|
|
Florida Vegetable Gardening Guide1J. M. Stephens, R. A. Dunn, G. Kidder, D. Short, and G. W. Simone2 Among other benefits, successful vegetable gardens offer their owners fresh air, sunshine, exercise, enjoyment, mental therapy, nutritious fresh vegetables, and economic savings. Gardens may be grown year-round in Florida, but spring is the preferred season. Statewide there are over 1 million vegetable gardens, averaging 300 sq. ft. and a retail value of $300. While this guide provides recommendations primarily for regular gardens, the information may be useful in other common situations such as container, organic, community, and market gardens.
STEPS IN GARDENINGSite - Locate the garden near the house for convenience on a site close to a source of water with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight. With proper care, vegetables may also be included in the landscape among ornamental plants. Where possible, practice site rotation for weed and other pest control. Coastal sites are also suitable.
Plan - Before planting, make a paper plan, including vegetables you intend to plant, where, and when. Use the "Planting Guide" in Table 3 and Table 4 to develop your plan. Make a list of supplies, and then proceed early to order or purchase.
Soil Preparation - While most gardeners plant on whatever soil type is available in the garden plot, you may improve your soil by bringing in topsoil or a soil mix, or by applying liberal amounts of organic materials. Spade or plow the plot at least 3 weeks before planting. Then rework the soil into a fine firm seedbed at planting time.
Organic Matter - Most Florida soils benefit from applications of various forms of organics such as animal manure, rotted leaves, compost, and cover crops. Thoroughly mix liberal amounts of organics in the soil well in advance of planting, preferably at least a month before seeding. Spread 25 to 100 pounds of compost or animal manure per 100 sq. ft. if you do not expect to use inorganic fertilizer. Well-composted organics may be applied at planting time. Due to inconsistant levels of nutrients in compost, accompanying applications of balanced inorganic fertilizer may be beneficial. Organic amendments low in nitrogen, such as composted yard trash, must be accompanied by fertilizer to avoid plant stunting.
Cover Crops - Off season planting and plow-down of green-manure crops is beneficial. In Florida, such summer legumes as cowpeas and hairy indigo are most often used. In winter try ryegrass plus lupine, and hairy vetch.
Compost - As a home garden composter you can help reduce the amount of yard waste going to landfills, while manufacturing your own compost. Composting is easy to do and yields a manure-like organic fertilizer/soil conditioner highly beneficial on Florida's infertile native soils. A small compost pile measuring 3x3x3 (1 cu. yd), called a "compost unit", is easily made.
- Build larger piles by putting together several units into a single bin.
- Construct a bin with sides made from treated lumber, concrete blocks, wire or other durable materials.
- Make successive 12-inch thick layers of plant waste such as leaves, lawn clippings, shredded branches, and wood chips. Kitchen scraps may also be used.
- Onto each layer, distribute one cup each of dolomite and 8-8-8 fertilizer (or one quart chicken litter) per unit
- Moisten each layer, then keep pile moist.
- After 3-4 weeks and every week thereafter, thoroughly mix the compost pile.
- Compost should be ready for use in 2 to 12 months, or when plant parts are decomposed.
Adjusting Soil pH - The best pH range for gardens on sandy soil is between pH 5.8 and 6.3. If your soil pH is between 5.5 and 7.0, no adjustment in pH needs to be made.
If your soil pH is below 5.5, apply lime at the rate recommended by a reliable source such as the IFAS Extension Soil Testing Laboratory. In the absence of a lime requirement test, application of 2 to 3 pounds of finely ground dolomitic limestone per 100 sq ft will usually raise the pH sufficiently when the soil pH tested is below 5.5. Caution: Application of lime when it is not needed may cause plant nutritional problems. Lime needs are best met 2 to 3 months before the garden is to be planted. However, lime may be applied as late as 1 or 2 weeks before planting. Make sure the lime is thoroughly mixed into the soil to a depth of 6 to 8 inches and then water to promote the chemical reaction.
