How To Start Your Own Garden
| How and what to grow in South Florida, Fact sheet from the IFAS/Extension office! |
Advice from Art Friedrich, President of Urban Oasis Project:
Because every yard is different, we all start with different soils and conditions (i.e. sun, shade, pests nearby).
For those starting a new garden:
Advice from Daniella Perez, supporter of Urban Oasis Project:
Gardening is an ongoing experiment, and as Art mentioned, there are a multitude of factors that can influence a garden's growth. However, don't be deterred! In most cases, with decent soil, the right plants at the right time, and some patience, anyone can start a garden! Here are some websites that I have found especially helpful:
Because every yard is different, we all start with different soils and conditions (i.e. sun, shade, pests nearby).
For those starting a new garden:
- I recommend purchasing a 10 inch deep raised bed with cardboard underneath.
- I find wood sides to be the cheapest, filled with about 16 bags of Timberline composted manure (it's the cheapest good stuff at Home Depot) and a small bag of peat moss or coconut coir mixed in to lighten it up.
- You can mix in a large bag of potting soil for a similar effect.
- Don't compact it, water every few days so you get it all wet but you never drown it. Johnny's seeds is great and comprehensive and has lots of organics, but there are many other great seed sources.
Advice from Daniella Perez, supporter of Urban Oasis Project:
Gardening is an ongoing experiment, and as Art mentioned, there are a multitude of factors that can influence a garden's growth. However, don't be deterred! In most cases, with decent soil, the right plants at the right time, and some patience, anyone can start a garden! Here are some websites that I have found especially helpful:
- For heirloom, non-gmo, fairly priced seeds, I've used Seeds Now:
- For a complete guide to gardening in Florida I recommend the following site. It is chalk full of info from compost, to pH, to pest control. However, I would take a look mostly at the chart towards the middle of the page that lists what months to plant, days to harvest, etc. There are also notes and recommendations for varieties available towards the bottom.
- Here is a list of perennial vegetables great for South FL. Perennials are a go-to in my opinion as they tend to be more resilient (especially if they're native) and they require less maintenance.
- Another great month-to-month growing guide for South FL:
- And here's a little info on the benefits of perennials:
Useful Links
Vegetable Gardening for Beginners: The Complete Guide
Vegetable gardening videos from UF/Miami-Dade Extension Website
Home Horticulture Tips from UF/Miami-Dade Extension Website
Lawn and Garden Publications from UF/Miami-Dade Extension Website
Master Gardener Volunteer Program Information
Calendar of Events (Master Gardener volunteer sessions, workshops, plant clinics)
Battling Pests from UF/Miami-Dade Extension Website
Beginning Gardener Guide
http://sixbrotherspestcontrol.com/garden-pests-natural-guide/
http://www.austinrealestate.com/home-gardening-tips.php
Vegetable Gardening for Dummies – A Novice’s Guide