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For the South Florida Gardener Kim Gabel, Environmental Horticulture Agent UF/IFAS/Monroe County Extension

Vegetable Gardening for the South Florida Gardener - Monroe County, University of Florida

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Vegetable Gardening for the South Florida Gardener - Monroe County, University of Florida

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Page 1: Vegetable Gardening for the South Florida Gardener - Monroe County, University of Florida

For the South Florida GardenerKim Gabel, Environmental Horticulture AgentUF/IFAS/Monroe County Extension

Page 2: Vegetable Gardening for the South Florida Gardener - Monroe County, University of Florida

Site Selection 2-3

• Location• Sunshine• Root competition• Soil

Page 3: Vegetable Gardening for the South Florida Gardener - Monroe County, University of Florida

Planning the Garden 4-9

• Vegetable selection: Start with “Florida Garden Guide” http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/vh021

• Paper Plans

Succession Planting

• Companion Planting

Page 4: Vegetable Gardening for the South Florida Gardener - Monroe County, University of Florida

Succession Planting 10

Continuous supply throughout the season:

Two or more crops in succession - After one crop is harvested, another is planted in the same space. The length of the growing season, climate, and crop selection are key factors. For example, a cool season spring crop could be followed by a heat-loving summer crop.Same crop, successive plantings – continuous harvestSame crops, different maturity dates - Several varieties are selected, with different maturity dates: early, main season, late. Planted at the same time, the varieties mature one after the other over the season.

Page 5: Vegetable Gardening for the South Florida Gardener - Monroe County, University of Florida

Companion Planting 10-12

Improves growth & productivity

Repels insects & other pests

Increases Nitrogen

Improves Plant Nutrition

Enhances Root Penetration

Improves Plant Environment

Enhances Pollination

Assists germination

Maximizes space

Provides climbing support

Increases Aesthetic value

Page 6: Vegetable Gardening for the South Florida Gardener - Monroe County, University of Florida

Companion Planting

Page 7: Vegetable Gardening for the South Florida Gardener - Monroe County, University of Florida

Garden Tools 13

Page 8: Vegetable Gardening for the South Florida Gardener - Monroe County, University of Florida

Climatic and Weather Effects 14-17

Page 9: Vegetable Gardening for the South Florida Gardener - Monroe County, University of Florida

Soil Test http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ss156

Page 10: Vegetable Gardening for the South Florida Gardener - Monroe County, University of Florida

Soil pH 19

http://icsde.ifas.ufl.edu/Accordent/Extension/MGSpecialistUpdate9%2D16%2D10/

Page 11: Vegetable Gardening for the South Florida Gardener - Monroe County, University of Florida

Soil compaction

Page 12: Vegetable Gardening for the South Florida Gardener - Monroe County, University of Florida

Soil-less Media• Compost• Potting soil• Combinations of

ingredients: vermiculite, peat moss, sand, bark, other

Page 13: Vegetable Gardening for the South Florida Gardener - Monroe County, University of Florida

Soil-less Media 37

Sample Mixture• Sand - 1 bushel “Builder’s Sand” (8 gal)• Organic matter (peat, compost) – 1 bushel• 1.25 cups dolomite lime• 1 cup 8-8-8 fertilizer with micro-nutrients

Page 14: Vegetable Gardening for the South Florida Gardener - Monroe County, University of Florida

Plant Nutrients 22

Fertilizing the Garden

Macro-nutrientsPrimary

N (nitrogen)P (phosphorus) K (potassium)

SecondaryCa ( calcium)Mg (magnesium)S (sulfur)

Micro-nutrientsB (boron)Cl (chlorine)Cu (copper)Fe (iron)Mn (manganese)Mo (molybdenum)Zn (zinc)

Page 15: Vegetable Gardening for the South Florida Gardener - Monroe County, University of Florida

Plant Hunger Signs 23

• (N) Yellow older leaves and stunting.

