Plants need water, light, the correct temperature, and nutrients to grow. If you want to plant a vegetable garden, the one thing that you can’t control is sunlight, so make sure you place your garden in an area that receives at least 6 hours of full sunlight during the middle of the day. Broccoli, collards, cabbage, and most of the leafy crops can withstand more shade; but the fruiting crops – tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and melons – need the light. Many gardeners prefer to place their garden near the house where water spigots are located. However, never place a garden over a septic system!
To enhance your soil, use compost. And don’t forget to place 2-3 inches of mulch around your seedlings; this will reduce the amount of watering you must do.
|
Vegetable or Herb |
Spring Garden |
Summer Garden |
Fall Garden |
|
sweet corn |
a |
|
|
|
lima beans |
a |
|
|
|
cantaloupe |
a |
|
|
|
watermelon |
a |
|
|
|
pole beans |
a |
a |
|
|
okra |
a |
a |
a |
|
eggplant |
a |
a |
|
|
pepper |
a |
a |
|
|
tomato |
a |
|
a |
|
collards |
a |
a |
a |
|
turnip |
a |
|
a |
|
winter squash |
a |
|
|
|
summer squash |
a |
|
a |
|
carrots |
a |
|
a |
|
radish |
a |
|
a |
|
cabbage |
a |
|
a |
|
broccoli |
a |
|
a |
|
beets |
a |
|
a |
|
lettuce |
a |
|
a |
|
potato |
a |
|
|
|
onion |
a |
|
a |
|
peas |
a |
a |
a |
|
bush beans |
a |
|
a |
|
strawberries |
a |
|
a |
|
cucumbers |
a |
|
a |
|
herbs – basil, dill, etc. |
a |
a |
a |
|
sweet potatoes |
|
a |
a |
|
cauliflower |
|
|
a |
|
radish |
|
|
a |
|
zucchini squash |
|
|
a |
For more information, check out Vegetable Gardening in Florida, by James Stephens.