26 Oct FLORIDA GARDENING – OCTOBER 2021

Florida Gardening – October 2021

• Farmers throughout Florida have already been plowing and planting their seeds in anticipation of the upcoming vegetable growing season. Very soon the vegetables we buy in the market will be marked “Florida Grown” rather than “Product of …”.
• October is the time for planting these great little fruits. Keep your plants’ soil moist by watering every two to three days and be certain to fertilize appropriately. Be on the lookout for caterpillars, slugs, thrips, mites and snails looking to snack on your plants.
• Rose growing in Florida can be difficult; however there are a few easy steps to ensure you’re as successful as possible. Prepare your soil by adding dry cow manure and peat moss. Select roses locally to ensure best growing and blooming success.
• Winter veggies are on! Beets, Broccoli, Cabbage, Celery, Chinese Cabbage, Carrots, Collards, Cucumbers, Escarole, Kale, Kohlrabi, Leek, Lettuce, Mustard, Okra, Onion Sets, Parsnips, Peppers, Pumpkins, Rhubarb, Romaine, Rutabagas, Spinach, Squash, Strawberries, Sweet Corn, Swiss Chard, Tomatoes and Turnips are all great vegetables to consider starting this month for a great winter’s harvest!
• Many of the fall grasses have formed their inflorescent this month. To extend your garden’s reach, these can be trimmed and dried for use in other displays this month for a great winter’s harvest!
• Much of Florida’s citrus begins to ripen and can be enjoyed from tree to table!

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