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Ocala, FL Planting Calendar

The last spring frost in Ocala usually comes around Jan 31 and the first fall frost around Dec 12, a growing season of about 315 days. Start tomatoes indoors Dec 20 – Jan 3 and plant them outside Feb 14 – Feb 28.

Last spring frostJan 31
First fall frostDec 12
Growing season315 days

When to plant vegetables in Ocala

VegetableStart seeds indoorsPlant outsideFall crop
TomatoesDec 20 – Jan 3Feb 14 – Feb 28—
PeppersDec 13 – Dec 27Feb 21 – Mar 7—
EggplantDec 13 – Dec 27Feb 21 – Mar 7—
Cucumbers—Feb 14 – Feb 28—
Zucchini & summer squash—Feb 14 – Feb 28—
Pumpkins & winter squash—Feb 21 – Mar 7—
Green beans—Feb 14 – Feb 28Sep 19 – Oct 3
Sweet corn—Feb 14 – Feb 28—
BasilJan 3 – Jan 17Feb 14 – Feb 28—
LettuceDec 6 – Dec 20Jan 3 – Feb 14Oct 17 – Oct 31
Spinach—Dec 20 – Jan 10Oct 17 – Oct 31
Peas—Dec 20 – Jan 10Oct 3 – Oct 17
Carrots—Jan 3 – Feb 7Sep 19 – Oct 3
Radishes—Dec 27 – Feb 14Oct 31 – Nov 14
BroccoliNov 22 – Dec 6Jan 3 – Jan 17Sep 19 – Oct 3
KaleDec 6 – Dec 20Dec 27 – Jan 10Oct 3 – Oct 17
Onions—Jan 3 – Jan 17—
Potatoes—Jan 10 – Feb 7—
Garlic——Nov 28 – Jan 2

Dates count from the median frost dates (2016–2025) for Ocala. In a cold spring, wait a week; in a warm one you can go a week early.

Month-by-month planting in Ocala

  1. JanuaryStart indoors: Tomatoes, BasilPlant outside: Lettuce, Spinach, Peas, Carrots, Radishes, Broccoli, Kale, Onions, Potatoes, Garlic
  2. FebruaryPlant outside: Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant, Cucumbers, Zucchini & summer squash, Pumpkins & winter squash, Green beans, Sweet corn, Basil, Lettuce, Carrots, Radishes, Potatoes
  3. MarchPlant outside: Peppers, Eggplant, Pumpkins & winter squash
  4. AprilPlan, order seeds and prepare beds.
  5. MayPlan, order seeds and prepare beds.
  6. JunePlan, order seeds and prepare beds.
  7. JulyPlan, order seeds and prepare beds.
  8. AugustPlan, order seeds and prepare beds.
  9. SeptemberPlant outside: Green beans, Carrots, Broccoli
  10. OctoberPlant outside: Green beans, Lettuce, Spinach, Peas, Carrots, Radishes, Broccoli, Kale
  11. NovemberStart indoors: BroccoliPlant outside: Radishes, Garlic
  12. DecemberStart indoors: Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant, Lettuce, Broccoli, KalePlant outside: Spinach, Peas, Radishes, Kale, Garlic

Tools for this season

Seed starting kitTrays with humidity domes for starting seeds indoors.See options on AmazonLED grow lightKeeps indoor seedlings short and sturdy.See options on AmazonFrost clothCovers tender plants on a surprise frost night.See options on AmazonSoil thermometerCheck the soil at 4 inches before you spread anything.See options on Amazon

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Frequently asked questions

When is the last frost in Ocala?

The median last spring frost is Jan 31 and the median first fall frost is Dec 12, based on 2016–2025 weather data.

When should I plant tomatoes in Ocala?

Start seeds indoors Dec 20 – Jan 3 and set plants outside Feb 14 – Feb 28, once nights stay above 50°F.

When should I plant a fall garden in Ocala?

Sow or transplant cool-season crops 6 to 12 weeks before the first fall frost (around Dec 12): broccoli and carrots first, lettuce, spinach and radishes last.

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