If your soil pH is naturally above 7.0 (alkaline), where limestone, marl, or shells are present, there is no practical way of permanently lowering soil pH. Use fertilizer with micronutrients as discussed in the following section. If the high pH is the result of previous over-liming, application of granular sulfur (1 lb/100 sq ft) will lower soil pH.
Fertilizing - Unless very large quantities of organic fertilizer materials are applied, commercial fertilizer is usually needed for Florida gardens. Gardeners find it convenient to use commonly available fertilizer grades such as 8-8-8 or 15-15-15. Be sure to include micronutrients if soil pH is above 6.3. The quantities shown in Table 1 are usually sufficient.
Broadcast the indicated amount of fertilizer over the entire garden plot 1 to 2 weeks before planting. Band the other portion at planting time in 1 or 2 bands each 2 to 3 inches to the side of and 1 to 2 inches below the seed level or plant row.
In addition, during the growing season, it may be necessary to sidedress 2 or 3 times with appropriate fertilizer at half the banded rate shown in the table. On mineral soils, a grade such as 15-0-15 may also be used for side-dressing at a rate of ½ to 1 oz. per 10 ft. of row. Sidedress just beyond the outside leaves.
If a different fertilization recommendation accompanies your soil test, use those specific recommendations rather than the general ones given here.
Irrigation and Drainage - Provide sufficient drainage of excessive rainfall from your plot, while arranging for irrigation during dry periods. Frequency of irrigation depends upon your soil type; sandy soils need water 2 or 3 times a week. Conserve water by using mulch, organic matter, and techniques such as drip irrigation. Make a slight depression at the base of plants to hold water until absorbed by the soil.
Weed Control - The primary purpose of cultivation is to control weeds. Weeds are easier to control when small. In gardens, practical weed control is best accomplished by hand-pulling, hoeing, mechanical cultivation, or mulching. Chemical herbicides are not suggested.
NematodesMost Florida soils contain nematodes, microscopic worms that can seriously reduce growth and yield of most vegetables by feeding in or on their roots. Nematode damage is less likely in soils with high levels of organic matter and where crops are "rotated" so that the same members of the same family are not planted repeatedly in the same soil. Excessive nematode populations may be reduced temporarily by "soil solarization." To "solarize" your soil, first remove vegetation, then break up the sol and wet to activate that nematode population. After preparing the soil, cover it with sturdy clear plastic film during the warmest six weeks of summer. High temperatures (above 130°F) must be maintained during this time for best results.
Disease ControlExclusion - Purchase only disease-free plants. Look carefully for common symptoms of diseases. Avoid gross movement of infested soil.
Eradication - Certain soilborne diseases (e.g. damp-off, root and stem rots, and wilts) are especially troublesome on old garden sites. Site and crop rotation can slow or prevent the incidence of certain soilborne diseases. Avoid growing vegetables of the same family repeatedly in one area. Watch for early disease symptoms. Remove first diseased leaves or plants to slow spread.
Resistance - Choose adapted varieties with resistance or tolerance to the diseases common in your area.
Protection - Plant fungicide-treated seed. Dust untreated seed with a captan or thiram fungicide. Many common diseases can be controlled with either chlorathalonil, maneb, or mancozeb fungicide. Powdery mildews can be controlled with triadimefon, sulfur or benomyl, and rusts with sulfur or ziram. Control bacterial spots with basic copper sulfate plus maneb or mancozeb.
Sprays are generally more effective than dusts. Begin control efforts early. Follow product labels for vegetable clearances, rates, and interval of application.
Insect ControlScout the garden twice weekly for insect damage. Spray only affected plants. Follow label directions. The materials on Table 2 are effective against the insects as indicated.
Soil-inhabiting insects, including mole crickets, wireworms, cutworms, ants, etc., can be controlled with a broadcast pre-plant application of diazinon. Baits containing Dylox or diazinon are effective for cutworms and mole crickets. Use metaldehyde for slug control.
Pesticide PrecautionsConsider all pesticides as potential poisons. They should be applied strictly according to manufacturers' precautions and recommendations. Always wash vegetables from garden thoroughly before using. Use pesticides only as necessary to control insects and diseases and stop applications during the harvesting season. Apply in early evening to avoid killing bees and reducing pollination. Store pesticides in their original labeled containers. Keep them out of the reach of children and other irresponsible persons. See also Circular 375, Organic Vegetable Gardening .
