Image from USDA
Characteristics of Florida’s Planting Region
Florida's climate is classified as subtropical, characterized by:
- Warm, humid summers with frequent thunderstorms
- Mild, dry winters with occasional cold snaps
- A lengthy growing season, with frost-free days from October through May
- High year-round temperatures, with average highs in the 80s°F (26.7°C to 31.1°C)
- Abundant rainfall, with an average of 50-60 inches (1270-1524 mm) annually
As a Florida gardener, you may encounter:
- Intense heat and humidity during the summer months
- Periodic droughts and water restrictions
- Potential damage from hurricanes and tropical storms
- Challenges with soil pH and nutrient depletion
Despite these challenges, Florida offers an extended growing season. Most areas enjoy frost-free days from October through May, providing about 240-280 days for cultivation annually.
Challenges of Growing in Florida
1. Soil Variability
Florida's soils range from sandy coastal areas to heavy clay soils inland. Many regions have acidic, nutrient-poor soils that require amendment to support healthy plant growth.
2. Pest and Disease Pressure
The warm, humid climate can foster plant diseases and support various pest populations, such as insects, nematodes, and fungal infections. Diligent monitoring and integrated pest management are often necessary.
3. Water Management
Balancing water needs can be tricky, with the risk of both drought and excessive rainfall depending on the season. Proper irrigation and drainage are crucial for successful gardening.
The Benefits of Using a Greenhouse in Florida
While Florida's climate allows for an extended outdoor growing season, a greenhouse can significantly enhance your gardening experience and yield.
1. Extend Your Growing Season
- Without a Greenhouse: Florida's subtropical climate can subject outdoor plants to intense heat, humidity, and the occasional cold snap or hurricane.
- With a Greenhouse: A greenhouse provides a controlled environment that shields plants from the harshest weather conditions, allowing for more consistent growth and protection.
Learn more about your area's specific growing dates and the best vegetables to plant in each part of Florida.
Customer images of their Greenhouse setup in Florida
2. Grow a Wider Variety of Vegetables Without a Greenhouse:
- Without a Greenhouse:
Florida's outdoor gardens thrive with warm-season crops that can tolerate the hot, humid conditions, such as:
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- With a Greenhouse:
A controlled environment allows for a wider variety of plants, including those that prefer cooler temperatures or a more moderate climate, such as:
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Why Planta Greenhouses?
- Wind resistant up to 65 mph (learn more about how our greenhouses hold up in high-altitude climates).
- Withstands a snow load of up to 98 psf (480kg/square meter).
- Made with a heavy-duty galvanized steel frame.
- Polycarbonate panels provide 100% protection against UV rays.
- The Sungrow greenhouse is bell-shaped - allows the wind, snow, and hail to slide off the sides.
- Extendable (Sungrow, Sigma and Farmer models can be extended beyond 100ft)
- Made in Europe and are exclusively imported
- Maintenance-free