Spring Vegetable Gardening

Vegetable gardening offers exercise, enjoyment, mental therapy, nutritious fresh vegetables, and economic savings, as well as many other benefits. Vegetables can be grown year-round in Florida if attention is paid to the appropriate planting dates. There’s nothing like having homegrown vegetables right at your back door, and now’s the time to prepare your garden for spring vegetables.

Planning

Start with a plan: decide what vegetables you want to plant, and where in your garden they’ll be located. For convenience locate the garden near the house, on a well-drained site, close to a source of water. Plant in a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. With proper care, vegetables may also be included in the landscape among ornamental plants. Give the plants plenty of room when planting, so they can grow a strong healthy root system.

Soil

Gardeners often plant on whatever soil type is available, but it is usually worthwhile to improve the garden plot with additions of organic matter like compost or manure. Florida soils often need the addition of lime to adjust the P.H. You can also get your soil tested at your local nursery to find out exactly what nutrients are needed. Spade or plow the plot at least three weeks before planting. At planting time, add a slow release fertilizer, rework the soil into a smooth, firm surface. For container gardens use a well draining potting soil and make sure the container is the appropriate size for your plant.

Spring Vegetables

After the chance of a frost or freeze has passed in the spring, plant Tomatoes, Beans, Peppers, Corn, Okra, Squash, Eggplant, Potatoes, Onions, and Cucumbers. Herbs like Basil, Parsley, Cilantro, Rosemary and Thyme are easy to grow and a healthy way to spice up your food. Some types of fruit that can be grown in the spring are: Strawberries, Blackberries, Blueberries, Figs, Pears, Grapes and some varieties of citrus.

For best results choose varieties of fruit and vegetables that are recommended for a Florida climate.

With the proper preparation prior to planting a vegetable garden, and good quality plants, you should have plenty of vegetables for everyone to enjoy. Use the information and tips given in this article as a guide to having a successful vegetable garden.