TablesTable 1.
Table 1. Fertilizer Recommendations
|
|
|
Amount to Apply
|
Soil
|
Fertilizer grade
|
broadcast lb./100 sq ft
|
10ft/row banded oz.
|
Sand, marl, rock, or clay
|
8-8-815-15-15
|
2-41-2
|
42
|
Organic soils (muck, peat, or amended)
|
0-12-20
|
1-2
|
2
|
Table 2.
Table 2. Insect Control Recommendations
|
Pest
|
B.t.*
|
Carbaryl
|
Malathion
|
Diazinon
|
Soap**
|
Aphids
|
|
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
Armyworm
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
Budworms
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
Cabbageworms
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
|
Col. potato beetle
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
Cucumber beetle
|
|
X
|
X
|
|
|
Earworms
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
Fleabeetle
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
Fruit, horn, pinworms
|
X
|
X
|
|
|
|
Leaf miner
|
|
|
|
X
|
|
Leafhopper
|
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
|
Leafroller
|
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
|
Melon, pickle worms
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
Mexican bean beetle
|
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
|
Pameras
|
|
X
|
X
|
|
|
Pea weevils
|
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
|
Spider mites
|
|
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
Squash vineborer
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
Stink bugs
|
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
|
Thrips
|
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
Whiteflies
|
|
|
|
|
X
|
*Bacillus thuringiensis (Biotrol, Dipel, or Thuricide).
|
**Soap - Use any of several commercial products. Can also use 4 tbs. liquid dish detergent/gal. water.
|
Table 3.
Table 3. Planting Guide: Suggested Varieties, Plant Family, Harvest Information, and Comments.
|
Variety (1)
|
Plant Family (2)
|
Transplantability (3)
|
Pounds yield per 100«
|
Days to Harvest (4)
|
WARM SEASON VEGETABLES
|
Beans, bush
|
Snap: Bush Blue Lake, Contender, Roma, Harvester, Provider, Cherokee Wax , Bush Baby, TendercropShell: Horticultural, Pinto, Red Kidney
|
Leguminosae
|
III
|
45
|
50-60
|
Comment: Fertilizer at à rate used for other vegetables. Seed inoculation not essential most soils. Flowers self polinated. Use shell beans green or dry. For color, try Purple Teepee and Burgundy
|
Beans, pole
|
Dade, McCaslan, Kentucky Wonder 191, Blue Lake
|
Leguminosae
|
III
|
80
|
55-70
|
Comment: See Beans, bush. Support vines. May be grown with corn for vine support.
|
Beans, lima
|
Fordhook 242, Henderson, Jackson Wonder,Dixie Butterpea, Florida Butter (Pole), Sieva (Pole)
|
Leguminosae
|
III
|
50
|
65-75
|
Comment: See Beans, bush. Provide trellis support for pole varieties. Control stinkbugs which injure seeds in pods. Fordhook is large-seeded; Henderson is "butterbean" type.
|
Cantaloupes
|
Smith's Perfect, Ambrosia, Edisto 47, Planters Jumbo, Summet, Super Market, Primo, Luscious Plus
|
Cucurbitaccae
|
III
|
150
|
75-90(65-75)
|
Comment: Bees needed for pollination. Mulch to reduce fruit-rots and salmonella. Harvest at full-slip stage.
|
Corn, sweet
|
Silver Queen, Gold Cup,Guardian, Bonanza,Florida Staysweet, How Sweet It Is, Ssupersweet
|
Gramineae
|
III
|
115
|
60-95
|
Comment: Separate super-sweets (last three varieties) from standard varieties by time and distance. Sucker removal not beneficial. Plant in 2-3 row blocks.
|
Cucumbers
|
Slicers: Poinsett, Ashley, Dasher, Sweet Success, Pot Luck, Slice NicePicklers: Galaxy, SMR 18,Explorer
|
Cucurbitaceae
|
III
|
100
|
50-65(40-50)
|
Comment: Bees required for pollination. Many new hybrids are gynoecious (female flowering). Monoecious varieties have M/F flowers. For greenhouse, use parthenocarpic type.
