Wouldn’t you love to be able to go into your own yard and pick a fresh tomato off the vine for your salad? Have you noticed the taste of lettuce, peppers and zucchini is more flavorful from a garden than the supermarket? If you think gardening is too complicated and you don’t have enough time to master it, here are some basic tips that can get you started.
Location
One of the most important aspects of your garden is where you place it in your yard. It should be located on a site that doesn’t collect water (like the bottom of a hill would), but it should be close to a water source. Find a spot that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight every day, as well.
Raised Beds
Raised beds are the easiest way to grow delicious vegetables all spring and summer long. They eliminate weeds, provide better drainage, and keep soil from compacting. They are relatively easy and inexpensive to build. And, since most Florida soils are low in organic matter, using a raised bed gives you the option of using purchased soil that is nutrient rich.
Planting
In the Spring, vegetables such as sweet corn, cucumber, tomato, beans, and watermelon can be planted by seed directly into the soil or using transplants purchased at a garden center. Plant them early — before the summer heat starts up, as these crops prefer a milder temperature.
During Florida’s humid and hot summers, crops such as sweet potatoes, cherry tomatoes, okra, and southern peas thrive.
In the Fall, you can again start planting cool-season vegetables like broccoli, lettuce, carrots, and radishes. Before planting though, it’s important to add nutrients to the soil from organic matter like compost.
At Challenger Irrigation, we enjoy seeing our customers’ beautiful vegetable gardens. If you have irrigation needs for your lawn and gardens in Hernando, Paco, Pinellas, or Citrus county, please call our office to request a quote.
