Growing Borage (Borago officinalis) A delightful annual herb known for its bushy growth and vibrant, edible bright blue flowers. This versatile plant serves as a magnet for bumble bee pollinators in garden plots. Borage offers a range of culinary and medicinal...
Seed Starting- Transplant or Direct Seed Starting Indoors Most start seeds are started indoors about 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost date of spring. But planting schedules will vary depending on your growing zone, your area’s frost date, and the types of...
Bok Choy Dwarf curled blue kale mustard2 Baby Greens grown in small cells I just love greens! Lately i have realized that i love eating baby greens more than the full size greens. I don’t mean microgreens. I mean baby as in when they are 3-6″ tall. I...
So I thought I would clarify a few things about herbs. Some herbs, such as sweet basil and cilantro are annuals. That means they will go to seed at some point during the season. When this happens the plants usually stop growing new leaves. Many things can trigger...
Growing Turmeric Attain turmeric root Turmeric doesn’t propagate seeds and is grown from rhizomes (root cuttings). Therefore, all you need is one organic turmeric root, which you can buy at a local nursery or online. Break up the rhizome Break off the fingers...
Hardening off Transplants Hardening off transplants for the garden (outside) As your starts begin maturing, bearing their “true” leaves, we know the time is drawing near to transplant. Transplanting can be stressful for growers because it is common to lose plants to...
Calendula Resina Calendula Resina Calendula is highly prized by gardeners and herbalist alike due to the versatility of this flower. To be more accurate, we should call calendula by what it really is – a flowering herb! Speaking of names, sometimes calendula is...
Recipes Roselle Jam Ingredients: Rosellas Sugar Water 1 teaspoon of butter The juice of 1 lemon The Recipe: Separate red calyxes from the seedpods Wash and drain each seperately. In a saucepan, add seeds and water until the seeds are just covered. Tip: (Add a little...
Stuffed Cabbage 2018-01-10 11:00:23 Yields 8 Delicious, hearty comfort food. I make this every year when I harvest my cabbage. I make a triple recipe and freeze individual portions. This is the best pr packaged frozen meal you can get! Write a review Save Recipe Print...
Waltham Butternut Butternut Squash yellow squash zucchini2 Pumpkin squash In Florida we plant out summer squash (yellow squash, zucchini) Feb. – March and Aug. – Sept. Winter squash (pumpkin, butternut) Feb. – March and...
Gardening Guides Seed starting/Saving Vegetable Growing Guides Herb Guides Insects Recipes About Me Monthly Planting Guides Click on image to enlarge and or...
Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce 2017-04-26 16:21:56 Serves 4 If you love squash, in fact even if you don't: you'll Love this! Write a review Save Recipe Print Ingredients 1 med. butternut squash ( about 2 cups) 3 tbsps olive oil 4-8 sage leaves 1 1/2 cups...
Garden Guides Seed starting/Saving Vegetable Growing Guides Herb Growing Guides Insects Recipes About Me Seed Saving Guide Crops – The chart is organized alphabetically by crop type, all the way from amaranth to wild arugula. Species – The species column...
Timm Elliot has been growing a variety of seed for me for about 3 years now. He also has the passion to preserve rare varieties and adapt them to our Florida environment. He does this on a small residential lot, mostly in raised beds. He is always...
The other day when I was deciding what to make for dinner, I realized just how much food I grow. That’s what gave me the idea for this post. While I was looking around, this is what I came across: In my pantry I had, white potatoes, red potatoes, sweet...
Grow your own Carrots and Radishes! Pickled Radishes & Carrots 2017-02-03 10:12:27 Great way to preserve those garden fresh veggies. Write a review Save Recipe Print Ingredients 10 Radishes sliced thin 2 medium carrots sliced thin 10 garlic cloves left whole 1 tbsp...
Homemade Sauerkraut 2017-02-03 09:47:57 Small batch sauerkraut. Can be made in large batch, just double recipe for a gallon and so on. Write a review Save Recipe Print Ingredients 3 lbs cabbage: no green leaves, white inside leaves only 1 1/2 Tbsp kosher salt 2 Quart...
Gardening Guides Seed starting/Saving Vegetable Growing Guides Herb Guides Insects Recipes About Me Fl. Planting Guides Shop Heirloom Seeds Click the PDF below to download the FL. Planting Guide . ...
Growing Parsley Biennial herb (Petroselinum) grown as an annual. Its many horticultural varieties are grouped as curled leaved (var. crispum), fernleaved (var. filicinum) and Hamburg or “rooted” (var. radicosum). Though the leaves of all are used for...
Growing Thyme The common name for Thymus,a genus of aromatic herbs or shrubby plants of the Mint Family, long cultivated and valued as both ornamentals and sweet herbs. They have small lavender or pink flowers and are planted in the rock garden and the border for...
Growing Spinach Soil Spinach prefers a well draining soil with a neutral pH and won’t be happy in a pH lower than 6.0. Because it is such a fast grower, it is also a heavy feeder. A fertilizer high in nitrogen, the first number on the fertilizer package, will help...