|
Eggplant
|
Florida Market, Black Beauty, Dusky, Long Tom, Ichiban, Tycoon, Dourga
|
Solanaceae
|
I
|
200
|
90-110(75-90)
|
Comment: Stake your eggplants. Harvest into summer. Require warm weather. `Dourga' is white.
|
Okra
|
Clemson Spineless,Perkins, Dwarf Green, Emerald, Blondy, Burgundy
|
Malvaceae
|
III
|
70
|
50-75
|
Comment: Produces well in warm seasons. Okra is highly susceptible to root-knot nematodes.
|
Peas, Southern
|
Blackeye, Mississippi Silver, Texas Cream 40, Snapea, Zipper Cream, Sadandy, Purplehull
|
Leguminosae
|
III
|
80
|
60-90
|
Comment: See Beans, bush. The cowpea curculio is common pest. Tiny white grub infests seeds in pods. Good summer cover crop. `California No. 5 Blackeye' resistant to root-knot nematodes.
|
Peppers
|
Sweet:Early Calwonder, Yolo Wonder, Big Bertha, Sweet Banana, Jupiter Hot: Hungarian Wax, Jalapeno, Habanero
|
Solanaceae
|
I
|
50
|
80-100 (60-80)
|
Comment: Mulching especially beneficial. Continue care of peppers well into summer. Mosaic virus a common disease pest. Most small-fruited varieties are attractive, but hot. `Habanero' is extremely hot.
|
Potatoes, Sweet
|
Porto Rico, Georgia Red, Jewel, Centennial, Coastal Sweet, Boniato, Sumor, Beauregard, Vardaman.
|
Convolvulaceae
|
I
|
300
|
(120-140)
|
Comment: Sweet potato weevils are a serious problem. Start with certified-free transplants. Use vine cuttings to prolong season. `Vardaman' is a bush type for small gardens.
|
Pumpkin
|
Big Max, Funny Face, Connecticut Field, Spirit, Calabaza, Cushaw
|
Cucurbitaceae
|
III
|
300
|
90-120(80-110)
|
Comment: Bees required for pollination. Foliage diseases and fruit-rot are common. For big ones try `Atlantic Giant.' For small ornamental type, try `Jack Be Little.'
|
Squash
|
Summer:Early Prolific Straightneck, Dixie, Summer Crookneck, Cocozelle, Gold Bar,Zucchini, Peter Pan, Sunburst, Scallopini, SundropsWinter: Sweet Mama, Table Queen, Butternut, Spaghetti
|
Cucurbitaceae
|
IIIIII
|
150300
|
40-55(35-40) 80-110 (70-90)
|
Comment: Summer types usually grow on a bush while winter squash have vining habit. Both male and female flowers on same plant. Common fruit rot/drop caused by fungus and incomplete pollination. Bees required. Crossing occurs but results not seen unless seeds are saved. Winter types store longest.
|
Tomatoes
|
Large Fruit: Floradel, Solar Set, Manalucie, Better Boy, Celebrity, Bragger, Walter, Sun Coast, Floramerica, Flora-Dade, Duke.Small Fruit: Florida Basket, Micro Tom, Patio, Cherry, Sweet 100, Chelsea
|
Solanaceae
|
I
|
200
|
90-110(75-90)
|
Comment: Staking, mulching beneficial. Flowers self-pollinated. May drop if temperatures too high or low, or if nitrogen fertilization excessive. Florida varieties have best disease resistance. Some serious problems are blossom-end rot, wilts, whitefly, and leafminers. `Better Boy' appears resisitant to root-knot.
|
Watermelon
|
Large: Charleston Gray, Jubilee, Crimson Sweet, Dixielee Small: Sugar Baby, Minilee, Mickylee Seedless: Fummy
|
Cucurbitaceae
|
III
|
400
|
85-95(80-90)
|
Comment: Due to space requirement, not suited to most gardens. Suggest small ice-box types. Plant fusarium wilt resistant varieties. Bees required for pollination. Florida record size melon is `Carolina Cross.'
