Carolyn Saft, UF/IFAS Extension Suwannee County
Contributor
We all know that eating vegetables is good for our health, but lately it has been hard on our budgets. We have a couple of options to still do what our mothers have always told us, “Eat your veggies.” First, we can shop at u-pick farms like Rooney’s Front Porch or Branford Farm Stand, and local farms such as Dasher or Hoover farms to purchase fresh vegetables and fruit. Second, we can grow our own vegetables. Many seasoned gardeners have already started their spring vegetable seeds so they will be ready to put in the ground as transplants once the threat of frost has passed. Follow these guidelines to get started with your garden:
- Select a site that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight and has a source for water nearby. Rotate sites to help with weed, disease and pest control. Run your rows north and south for optimum sunlight.
- Get you soil tested so you can determine your soil pH and nutrient needs (pick up a test kit at our office). Optimum pH for growing vegetables is 5.8 to 6.3, but even at 5.5 to 7.0 no adjustments are needed.
- If you are using a previous garden site, be sure to rotate plant families. Add organic matter to the planting area and mix in three weeks prior to planting. Then rework the soil into a fine, firm seedbed.
- Lay out drip or micro-irrigation.
- Purchase seeds or transplants. Seeds are less expensive, and you may have more choices in varieties, but it will take them longer to get started.
- Plant your crops. Apply organic or commercial fertilizer in bands at least two inches away from each side of plants. A mix of slow release and quick release fertilizers give the best results. Avoid over fertilization as it may burn the plants.
- Mulch your garden area with organic mulch to retain soil moisture, reduce weeds, provide nutrients and to reduce soil borne disease causing organisms from splashing up on plant leaves.
- Vegetable crops grow best when they receive half an inch to one inch of rainfall or irrigation per week. Apply half an inch of water per irrigation event to thoroughly saturate the soil down to six to eight inches below the surface; this increases root growth and makes for more drought resistant plants. Over-watering can increase disease problems, so irrigate wisely.
- Monitor your plants for insects and disease. The earlier they are detected, the easier they are to control.
- At last, harvest your bounty and enjoy the fruits of your labor! Master Gardener volunteers are growing vegetable transplants to sell as a fundraiser to purchase a van. Visit the greenhouse on
- Wednesday, March 15, Wednesday, March 29 or Wednesday, April 5 from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Teachers can visit on the designated days from 3:30 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.
Visit Suwannee County's UF/IFAS Extension or visit edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/VH021 for a free copy of the Florida Vegetable Gardening Guide. The Extension also offers publications, advice and classes on canning and freezing vegetables. UF/IFAS is an equal opportunity institution. Contact them at (386) 362-2771.