• (Ca) Blossom end rot; die-back at tips. Not a problem when tomatoes are grown in the ground.

http://hort.ufl.edu/nutdef/

Page 16: Vegetable Gardening for the South Florida Gardener - Monroe County, University of Florida

Inorganic Fertilizers 24-25

Fertilizing the Garden

Complete (N-P-K)

Incomplete (Ex. Potassium sulfate)

Ratio (8-8-8, 8-2-12)

Tag shows what’s in the bag and sources

May also contain secondary and micros

Use slow-release and/or organic

Use water soluble if needed

Page 17: Vegetable Gardening for the South Florida Gardener - Monroe County, University of Florida

Fertilizing Fertilizing the

Garden

Apply as needed, or monthly intervals, broadcast around plants over root zone.

Apply per 100 square feet - 1# (6-6-6) or 1/3 # (15-0-15)

Less often if organic or slow-release

Main benefit is for nitrogen supply, Liquid fertilizers may be used as well

How will this effect the soil biology? http://www.soilfoodweb.com/03_about_us/approach_pgs/a_02_sfw_dgrm_lrg.html

Page 18: Vegetable Gardening for the South Florida Gardener - Monroe County, University of Florida
Page 19: Vegetable Gardening for the South Florida Gardener - Monroe County, University of Florida

Organic Fertilizers 26-29

Fertilizing the Garden

http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/MG323

•Animal derived products: manures & composted products

•Other Animal based products

•Green manures

•Cover crops

Page 20: Vegetable Gardening for the South Florida Gardener - Monroe County, University of Florida

Organic MatterConditions soil

Improves water holding capacity

Improves nutrient holding capacity

Supplies nutrients – slow release

Buffers soil

Increases soil “life”

Page 21: Vegetable Gardening for the South Florida Gardener - Monroe County, University of Florida

Animal Manures 26-27

Organic Matter

Kinds & CompositionConditionApplication

Page 22: Vegetable Gardening for the South Florida Gardener - Monroe County, University of Florida

Animal Manure Composition 27

Kind % Water %N %P %K

Organic Matter

Bull 86 .55 .15 .50Hen 73 1.10 .90 .50Horse 80 .65 .25 .50Sheep68 1.00 .75 .40Turkey 74 1.30 .70 .50

Page 23: Vegetable Gardening for the South Florida Gardener - Monroe County, University of Florida

Composting is the controlled decomposition of organic materials.

Compost is partially decomposed organic matter.

Humus is completely decomposed organic matter.

Mulch is organic or inorganic materials spread on the soil surface.

Page 24: Vegetable Gardening for the South Florida Gardener - Monroe County, University of Florida

* Food: Greens & Browns

* Air (02)* Moisture

To compost rapidly, you must "think like a microbe." What do microbes need?

http://www.richmond.ca/__shared/assets/compost_26754.jpg

Page 25: Vegetable Gardening for the South Florida Gardener - Monroe County, University of Florida

Carbon to Nitrogen RatioThe ideal ratio of Carbon to Nitrogen is

30 to 1 (30:1)

High Carbon“Brown”

High Nitrogen“Green”

Twigs

Leaves

Sawdust

Wood chips

Manure

Kitchen scraps

Grass clippings

Nitrogen fertilizers

Anything that was once a plant.

Page 26: Vegetable Gardening for the South Florida Gardener - Monroe County, University of Florida

Three classes of bacteria will go to work for you in an aerobic (well aerated) pile:

Psychrophilesbacteria that flourish at low temperatures down to 0°F

Mesophilesbacteria that thrive at temperatures between 70-90°F

Psychrophiles

Thermophilesbacteria that thrive at temperatures between 105-140°F

Page 27: Vegetable Gardening for the South Florida Gardener - Monroe County, University of Florida

In later (cooler) stages, other organisms will assist with pile decomposition

ActinomycetesFungiSowbugsMillipedesCentipedesSpiders Earthworms

Page 28: Vegetable Gardening for the South Florida Gardener - Monroe County, University of Florida

Cold/ Slow/ Passive CompostingSheet Composting Top-Dressing with organic material on the soil surface

Trench CompostingComposting directly IN the soil

Cold Bin Composting Fill your compost bin halfway with browns and bury kitchen scrapsHeap CompostingA collection of compostable materials

Page 29: Vegetable Gardening for the South Florida Gardener - Monroe County, University of Florida

Hot / Fast / Active Composting

Fastest rate of composting. Kills weed seeds, pests, and plant pathogens in the process.