|
COOL SEASON VEGETABLES
|
Beets
|
Early Wonder, Detroit Dark Red, Cylindra, Red Ace, Little Ball
|
Chenopodiaceae
|
I
|
75
|
50-65
|
Comment: Beets require ample moisture at seeding or poor emergence results. Leaves edible
|
Broccoli
|
Early Green Sprouting, Waltham 29, Atlantic,Green Comet, Green Duke
|
Cruciferae
|
I
|
50
|
75-90(55-70)
|
Harvest small multiple sideshoots that develop after main central head is cut.
|
Cabbage
|
Gourmet, Marion Market, King Cole, Market Prize, Red Acre, Chieftan Savoy, Rio Verde,Bravo
|
Cruciferae
|
I
|
125
|
90-110(70-90)
|
Comment: Buy clean plants to avoid cabbage black-rot, a common bacterial disease that causes yellow patches on leaf margins. Keep an eye out for loopers, use Bt for control.
|
Carrots
|
Imperator, Thumbelina, Nantes, Gold Pak, Waltham Hicolor, Orlando Gold
|
Umbelliferae
|
II
|
100
|
65-80
|
Comment: Grow carrots on a raised bed for best results. Sow seeds shallow and thin to proper stand.
|
Cauliflower
|
Snowball Strains, Snowdrift, Imperial 10-6, Snow Crown, White Rock
|
Cruciferae
|
I
|
80
|
75-90(55-70)
|
Comment: Tie leaves around flowerhead at 2-3 inch diameter stage to prevent discoloration. For green heads, grow broccoflower.
|
Celery
|
Utah Strains, Florida Strains, Summer Pascal
|
Umbelliferae
|
II
|
150
|
115-125(80-105)
|
Comment: Celery requires very high soil moisture during seeding/seedling stage.
|
Chinese Cabbage
|
Michihili, Wong Bok, Bok Choy, Napa
|
Cruciferae
|
I
|
100
|
70-90(60-70)
|
Comment: Bok Choy is open-leaf type,while Michihili and Napa form round heads.
|
Collards
|
Georgia, Vates, Blue Max, Hicrop Hybrid
|
Cruciferae
|
I
|
150
|
70-80(40-60)
|
Comment: Tolerates more heat than most other crucifers. Harvest lower leaves. Kale may also be grown.
|
Endive/Escarole
|
Florida Deep Heart, Full Heart, Ruffec
|
Compositae
|
I
|
75
|
80-95
|
Comment: Excellent ingredient in tossed salads. Well adapted to cooler months.
|
Kohlrabi
|
Early White Vienna, Grand Duke, Purple Vienna
|
Cruciferae
|
I
|
100
|
70-80(50-55)
|
Comment: Both red and green varieties are easily grown. Use fresh or cooked. Leaves edible.
|
Lettuce
|
Crisp: Minetto, Ithaca, Fulton, Floricrisp. Butterhead: Bibb, White Boston, Tom Thumb. Leaf: Prize Head, Red Sails, Salad Bowl. Romaine: Parris Island Cos, Valmaine, Floricos.
|
Compositae
|
I
|
75
|
50-90(40-70)
|
Grow crisphead type in coolest part of season for firmer heads. Sow seeds very shallow, as they need light for germination. Intercrop lettuce with long-season vegetables.
|
Mustard
|
Southern Giant Curled, Florida Broad Leaf, Tendergreen
|
Cruciferae
|
II
|
100
|
40-60
|
Consider planting in a wide-row system. Broadleaf type requires more space. Cooked as "greens".
|
Onions
|
Bulbing: Excel, Texas Grano, Granex, White Granex, Tropicana RedBunching: White Portugal, Evergreen, Beltsville Bunching, Perfecto BlancoMultipliers: Shallots
|
Amaryllidaceae
|
III
|
100100100
|
120-160(110-120)50-75(30-40)(30-40)
|
Comment: Plant short-day bulbing varieties. For bunching onions, insert sets upright for straight stems. For multipliers, divide and reset. Bulbing onions may be seeded in the fall, then transplanted in early spring (Jan-Feb). `Granex' used for Vidalia and St. Augustine Sweets.