Growing Rosemary Common name for Rosmarinus officinalis, a hardy evergreen sub-shrub grown chiefly for its aromatic leaves which are used in culinary seasoning and which yield an oil once used in medicine. Small light blue flowers are borne in April or May, in loose...
Cal Wonder Bell Buran Bell Sweet Banana Hatch Chile Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost. (usually mid Jan. in zone 9) see How to start seeds Germination temperature: 80-85 degrees 6-21 days to germinate (moisture & temperature could effect germination...
Growing Oregano Also known as Pot Marjoram, Origanum vulgare is a perennial herb and a native of the Mediterranean region. The plant grows to over two feet tall and has oval grayish-green leaves that are frequently used in pizza, spaghetti and marinara sauces, plus...
Growing Lettuce Lolla Rossa Lettuce Webbs Wonderful Rossa di Trento Romaine Germination Notes Lettuce fails to germinate at temperatures above 80 degrees. To grow lettuce during hot weather, start indoors at 70-75 degrees for good germination. Grow...
Growing Lemon Balm Common name for Melissa officinalis, an aromatic, sweet herb of the Mint Family grown in the herb garden for seasoning, and also used in liqueurs and historically, as a medicine. It grows to 2 feet tall and has small 2-lipped flowers in late summer,...
Growing Dill An Old-World annual or biennial herb (Anethum graveolens) of the Parsley Family, grown for it’s leaves bitter seeds which are used for flavoring the popular dill (cucumber) pickles. Dill grows two to three feet tall. It may be planted in spring or fall....
Growing Cucumbers Suyo Long Cucumber Highly productive! trellised cukes Creamy Cucumber Salad pickle size pickles Direct seed or start indoors 3 weeks before last frost. Germination temperature 75-85 degrees. Sow ½”-1” deep. Space 36” on ground (not recommended),...
Growing Cilantro/Coriander An annual or biennial herb (Coriandrun sativum), of the Parsley Family, grown for it’s aromatic seeds which are used for flavoring liquors and confections. The plants, which grow about 2 feet high, are cultivated in rows about 18 inches...
You can order seed potato pieces from an online catalog, but i use store bought organic potatoes and they do just fine. This is what I do. If I can find some potatoes that are already growing sprouts I will buy those. But if not I buy whatever kind of...
White Bean, Kale and Sausage Soup 2016-11-23 06:29:57 This is my favorite soup! Just serve with bread and salad for a delicious healthy meal. Write a review Save Recipe Print Ingredients 1/2 lb. Italian sausage casing removed or bulk 2 Tbl. spoons olive oil 1 small...
Green Tomato Chow Chow 2016-06-30 13:40:11 Yields 6 This is so good it makes me want to pick all my tomatoes green. Write a review Save Recipe Print Ingredients 12 green tomatoes, cored and quartered 3 medium green bell peppers, seeded and chopped 3 medium red bell or...
Garden Guides Seed starting/Saving Vegetable Growing Guides Herb Growing Guides Insects Recipes About Me How To Start Your Own Seeds I really enjoy starting my vegetables and herbs from seed. Every time I see that first sprout coming up I feel like I am seeing a...
Braised Kale 2016-03-08 14:22:09 Very fast and easy way to cook kale. Write a review Save Recipe Print Ingredients 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 1/2 cups thinly sliced onion 1/3 cup thinly sliced garlic 10 cup loosely packed chopped kale (about 2 pounds) 1 cup chicken...
Broccoli Soup 2016-03-08 14:07:37 Serves 2 Great easy recipe for all that broccoli. Write a review Save Recipe Print Prep Time 10 min Cook Time 10 min Total Time 25 min Prep Time 10 min Cook Time 10 min Total Time 25 min Ingredients 1 pound broccoli cut into pieces 2...
Why did I use the word intimidating? Because I hear it a lot when talking to first time gardeners. Okay, at first we may be a little scared that we may kill everything, lol. I also said it doesn’t have to be complicated. I am a simplist gardener and you can...
Pasta Pomodoro 2015-10-27 09:52:46 Serves 4 This is a go to for any night. Quick and easy but still made with fresh healthy ingredients! Write a review Save Recipe Print Prep Time 15 min Cook Time 15 min Prep Time 15 min Cook Time 15 min Ingredients 1 lb. angel hair...
Stuffed Seminole Squash 2015-10-27 09:06:36 Serves 4 Write a review Save Recipe Print Prep Time 15 min Cook Time 45 min Total Time 1 hr Prep Time 15 min Cook Time 45 min Total Time 1 hr Ingredients 2 Seminole Squash (1lb. each) halved crosswise, seeded and bottoms...
Here is a very easy to follow crop rotation guide. Each season we should plant something different than the crop before. Crop rotation helps with overwintering pests and keeping the soil healthy. The different types of crops attract certain bugs, by not planting...
October is the month! For what? Planting out just about ALL fall/winter crops. Actually if you planted as early as I did you are harvesting some stuff now! I have been bringing in sugar snap peas, cucumbers, zucchini, radishes, small celery, kale and some lettuce. My...
