In Florida the beginning of the gardening year is not in the spring. Our best time to begin a fabulous garden is in the late summer and early fall. Our gardens can be full of tasty and health giving vegetables and herbs all winter long.The list of potential plants to grow in our mild winters include most types of greens, broccoli, cauliflower, turnips, carrots, onions, english peas, potatoes,lettuce, and most of the herbs except heat-loving basil. All kinds of cool season flowers can be grown, such as pansies, sweet william, petunias, snapdragons, and many others. Winter is also the time to plant blueberries, citrus, grapes, figs and other fruits adapted to our Florida climate. Plants will thrive with far less care than in the hotter months, with lower disease pressure, less insect problems, and less need to weed and water. Fall is the best time to start a compost pile. It is a good time to have your soil tested for PH balance and a good time to add dolomitic lime if needed. Gardening in the cooler months can be very enjoyable and a good way to get fresh air and exercise. Above is a photo of our dooryard garden at the end of winter last year. We had record cold here in North Florida, but all of the hardy plants survived and thrived.
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