|
Parsley
|
Moss Curled, Perfection, Italian
|
Umbelliferae
|
II
|
40
|
70-90
|
Comment: Grow parsley root similarly (Hamburg type). Curly and plain types do well.
|
Peas, English
|
Wando, Green Arrow, Laxton's Progress, Sugar Snap, Oregon Sugar.
|
Leguminoseae
|
III
|
40
|
50-70
|
Comment: Edible podded type are "Oregon" (flat) and "Sugar Snap" (round) - be sure to trellis.
|
Potatoes
|
Sebago, Red Pontiac, Atlantic, Red LaSoda, LaRouge, Superior
|
Solanaceae
|
II
|
150
|
85-110
|
Comment: Plant 2-ounce seed pieces with eyes. Do not use table-stock for seed. Remove tops two weeks before digging to "toughen skin." Varieties planted by seeds produce less than from tubers.
|
Radish
|
Cherry Belle, Comet, Early Scarlet Globe, White Icicle, Sparkler, Red Prince, Champion, Snowbelle
|
Cruciferae
|
III
|
40
|
20-30
|
Comment: The winter type (Daikon) grows well in Florida, too. Inter-crop summer type with slow growing vegetables to save space.
|
Spinach
|
Virginia Savoy, Melody, Bloomsdale Longstanding, Tyee, Olympia
|
Chenopodiaceae
|
II
|
40
|
45-60
|
Comment: Grow during coolest months. Malabar spinach is a more prolific type that grows well in Florida.(5)
|
Strawberry
|
Florida 90, Chandler, Dover, Florida Belle, Oso Grande, Sweet Charlie, Selva
|
Rosaceae
|
I
|
50
|
(90-110)
|
Comment: Plant short-day varieties. Grow as an annual crop starting with disease-free plants in the fall.
|
Turnips
|
Roots/Tops: Purple-Top White Globe, Just RiteTops: All Top
|
Cruciferae
|
III
|
150
|
40-60
|
Comment: Grow for roots and tops. Broadcast seed in wide-row system or single file.
|
(1) Other varieties may produce well also. Suggestions are based on availability, performance, and pest resistance.
|
(2) To practice crop rotation, group family members; avoid planting family members following each other.
|
(3) Transplantability categories: I, easily survives transplanting; II survives with care; III, use seeds or containerized transplants only.
|
(4) Days from seeding to harvest, values in parentheses are days from transplanting to first harvest.
|
(5) For more information on Malabar spinach and other minor vegetables, get a copy of Bulletin SP-40, "Manual of Minor Vegetables."
|
Table 4.
Table 4. Planting Guide for Florida Vegetables: Spacing Information
|
Crop
|
Seeds/plants Per 100«
|
Spacing (inches)
|
Seed depth (inches)
|
Planting Dates in Florida (outdoors)*
|
Rows
|
Plants
|
North
|
Central
|
South
|
WARM SEASON VEGETABLES
|
Beans, bush
|
1 lb.
|
18-30
|
2-3
|
1-2
|
Mar-AprAug-Sept
|
Feb-AprSept
|
Sept-Apr
|
Beans, pole
|
à lb.
|
40-48
|
3-6
|
1-2
|
Mar-AprAug-Sept
|
Feb-AprAug-Sept
|
Aug-Apr
|
Beans, lima
|
2 lb.
|
24-36
|
3-4
|
1-2
|
Mar-Aug
|
Feb-AprSept.
|
Aug-Apr
|
Cantaloupes
|
à oz.
|
60-72
|
24-36
|
1-2
|
Mar-Apr
|
Feb-Apr
|
Aug-SeptFeb-Mar
|
Corn, sweet
|
2 oz.
|
24-36
|
12-18
|
1-2
|
Mar-AprAug
|
Feb-MarAug-Sept
|
Aug-Mar
|
Cucumbers
|
à oz.
