If you’re new to gardening in the Sunshine State, you might be asking: Where do I even begin? With Florida’s intense heat, humidity, and year-round pest pressure, it helps to start with vegetables that actually want to grow here.
The good news? There are plenty of crops that not only tolerate Florida’s unique climate, they thrive in it.
Here are the top 5 easiest vegetables to grow in Florida, perfect for beginners and seasoned gardeners alike.
1. Okra
Okra is a classic Southern crop and a superstar in Florida gardens. It loves heat, tolerates drought, and produces continuously throughout the summer.
Why it’s easy:
-
Thrives in full sun and high heat
-
Quick to germinate and grow
-
Minimal pest and disease issues
Pro tip: Harvest pods when they’re 2–4 inches long for the best texture. The more you pick, the more it produces.
2. Seminole Pumpkin
This native heirloom squash was made for Florida’s climate. It’s vining, vigorous, and virtually bulletproof once it gets going.
Why it’s easy:
-
Handles sandy soil, heat, and humidity
-
Naturally pest-resistant
-
Long shelf life after harvest
Pro tip: Give it plenty of space to sprawl, or train it up a trellis to save room.
3. Yard Long Beans
These heat-loving, vining beans thrive during the summer when traditional green beans struggle. They’re incredibly productive and fun to grow.
Why it’s easy:
-
Grows fast and produces heavily
-
Thrives in poor soil and extreme heat
-
Low maintenance and few pest issues
Pro tip: Harvest daily for tender pods and ongoing production.
4. Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are one of the lowest-maintenance crops you can grow in Florida. Just plant the slips and let them run!
Why it’s easy:
-
Thrives in the heat with little watering
-
Grows well in poor or sandy soil
-
Offers both edible roots and greens
Pro tip: Give them at least 90–120 days to grow big, delicious tubers.
5. Tropical Greens
Florida’s climate is perfect for growing a variety of tropical, nutrient-rich greens that many gardeners in colder zones have never even heard of:
-
Malabar Spinach
-
Okinawan Spinach
-
Longevity Spinach
-
Chaya
-
South Sea Salad Tree
-
Sissoo Spinach
-
Molokhia
-
New Zealand Spinach
Why they’re easy:
-
Heat and humidity tolerant
-
Fast-growing and productive
-
Some can be propagated by cuttings
Pro tip: These greens are ideal for summer planting when traditional lettuces and spinach struggle.
Ready to Start Growing?
Find these beginner-friendly vegetables and more on my website. Whether you're working with raised beds, containers, or Florida’s sandy soil, these crops will set you up for success.
Starting a garden in Florida doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By choosing crops that naturally thrive in our climate, you’ll save yourself time, energy, and a lot of frustration. These five vegetables are productive, resilient, and perfect for helping you build your confidence as a Florida gardener.
Here’s to growing smarter — and harvesting sooner