Always wanted a garden full of fresh produce? Here are a few tips from our Gardening Club to help you navigate the Florida climate and gardening calendar like a pro!
Water Carefully
Midday watering is inefficient and will most likely evaporate before it gets to the roots. Watering in the early morning and evening will give you the best results.
Wilted leaves don’t necessarily mean your plants need water. Plants will wilt in the sun to conserve water. Examine your plants first thing in the morning when it’s cooler. If they’re wilted, water.
Avoid wetting the foliage directly when you water. Wet foliage encourages disease. Water plants with a hose and aim for the roots.
Mulch, Mulch and Mulch Again
A thick layer of mulch will keep the soil moist and insulate the plant’s root. Inexpensive mulch like sawdust, hay or straw, pine needles or grass clippings will provide the protection your plants need and keep your efforts going strong!
Find the Shade
For flowering plants like peppers, tomatoes and eggplants, offer a little shade in extreme sunshine. Use a beach umbrella to provide the temporary shade your plants need. Prolonged periods of heat will keep these plants from flowering as they work to protect themselves against sunburn. But be careful – not enough sun means your plants may fail to bloom.
Flowering veggies such as tomatoes, peppers, melons, and squash, need full sun. For partial sun or light shade, choose leafy greens, such as lettuce, mustard, and spinach.
What’s in Season?
For the best results from your garden, plant seasonally! Here’s a list to keep you on track.
| January – February | Potatoes, Broccoli, Kale, Carrots, Lettuce |
| March | Beans, Tomatoes, Squash, Corn |
| April | Beans, Tomatoes, Squash, Corn |
| May – June | Swiss Chard, Okra, Southern Peas, Sweet Potatoes |
| July | Tomato, Cucumbers, Peppers, Southern Peas, Pumpkins |
| August | Lima Beans, Cucumbers, Eggplant and Peppers |
| September | Strawberries, Broccoli, Carrot, Collards |
| October | Onions, Arugula, Lettuce, Spinach |
| November | Broccoli, Cabbage, Kale, Lettuce |
| December | Cabbage, Collards, Beets, Broccoli |
Year-round Florida sunshine gives you the opportunity to perfect your gardening skills. We hope these tips will help get you on track to garden like a pro!