|
36-60
|
12-24
|
1-2
|
Feb-AprAug-Sept
|
Feb-MarSept
|
Sept-Mar
|
Eggplant
|
50 plts1 pkt
|
36-42
|
24-36
|
à
|
Feb-July
|
Jan-MarAug-Sept
|
Dec-FebAug-Oct
|
Okra
|
1 oz.
|
24-40
|
6-12
|
1-2
|
Mar-July
|
Mar-Aug
|
Feb-MayAug-Sept
|
Peas, southern
|
à oz.
|
30-36
|
2-3
|
1-2
|
Mar-Aug
|
Mar-Sept
|
Aug-Apr
|
Peppers
|
100 plts1 pkt
|
20-36
|
12-24
|
à
|
Feb-AprJuly-Aug
|
Jan-MarAug-Sept
|
Aug-Mar
|
Potatoes, sweet
|
100 plts
|
48-54
|
12-14
|
---
|
Mar-June
|
Feb-June
|
Feb-June
|
Pumpkin
|
1 oz.
|
60-84
|
36-60
|
1-2
|
Mar-AprAug
|
Feb-MarAug
|
Jan-FebAug-Sept
|
Squash, Summer
|
1à oz.
|
36-48
|
24-36
|
1-2
|
Mar-AprAug-Sept
|
Feb-Mar Aug-Sept
|
Jan-MarSept-Oct
|
Squash, Winter
|
1 oz.
|
60-90
|
36-48
|
1-2
|
MarAug
|
Feb-MarAug
|
Jan-FebSept
|
Tomatoes, Stake
|
70 plts1 pkt
|
36-48
|
18-24
|
à
|
Feb-AprAug
|
Jan-MarSept
|
Aug-Mar
|
Tomatoes, Ground
|
35 plts1 pkt
|
40-60
|
36-40
|
à
|
"
|
"
|
"
|
Tomatoes, Container
|
|
|
|
|
"
|
"
|
"
|
Watermelon, Large
|
1/8 oz.
|
84-108
|
48-60
|
1-2
|
Mar-AprJuly-Aug
|
Jan-MarAug
|
Jan-MarAug-Sept
|
Watermelon, Small
|
1/8 oz.
|
48-60
|
15-30
|
"
|
"
|
"
|
"
|
Watermelon, Seedless
|
70 plts
|
48-60
|
15-30
|
"
|
"
|
"
|
"
|
COOL SEASON VEGETABLES
|
Beets
|
1 oz.
|
14-24
|
3-5
|
à - 1
|
Sept-Mar
|
Oct-Mar
|
Oct-Feb
|
Broccoli
|
100 plts1/8 oz.
|
30-36
|
12-18
|
à - 1
|
Aug-Feb
|
Aug-Jan
|
Sept-Jan
|
Brussels Sprouts
|
100 plts1/8 oz
|
30-36
|
18
|
à - 1
|
Sept-Nov
|
Oct-Nov
|
Oct-Dec
|
Cabbage
|
(1/8 oz)100 plts
|
24-36
|
12-24
|
à - 1
|
Sept-Feb
|
Sept-Jan
|
Sept-Jan
|
Carrots
|
1/8 oz.
|
16-24
|
1-3
|
à
|
Sept-Mar
|
Oct-Mar
|
Oct-Feb
|
Cauliflower
|
55 plts(1/8 oz)
|
24-30
|
18-24
|
à - 1
|
Jan-FebAug-Oct
|
Oct-Jan
|
Oct-Jan
|
Celery
|
150 plts(1/8 oz)
|
24-36
|
6-10
|
â - à
|
Jan-Mar
|
Aug-Feb
|
Oct-Jan
|
Chinese cabbage
|
125 plts(1/8 oz)
|
24-36
|
12-24
|
â - ä
|
Oct-Feb
|
Oct-Jan
|
Nov-Jan
|
Collards
|
100 plts(1/8 oz)
|
24-30
|
10-18
|
à - 1
|
Feb-AprAug-Nov
|
Aug-Mar
|
Aug-Feb
|
Endive/Escarole
|
100 plts
|
18-24
|
8-12
|
à
|
Feb-MarSept
|
Jan-FebSept
|
Sept-Jan
|
Kale
|
100 plts(1/8 oz)
|
24-30
|
12-18
|
à - 1
|
Sept-Feb
|
Sept-Jan
|
Sept-Jan
|
Kohlrabi
|
1/8 oz.
