Finding Your USDA Zone in the Tampa Bay Area, Florida: Tools and Soil Prep for New Gardeners

Your Zone

Tampa Bay is USDA Zone 9b–10a (min 25–35°F). Nearly frost-free.

Zone Lookup Tools

• Florida Gardener Zone Map
• Ron Sympson’s Zone Finder
• Spring Hill Nursery Plant Finder — input zip code.

Soil Prep: The 80% Rule

Florida soil is often sandy. For every 6×6 ft bed:

• 1 bag peat moss (½ if large bale)
• 1 bag play sand
• 1 bag gypsum (aeration)
• ⅓ bag Milorganite (organic N)
• 1 bag cedar/cypress mulch (small chunks)

Rototill 8–12 inches deep. Add 2–3 bags compost if available. Then plant.

County Extension

Contact Hillsborough/Pinellas County Extension for free soil testing and local variety recommendations.