fragrant blooms
- Dahoon Holly - Red berries for birds
- Red Maple - Fall color (yes, in FL!)
Shrubs
- Beautyberry - Stunning magenta berries
- Coontie - Atala butterfly host
- Wax Myrtle - Aromatic foliage
- Firebush - Hummingbird magnet
Salt-Tolerant Plants for Beachside Properties
Living near the ocean? These plants can handle salt spray and sandy soils.
Zone Your Landscape
Coastal properties should be planted in zones based on salt exposure:
Frontal Zone
Closest to ocean; direct salt spray
- • Sea Oats
- • Beach Sunflower
- • Railroad Vine
Transition Zone
Moderate salt exposure
- • Seagrape
- • Muhly Grass
- • Coontie
Protected Zone
Sheltered by buffer plants
- • Live Oak
- • Southern Magnolia
- • Regular landscape plants
Highly Salt-Tolerant Plants
Seagrape
Large rounded leaves; edible fruit
Muhly Grass
Pink plumes; extremely salt-tolerant
Coontie
Native cycad; low maintenance
Yaupon Holly
Evergreen; red berries
Beach Sunflower
Groundcover; bright yellow blooms
Saw Palmetto
Native palm; very hardy
Seasonal Care Tips
Key maintenance tasks to keep your Northeast Florida garden thriving year-round.
Spring (March to May)
- ✔ Fertilize lawn (early April)
- ✔ Plant warm-season vegetables
- ✔ Mulch landscape beds (3 inches)
- ✔ Begin regular watering schedule
- ✔ Watch for pests (aphids, caterpillars)
Summer (June to August)
- ✔ Water deeply and frequently
- ✔ Mow lawn weekly
- ✔ Control chinch bugs in lawn
- ✔ Start fall garden seeds indoors (Aug)
- ✔ Maintain mulch to conserve moisture
Fall (September to November)
- ✔ PRIME planting season (October!)
- ✔ Plant cool-season vegetables
- ✔ Plant trees, shrubs, perennials
- ✔ Reduce lawn fertilization
- ✔ Divide perennials
Winter (December to February)
- ✔ Prune dormant trees and shrubs
- ✔ Protect tender plants during freezes
- ✔ Harvest cool-season vegetables
- ✔ Reduce watering frequency
- ✔ Plan spring garden
Ready to Start Your Northeast Florida Garden?
Visit Southern Horticulture for expert local advice and plants perfectly suited to our Zone 9b climate.