Many people that are new to vegetable gardening in Florida will make a few mistakes. Here are a few helpful tips, so that you do not get discouraged from your gardening journey.
Summertime In Florida Is Brutal On Plants
There are not many vegetables that can tolerate the summertime heat in Florida. It can be too hot, too rainy, and too full of bugs to garden in the Florida summer weather. Some plants are able to tolerate summer weather in Florida, such as okra, eggplant, black-eyed peas, herbs, peppers, and sweet potatoes. If you are a die-hard summertime gardener, then consider planting these vegetables in your garden.
Fall Season Is Perfect For Vegetable Gardening
Fall is notoriously the best growing season for Florida gardeners. Most gardeners start their growing season in the Fall and continue until late spring. Starting in September, you can put your plants or seeds into your garden. Keep in mind that it is still very hot in September. Unless your garden is in the shade, you will likely lose some of your plants.
Many plants struggle to survive if the temperature is above 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Measure your soil temperature, if possible. Soil temperatures below 85 degrees Fahrenheit are ideal for plant growth. Some seasoned Florida gardeners wait for the temperature to cool. They wait until mid-October before they start their gardens. Make sure you also have the correct irrigation system in place.
Plants To Start Indoors
Tomatoes
Cabbage
Peppers
Plants To Start Outdoors
Lettuce, carrots, and herbs
Brocolli and Cauliflower
Radishes
Green beans
Beets, peas, and kale
Don’t Focus On Pests
Stay focused on the care of your garden, not your garden’s pests. In general, pests are not a big problem after the weather cools down for the season. If you wait to start your garden until after the first cool front moves in, then you will not have many issues with the nuisance of garden pests.
Conclusion
No matter how hard you try, chances are you will make a few gardening mistakes along the way. As time goes by, you will start to get a grasp of what works well for your garden and what you struggle with in your garden. Once you have this figured out, then stick with plants that work best for you in the garden and get rid of the aspects of your garden that does not work so well for you.
R & R Sprinkler & Landscape
931 SE 11th Avenue
Cape Coral, FL 33990
(239) 772-2607
