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Michelle In The Meadow

Michelle In The Meadow

Zone 9A Suburban Garden

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Seeds to Start in May Florida Zone 9B | Heat Loving Plants

May 3, 2025 by Michelle Leave a Comment

Can you really start seeds in May in Florida. Oh Yes, and in this video I share with you the heat loving seed choices I made for my garden.



I also asked Gemini AI to help with a few “Seed Starting tips for May”

1. Select Heat-Tolerant Seeds: Opt for varieties that flourish in warm, humid conditions. Good choices for May sowing in our zone include okra, Southern peas (like black-eyed peas), zinnias, marigolds, and heat-tolerant herbs such as basil.

    2. Utilize Bottom Watering: To maintain consistent moisture in your seed trays without disturbing the newly sown seeds or tender seedlings, water from the bottom. Place the tray in a shallow container of water and allow the soil to absorb moisture until the surface appears damp.

    3. Position for Morning Sun and Afternoon Shade: Find a location outdoors that receives bright sunlight in the morning but is shaded during the hottest part of the afternoon. This protects young seedlings from the intense midday and afternoon heat of May in Florida.

    4. Monitor Soil Temperature: Even when shaded, dark-colored seed trays can heat up in the Florida sun. Feel the soil regularly; if it feels excessively hot, move the trays to a cooler, shadier spot or consider using lighter-colored trays. Optimal soil temperatures encourage germination, while extreme heat can inhibit it.

    5. Protect from Pests and Heavy Rain: Outdoor seed trays are vulnerable to pests like snails, slugs, and birds. Consider using netting or other protective measures. Also, position the trays where they won't be directly hit by heavy downpours, which can wash away seeds or damage delicate seedlings.


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    About Michelle In The Meadow

    I'm growing on a 1/4 acre suburban lot. I started gardening here 6 years ago and am glad you are here.

    We have more than 80 individual fruit trees and shrubs and more than a dozen different kinds of annuals growing on this property. The slopes make for some interesting ways to garden, but we're trying to make the best of it.

    On the first Sunday evening of each month (7PM Eastern), I go live on YouTube sharing updates and answering your questions.

    If you enjoyed this video, please give it a thumbs up and consider subscribing to follow along on all the happenings in my Northeast Florida Zone 9B Garden.

    For more exciting updates from our Meadow:

    🌿Website: https://michelleinthemeadow.com
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    🌿 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@michelleinthemeadow

    This video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GFd-V0NC3Yk

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