How to Plant a Vegetable Garden in North Central Florida
Most people know Florida for oranges, grapefruits and other varieties of juicy citrus. But did you know that North Central Florida is also a great place for growing vegetables? Here, consistent sun and rain provide the perfect climate for both winter and summer vegetables. And if you’ve always longed for veggies like zucchini, peppers, and salad greens straight from the garden, they can all be yours with a bit of proper planning. Eating well is an important part of dental hygiene, and veggies are good first step. And if you want to grow them yourself, here’s what you should know about planting a vegetable garden in North Central Florida.
Summer: Preparing Your Garden
While some Florida growers take a hiatus in the summer – when sun and humidity create more extreme conditions that many plants can’t withstand – certain vegetables do thrive in Central Florida’s summer. In fact, local foods expert Molly Watson says that since Florida’s climate is fairly consistent throughout the year, it provides a year-round growing season for many crops, including vegetables. So how does this work? Sustainable North Florida explains that some vegetables, like pumpkins and summer squash, have two growing seasons. These plants can be planted in both August and March if you want to increase your yearly yield and have vegetables year-round. If you want to start planting in summer, Chris Tisch at Tampa Bay Times says that okra, black eyed peas, sweet potatoes and a few varieties of peppers and herbs all work well. He adds that late summer is the perfect time to start preparing your garden and prepping it for fall – the most popular time for gardening in North Central Florida.
Nurseries and Seeds
Whether you’re starting a garden from scratch or you’d like to get a head start, Gainesville is home to many nurseries and garden shops. But as Steve Asbell of The Rainforest Garden explains, it’s critical that you buy hearty, healthy plants that can withstand transplantation. He notes that many big box stores don’t care for their plants correctly, and buying from them can cause you to lose money and time on dying plants. Instead, it’s a good idea to find a local-owned nursery you can rely on. One local favorite is Garden Gate Nursery, which offers a variety of herbs and vegetables that vary throughout the fall season. All of Garden Gate Nursery‘s vegetable plants are sourced from local farmers and everything is GMO-free. Another spot for acquiring healthy vegetable plants is Nobles Greenhouse. This garden center boasts a wide variety of vegetables for planting in both spring and fall. They also offer a planter called an Earth Box growing system. If you don’t have a large backyard or you live in an apartment building, this self-contained planter and growing kit is perfect for growing veggies on a patio or balcony. Images by: Pexels, Jill Wellington, Pexels, Andreas
