Advice for Vegetable Garden Success

The University of Florida Vegetable Gardening Guide is a wonderful resource for those who are getting started gardening and growing some edible plants.  As you look through the publication, you will see a chart for the different portions of Florida about when to start different fruits and vegetables.  Remember this is just a guide.  We may have to adjust some of our starting dates depending on local temperatures and other weather patterns.

A good example is that the guide states to start carrots beginning in August.  For many years now our August temperatures are just too hot for starting carrots. Portions of September in North Florida  may also be too warm for carrots. The ideal temperatures for growing carrots are 75 degree F. days and 55 degree F. nights.  We need to at least wait until our temps are in the low to mid 80’s before even trying carrot seeds.

When you plant your carrot seeds, they will need good moisture to germinate. Be patient. Carrots are not always the fastest to come up. It normally takes at least 7 days for germination to occur and can take a little longer at times.

Use the Florida Vegetable Gardening Guide as a way to help you plan for your next fun gardening experience.  Add in the expertise of your local county Extension Agent, along with local observations about current weather, and you will have success in your home garden.