After a warmer-than-average winter across much of Alabama, home gardeners may find themselves in for an early and abundant summer growing season. While the lack of deep freezes might worry some, experts say the mild conditions could give certain crops a major head start, especially heat-loving vegetables, herbs, and southern staples.
“Warmer winters can actually be a big advantage for summer produce,” says Martynas Mandrijauskas, founder of Craftcamp, a resource for gardeners and DIYers. “If you know what to plant – and when – the results can be spectacular.”
Mild winters often mean soil temperatures warm earlier in the year, allowing classic summer crops like tomatoes, bell peppers, and okra to get established faster. Gardeners in Alabama should find transplanting conditions favorable weeks earlier than usual – and may even be able to get in a second round of planting later in the season.
In regions where citrus trees or sweet potatoes are grown, the early warmth reduced stress from late frosts and allowed for a longer, more stable growing period. That’s good news for anyone hoping for juicier satsumas or a bumper haul of sweet potatoes come fall.
Vining crops like cucumbers, zucchini, and melons thrive when soil temperatures rise early and stay warm. A shorter, gentler winter means these fast growers can hit the ground running, with fewer setbacks from cold snaps or transplant shock. For gardeners with space, this is a great year to let vines sprawl.
One caveat to a mild winter is that fewer pests are killed off by frost. Gardeners should be proactive this year: use floating row covers, plant pest-deterrent herbs like basil and marigold, and consider companion planting to stay ahead of any infestations.
A warmer winter doesn’t mean less to grow – it means different opportunities. For those planting at the right time, and picking crops that love the heat, 2025 could be a standout summer season.
Submitted by Craftcamp.
