Times like these show us what really matters: food, close at hand and accessible!
Many of us are finding a lot more time on our hands with shelter in place mandates in effect, to now consider starting a new garden or picking back up where you left off. There is also the realization that close access to food is critical. Grocery store lines are long, shelves are emptying, farmers markets are closing down, even Amazon is slowing down shipping. People are turning to garden centers, seed companies, and their community experts seeking knowledge and resources. A recent NY Times article reminds us of a similar phenomenon from WWI when “Victory Gardens” were heavily promoted during times of crisis. These home grown gardens produced up to 40% of the nation’s food supply.
Gardening is rewarding in many ways, but it’s also very hard work. Don’t be fooled with a fantasy of just putting plants and seeds in the ground and then being surrounded by bountiful harvest and lush tropical food forest. Here in Florida our year-round growing season is a blessing and can be used to its full advantage, but it also comes with a lot of other very challenging issues. Disease and pests are a constant pressure, especially as our winters get warmer. Our soil is terrible for most edible crops except for the native weeds, flowers, and other plants that have adapted over many years to survive in sandy hot soils.
Here are the three main things you need to prioritize in getting started and keeping your growth sustainable.
- SOIL! If you can build great soil, the rest is nearly a cake walk. Soil is plant food the home where your plants are permanently in place- you must feed them! Good soil encourages beneficial organisms, provides nutrients and organic matter that sustains them. Poor soil means weak plants that are prone to infections, attack and death.
- TIMING! Pay close attention when to plant everything. We are Zone 9a but that is not nearly enough to know what to plant and when. Many other areas are also Zone 9a and have very different conditions than we do, and you’d be hard pressed to follow a Texas or Oregon planting guide.
- VARIETY! Knowing the right varieties to choose from is very important. The alluring seed catalogs offer an array of things that may not do well here. Look for local seed and plant companies and individuals that can offer their plants, seeds, and advice for a better guarantee that you will have success.
We have compiled a lot more information for each of these 3 topic areas that you will find useful whether you are new or already experienced with growing food. Since this is always an ongoing process and the diversity of growers lends itself to new and interesting information, please share with us anything you would like to contribute! We can update the planting calendar, resource listings and crop information.
Have a look at these Regional Gardening Tips.
Happy growing!
