Hollywood, FL

Hollywood sits at the southern edge of zone 11a, with winter minimum temperatures between 40 and 45°F. The growing season runs the full calendar year, making it one of the longest frost-free regions in the continental United States. However, the last spring frost arrives as late as January 24 and returns by January 20 in fall, meaning freeze risk persists even in this warm climate. Tropical and subtropical crops define gardening here: citrus (lemon, orange, lime, grapefruit), mango, avocado, banana, and papaya all thrive with minimal cold protection. The tradeoff is humidity. Summer brings afternoon thunderstorms and consistently high relative humidity, which creates ideal conditions for fungal diseases and some pest pressure. Sandy soil is nearly universal across South Florida, draining rapidly but holding few nutrients. Home gardeners who understand these three factors, occasional freeze risk, high humidity, and sandy infertile soil, can build a highly productive garden year-round.

Freeze damage is the most dramatic threat. Mango, avocado, and banana are tropical; an unexpected freeze in November, December, or even January can kill branches or whole trees, especially young ones. Mature citrus typically survives, but flower buds can frost and reduce that season's crop. Fungal root rot and leaf spot thrive in the humid summer months, particularly on avocado and mango. Poor soil fertility is relentless; sandy soil holds no organic matter and leaches nutrients with every rain. Without heavy mulching and regular amendment, even well-watered plants become chlorotic and stunted. Scale insects, whiteflies, and spider mites exploit the year-round warm season, requiring consistent vigilance.

First, protect freeze-sensitive crops physically or select freeze-tolerant varieties. Plant avocado and mango on the north or east side of a building or under tall tree canopy, which traps radiating heat and can mean the difference between a freeze and survival. Cold-hardy banana varieties like 'Gross Michel' are less productive but survive occasional freezes better than tropical types. Second, build soil aggressively with compost and mulch. The native sand cannot sustain productive gardening alone. Apply 4 to 6 inches of composted bark or wood chips around every perennial, working in 2 to 3 inches of compost into beds before planting anything new. Third, time tender plantings after the January frost risk has passed. Planting mango or papaya in late February onward avoids exposing tender new growth to lingering freeze.