|
24-30
|
3-5
|
à - 1
|
Sept-Mar
|
Oct-Mar
|
Oct-Feb
|
Leek
|
à oz.
|
12-24
|
2-4
|
à
|
Sept-Mar
|
Sept-Feb
|
Oct-Jan
|
Lettuce: Crisp, Butter-head, Leaf & Romaine
|
100 plts
|
12-24
|
8-12
|
à
|
Feb-MarSept-Oct
|
Sept-Mar
|
Sept-Jan
|
Mustard
|
â oz.
|
14-24
|
1-6
|
à - 1
|
Sept-May
|
Sept-Mar
|
Sept-Mar
|
Onions, Bulbing
|
300 plts or sets, 1 oz seed
|
12-24
|
4-6
|
à - 1
|
Sept-Dec
|
Sept-Dec
|
Sept-Nov
|
Onions, Bunching
|
800 plts or sets, 1 - 1à oz seed
|
12-24
|
1-2
|
2-3
|
Aug-Mar
|
Aug-Mar
|
Sept-Mar
|
Onions, Multipliers
|
"
|
18-24
|
6-8
|
à - ä
|
"
|
"
|
"
|
Parsley
|
â oz.
|
12-20
|
8-12
|
â
|
Sept-Mar
|
Oct-Feb
|
Sept-Jan
|
Peas, English
|
1 lb.
|
24-36
|
2-3
|
1-2
|
Jan-Mar
|
Sept-Mar
|
Sept-Feb
|
Potatoes
|
15 lbs.
|
36-42
|
8-12
|
3-4
|
Jan-Mar
|
Jan-Feb
|
Sept-Jan
|
Radish
|
1 oz.
|
12-18
|
1-2
|
ä
|
Sept-Mar
|
Sept-Mar
|
Oct-Mar
|
Spinach
|
1 oz.
|
14-18
|
3-5
|
ä
|
Oct-Nov
|
Oct-Nov
|
Oct-Jan
|
Strawberry
|
100 plts
|
36-40
|
10-14
|
---
|
Oct-Nov
|
Oct-Nov
|
Oct-Nov
|
Turnips
|
â oz.
|
12-20
|
4-6
|
à-1
|
Jan-AprAug-Oct
|
Jan-MarSept-Nov
|
Oct-Feb
|
* North: north of State Rd 40; Central: between State Rds 40 and 70; South: south of State Rd 70.
|
Footnotes1. This document, SP 103, is a for sale publication, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida. Publication date: December 1991. Revised for CD-ROM: March 1994.
2. J.M. Stephens, professor and Extension Vegetable Specialist, Horticultural Sciences Department; R.A. Dunn, professor and Extension Nematologist, Entomology and Nematology Department; G. Kidder, professor and Extension Soils Scientist, Soil Science Department; D. Short, professor and Extension Entomologist, Entomology and Nematology Department; G.W. Simone, associate professor and Extension Plant Pathologist, Plant Pathology Department, Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville FL 32611.
The use of trade names in this publication is solely for the purpose of providing specific information. It is not a guarantee or warranty of the products named, and does not signify that they are approved to the exclusion of others of suitable composition.
The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) is an Equal Employment Opportunity - Affirmative Action Employer authorized to provide research, educational information and other services only to individuals and institutions that function without regard to race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, political opinions or affiliations. For information on obtaining other extension publications, contact your county Cooperative Extension Service office.
Florida Cooperative Extension Service / Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences / University of Florida / Larry R. Arrington, Interim Dean
Copyright Information
This document is copyrighted by the University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) for the people of the State of Florida. UF/IFAS retains all rights under all conventions, but permits free reproduction by all agents and offices of the Cooperative Extension Service and the people of the State of Florida. Permission is granted to others to use these materials in part or in full for educational purposes, provided that full credit is given to the UF/IFAS, citing the publication, its source, and date of publication.
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