Living in Florida, you may think that it’s too hot and muggy to ever successfully grow healthy plants in your garden. But, with the right tools — and a little finesse — you truly can have beautiful plants in this climate. And the agricultural experts at Farmers Cooperative, based in Live Oak, FL, can help. With expertise that extends beyond simple gardening tools, these hardware store professionals share this guide to help you choose the right plants.

Hardware Store’s Best Plants for a Florida Garden

1. Herbs

If you love to use what you grow in your kitchen, then you’re in luck. Even in Florida’s harsh climate, many herbs and spices can successfully survive in an outdoor garden. Basil can be interplanted with tomatoes to keep bugs away, while cilantro thrives in the winter — and you can plant dill. Keep in mind that dill requires more time to grow, though its flavor is worth the wait.

2. Ferns

If you love the look of ferns, plant the Japanese holly fern. With its dark and beautiful foliage, you can expect it to grow up to two feet tall. While some ferns don’t like sunlight, this one can still thrive — a great trait, as Florida is the sunshine state. Try planting it in partial shade to ensure it grows well.

3. Flowers

Flowering plants can also thrive in your Florida garden. You can choose from exotic beauties like the pineapple guava or the gem of the south — the magnolia. A pineapple guava plant is incredibly versatile, producing beautifully pink and red flowers in the spring as well as juicy fruit in the fall. Meanwhile, the “Little Gem” magnolia offers a smaller size than most magnolia trees and gorgeously fragrant white flowers.

If you need help finding the right plants or tools for your Florida garden, stop by Farmers Cooperative. As North Florida’s premier farming supply company and hardware store, these experts offer everything from agricultural products to hunting apparel. If you’d like to find out more about how these professionals can help you and your garden, reach out to them by calling (386) 362-1459. You can also like them on Facebook for news and updates.