Requires several elements to succeed:

* Minimum size - 3’ x 3’ x 3’ (1 cubic yard)* Blend of greens and browns(~ 30:1 C/N Ratio)

* Proper moisture content* Frequent turning to provide air* Particle size of less than 2"-3"

Page 30: Vegetable Gardening for the South Florida Gardener - Monroe County, University of Florida

Sandwich Method

Layer compost materials using a balance of Green andBrown materials.

* Alternate 3-4" layers of Green (high nitrogen) and Brown (high carbon) materials.

* Water each layer as you build it so material is moist not wet, like a wrung sponge.

* End with a Brown layer on top.

Page 31: Vegetable Gardening for the South Florida Gardener - Monroe County, University of Florida

Mix-It! Method

Mix the Green and Brown materials before adding them to the compost system

* Speeds up the composting process

* Add the mixture in 4" layers.

* Water each layer.

Page 32: Vegetable Gardening for the South Florida Gardener - Monroe County, University of Florida

After building your compost pile, manage it by

•Monitoring temperature, moisture & odor

•Mixing and Turning

•Finishing/Curing

•Screening

Page 33: Vegetable Gardening for the South Florida Gardener - Monroe County, University of Florida

* Soil Amendment (Use only finished)

* Mulch (Use finished or unfinished)

* Potting Mix (Use only finished)

* Compost Tea (Use finished or unfinished)

To increase the organic matter in the soil. Work in 1-3” of compost.

Apply 3-4 inches thick when possible.

Blend with sand, perlite, vermiculite, etc.

Fill burlap bag with compost and place in barrel of water. Use “tea” to water plants.

Page 34: Vegetable Gardening for the South Florida Gardener - Monroe County, University of Florida

Vermiculture

Page 35: Vegetable Gardening for the South Florida Gardener - Monroe County, University of Florida

Vermicompost Tea

SUPPRESSING PLANT PARASITIC NEMATODES AND ARTHROPOD PESTS WITH VERMICOMPOST TEAS

VERMICOMPOST TEA PRODUCTION AND PLANT GROWTH IMPACTS

Page 36: Vegetable Gardening for the South Florida Gardener - Monroe County, University of Florida

Mulches 47-49

Organic Mulches In-Organic Mulches

Hay/Pine strawLeavesBark/Wood chipsYard waste Sawdust

Poly-plasticNewspaperCardboardCarpet

Page 37: Vegetable Gardening for the South Florida Gardener - Monroe County, University of Florida

Weed Control 47-49

CultivationHand-pullingMulchingDo not compost perennials

or weeds “in-seed”Keep weeds out in off-season

Page 38: Vegetable Gardening for the South Florida Gardener - Monroe County, University of Florida

Gardening options for south Florida 30-33

• Container gardening• Hydroponics (Water culture)• Organic gardening• Raised bed

http://solutionsforyourlife.ufl.edu/hot_topics/lawn_and_garden/veggie_gardening.html#

Page 39: Vegetable Gardening for the South Florida Gardener - Monroe County, University of Florida

http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/VH032

Containers

• Pots and cans• Buckets and

baskets• Styrofoam ice

chests• Plastic bags• Barrels and drums• Imaginative

containers

Gardening options for south Florida

Page 40: Vegetable Gardening for the South Florida Gardener - Monroe County, University of Florida

Hydroponic gardening

http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/HS/HS18400.pdf

Page 41: Vegetable Gardening for the South Florida Gardener - Monroe County, University of Florida

Organic Gardening

Composting

Mulching

Animal manures

Crop rotation

Least-toxic pesticides

Natural predators

Resistant varieties

No synthetic chemicals (pesticides and fertilizers)

Soil building: compostingmulching

Page 42: Vegetable Gardening for the South Florida Gardener - Monroe County, University of Florida

Raised Beds

Construction4-5 feet wide5-8 feet long or longer6-12 inch high24 inch high for wheelchairsMaterials variableLumber: non-treated wood, cinder blocks, or cedar to resist decay

Page 43: Vegetable Gardening for the South Florida Gardener - Monroe County, University of Florida

Site PreparationRaised Beds

Clear debris & plants

Outline area for raised beds

Place newspaper, cardboard, etc over area

Place raised bed walls

Fill with compost or potting soil

Mulch between beds

Page 44: Vegetable Gardening for the South Florida Gardener - Monroe County, University of Florida

transfers diseases

transfers nematodes

compacts soil

Don’t step on your soil!

