Planting a spring vegetable garden

There are many challenges in food production and there are solutions for most. In developing a vegetable garden, there are challenges with weather and insects that will require careful management. One must be committed to work hard, water regularly, scout for problems and eliminate weeds. Still, it is hard to describe the marked difference between canned or even frozen produce and that which is harvested fresh that day. Many times, I have sat down to a meal knowing the food was in the garden only that morning, while enjoying the rewards of fresh, flavorful produce.

Early March is the time to install warm-season vegetables in North Central Florida, with a goal of enjoying fresh garden produce in April and May. For beginning gardeners, there are a few essential elements to consider in getting started.

First, select a site that gives as much full sun as possible, but at least six hours a day minimum. Next, start small. A 20 foot by 25-foot plot is 500 square feet, and should produce enough food for four people. These gardens are a lot of work, and though it may look small, you can always expand later if needed. Third, be sure you have a water source close to the garden. Remember that vegetables are largely water in their makeup, and it takes regular water (but not too much) to produce a good crop. Fourth, it is always a good idea to have your soil tested when you begin. Vegetables prefer a pH around 6.0, and for a $7 fee, the University of Florida will test for pH and minor elements. Obtain a soil test kit at your Extension office. Remember that crops perform during two distinct garden seasons — those that do well in cool weather and crops that perform best as soil temperatures are on the rise. The Extension has a very good publication — “Vegetable Gardening in Florida,” available at ifasbooks.com — which lists plants that do well in each season. Finally, check the days to harvest on the seed packet prior to planting. Most years temperatures reach 90 degrees about June 1, and this seems to be the magic number where production ceases. Backtrack from June 1 to be sure you have enough days to harvest your crop.

Preparation of the seedbed is a very important step in harvesting a good crop, and if you garden over several years, you will want to improve your soil by adding composted organic material. Turn your garden soil over to a depth of about 1 foot a couple weeks before planting. Using a hoe, break up any clumps of soil to create as smooth a bed as possible.

In laying out the garden, run rows in a north/south direction to maximize sun exposure. Leave space between rows — 3 feet is typical — to allow room for growth and room to work during the early growth stages of the garden. Seeds should be planted according to seed size with small seeds planted close together and about ½-inch deep. Larger seeds should be spaced further apart and should be planted about 1-inch deep. After seeds emerge, lightly sidedress (placing fertilizer in a line about 4 inches away from the plant row), using a 6-6-6 garden fertilizer. Light irrigation, about ¼-inch, should be applied daily in the garden to initiate seed sprouting

Shortly after seeds emerge, gardeners can save themselves a lot of work by applying a layer of oak leaf mulch about 1-inch deep. This will deter weeds, retain moisture and, over time, will enhance garden soil. Oak leaves are readily available this time of year and prudent gardeners will gather them and store them for use now and later.

Much more could be said about vegetable gardening — and much more will be said during the Master Gardener Spring Festival on March 10 and 11 at the Marion County Agricultural Center on Jacksonville Road. Attendees can view various gardening methods, talk with Master Gardeners about how gardens may be successfully undertaken, see various demonstrations of composting, hear lectures on garden methods and purchase garden plants. More information is available at: www.marioncountyfl.org/springfestival.htm.

Just as the wise apple farmer enjoyed the fruits of his labor, prudent vegetable gardeners will find their spring table laden with fresh, wholesome vegetables. Early March is the time to plan and plant for an April and May harvest.

David Holmes is Marion County extension director. Contact him at [email protected].

Grow your own fruit and vegetable with Bill & Sheila
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