Spring Gardening in Florida
Spring is a great time to set the groundwork for your edible garden. We haven’t yet hit the time of year where its miserable to be outside, so now is the time to get the footprint of your garden planned, those raised beds and trellises built, and our spring crops in the ground!
Before you break ground, here are some considerations for your edible garden:
What types of vegetables do you want to grow? Do they grow like a bush? Are they vining? Do they need supports?
Do you want to grow fruit trees? How much space do they need?
Do you plan on using one space for your edible garden or will you utilize different parts of your yard?
Make sure to plant lots of flowers around that will attract pollinators to your edible garden!
The number one recommendation I make to all my clients who want to grow edible plants is to grow them all (or most of them) in one area of your property. Edible gardens are high maintenance. They require daily watering, frequent pest inspections, fertilization, and frequent pruning to ensure optimal harvests. Grouping all of these plants together makes it possible to have one dedicated irrigation zone for daily watering and ensures that you aren’t having to walk all over your yard for your pruning and pest inspections.
Another important consideration for your vegetable garden is to choose varieties that thrive in our Florida climate. The following heirloom varieties are tried and true at thriving in our heat and humidity:
Everglades Tomato: these vigorous vines produce cherry-sized fruits that can withstand our intense heat and set fruit all summer long
Datil Pepper: these endangered little peppers originated in St. Augustine and have a sweet, fruity tang with a heat comparable to habaneros
Seminole Pumpkin: similar to a butternut squash, these fruits are surprisingly drought tolerant and are disease-resistant
Collard Greens: I planted mine from seed last year, and they are still thriving even after the freeze we sustained in Central Florida
Black Beauty Eggplant: pick fruits when they are fully colored and the skin still has a bright sheen
For even more helpful tips on getting your edible garden started, check out our Florida Spring Gardening printable.
Stay Dirty,
Ashley