Page 45: Vegetable Gardening for the South Florida Gardener - Monroe County, University of Florida

Seeds or Transplants?

Page 46: Vegetable Gardening for the South Florida Gardener - Monroe County, University of Florida

Seeding the Garden 38-41

Advantages

Can plant best varieties

Some veggies don’t transplant

Page 47: Vegetable Gardening for the South Florida Gardener - Monroe County, University of Florida

Transplantability 42-45

http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/VH021

Page 48: Vegetable Gardening for the South Florida Gardener - Monroe County, University of Florida

Seed Longevity

Page 49: Vegetable Gardening for the South Florida Gardener - Monroe County, University of Florida

Seed Storage 41

3-15 years

Cool: 35-50° F

Dry: 50-70% RH

Seed moisture low: 10-14%

Refrigerator

Absorbent material

Page 50: Vegetable Gardening for the South Florida Gardener - Monroe County, University of Florida

Seeding Rules of Thumb 40

Plant 2 seeds/hole

Thin if needed

Plant seed no deeper than 2x diameter

Press tiny seeds into soil

Keep seed bed moist (cover with burlap

Page 51: Vegetable Gardening for the South Florida Gardener - Monroe County, University of Florida

Thinning Plants 46

Why thin?

Thin when seedlings are small

Seedlings may be used for:TransplantingGreens and salad

Leave best plants even if spacing is off

Do not disturb roots

Page 52: Vegetable Gardening for the South Florida Gardener - Monroe County, University of Florida

Starting With Transplants 42-44

AdvantagesEarly start, earlier harvest

Avoid bad weather

Choice of plants

Instant success

Ideal seed germination

Required for some: Sweet potato and Strawberry

Page 53: Vegetable Gardening for the South Florida Gardener - Monroe County, University of Florida

Setting Plants

4-6 weeks old

Do not disturb roots

Set in moist soil

Water around roots

Set at proper depth

Starter solution helpful

Page 54: Vegetable Gardening for the South Florida Gardener - Monroe County, University of Florida

Other Plant Parts

Cutting - sweet potato

Tubers – potato

Bulbs – onions

Entire fruit – chayote

Clove – garlic

Stem - cassava

Page 55: Vegetable Gardening for the South Florida Gardener - Monroe County, University of Florida

Caring for the Garden

Page 56: Vegetable Gardening for the South Florida Gardener - Monroe County, University of Florida

Soil Moisture and Plant Growth

Page 57: Vegetable Gardening for the South Florida Gardener - Monroe County, University of Florida

Watering the Garden 50-51

No water - no garden Hand-held cans or hose Overhead sprinklers Drip systems Soaker hoses

Page 58: Vegetable Gardening for the South Florida Gardener - Monroe County, University of Florida

Irrigation Considerations

Water early in day

Young plants need 1” water per week -- apply water frequently

Mature plants need 2” water per week - apply infrequently

Page 59: Vegetable Gardening for the South Florida Gardener - Monroe County, University of Florida

Supporting Tall Plants 49-50

Staking

Trellising

On Fence

Cages

Plant-to-plant

Page 60: Vegetable Gardening for the South Florida Gardener - Monroe County, University of Florida

For information on specific plants and other University of Florida Extension publications

Http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu

Http://solutionsforyourlife.ufl.edu/

Page 61: Vegetable Gardening for the South Florida Gardener - Monroe County, University of Florida

Courtesy of:Jim Stephens Vegetable Gardening Specialist

Sydney Park Brown Extension Horticulture Agent,

Mary Lamberts Commercial Vegetable Crop Agent,

George Fitzpatrick Professor of Horticulture

Adrian Hunsberger, Miami-Dade Extension Agent

Hillsborough County Extension Composting Program