I know it’s only the beginning of July. I start many seeds this week for fall. That means I better get organized! One way that helps me is too create charts and drawings of what I will be growing and selling. It gives me peace of mind...
40 Beneficial Uses For Aloe Vera 1. Pamper yourself to a soothing body rub. Slice aloe leaves lengthwise and use the inner sides as a biodegradable body scrub in the shower. 2. Treat burns from minor mishaps in the kitchen—from grease splatters or hot utensils. 3. For...
I can’t stress enough how important the soil is in organic gardening. The question I get the most is about what kind of soil to use. There are many different types out there so it can be quite confusing. I am going to assume I am talking to organic...
The Safe Seed Pledge: “Agriculture and seeds provide the basis upon which our lives depend. We must protect this foundation as a safe and genetically stable source for future generations. For the benefit of all farmers, gardeners and consumers who want an...
Vegetable Container Garden Planting Guide Don’t have the room for a traditional or raised bed garden? Grow in containers! Here is a handy guide to help get you on your way. Just fill the container with a good organic potting soil and get...
Today I sat down and drew up my Spring/Summer garden plan. I suggest everyone that will be having a garden do the same, Soon! Here is what I use: List of what I want to grow and how many of each. Florida Planting Guide. Drawn out sketch of...
Growing Sweet potatoes Planting & Growing from Slips. Sweet potato grown from slips generally need at least 4 months of frost-free growing. I grow and sell Georgia Jets which is an early variety need about 90-120 days from transplanted slips until the full size...
Heirloom Tomato Salad 2014-10-16 12:40:55 Write a review Save Recipe Print Ingredients • 1-2 lbs of heirloom, red, purple, orange, yellow tomatoes, diced • Stir in 1 diced onion, salt & pepper to taste • Stir in extra virgin olive oil, enough to coat. • Stir in same...
Fall / Winter Garden Guide Since we have a Spring and Fall growing season here, I find I need to have Spring and Fall garden beds. What I mean is some of my Spring crops are still in when I am ready to plant for late Summer and Fall. The same goes for my...
Refrigerator Pickles 2014-10-15 13:29:40 Quick easy way to make pickles without the canning process. Write a review Save Recipe Print Ingredients I don’t always use all the pickling spice but I use all the garlic or more. 8 1/4 cups cukes sliced 2 cups white vinegar 2...
The farm is coming along. I now know what it is like to maintain property and crops, a lot of hard long hours and work! I have to say though, it is the most rewarding thing I have ever done. Here is a few pics of the progress. Stay tuned for...
It’s Time to Plant Fall Crops! Yes it is still hot outside. As we get into September we start to lose daylight. For plants to have enough light to grow they need to be planted at the right time. They may need some shade at first to adapt, which...
Garden Guides Seed starting/Saving Vegetable Growing Guides Herb Growing Guides Insects Recipes About Me Garden Pests & Controls Be sure to walk your garden daily! This way you will catch any pests or disease early and you can treat accordingly. There is a much...
Vegetable Crop Yields, Plants per Person & Crop Spacing Download this complete list. (File Size: 146kb) Artichoke Grow 1 to 2 plants per person. Yield 12 buds per plant after the first year. Space plants 4 to 6 feet apart. Arugula Grow 5 plants per...
Companion Planting Guide When planning your garden it’s a good idea to plant good garden communities. This is the whole concept behind companion planting. It’s true that certain plants grown close to each other help each other and the...
Germination Chart (Days to germinate are for optimal conditions) Type OPTIMUM SOIL TEMPERATURE FOR GERMINATION DAYS TO GERMINATE AT OPTIMUM SOIL TEMPERATURE Bean, lima 85 degrees F 7 to 10 days...
Growing Basil Basil, the common name for Ocimum basilicum, is a popular sweet herb used for flavoring and formerly used for medicinal purposes. An annual of the tropics, it is tender and should not be attempted outdoors until the weather is warm. Basil grows...
New updated 2023 Florida Vegetable Gardening Plant Hardiness Zone Map Use this to determine your zone when Planning out your garden. Then go to the Florida Planting Guide for planting out dates. Remeber this is Not perfect, we still need to pay attention to the...
COMBINED INSECT AND DISEASE CONTROL Neem Oil Spray to Control Insects and Disease Neem oil is highly effective against many types of insects and plant diseases. It is non-toxic to birds, mammals, honeybees and ladybugs. It is toxic, however, to fish, so do not...
Seed Saving and Growing Your Own Seed Saving can become a very addicting hobby. It is also a way to insure seed quality and purity if done properly. Hybrids & F1 Hybrids You can’t or wouldn’t want to save seeds from hybrids, or F1 hybrids. They would not...
I just love this time of year. The process of selecting all the different types of veggies I’m going to plant and imagining myself out there reaping the harvests! If, like me, you start your own seeds, you have the added benefit of starting your...
Raised Bed Gardens You can buy or build your own raised beds I built my own out of wood. You don’t want to use pressure treated wood because the chemical they use to treat it will seep into the garden. A lot of hardware and department stores sell kits now that...
Planning your garden is planning for success! With the help of the Florida Yearly Planting Schedule and Seed Starting chart figure out what you are going to grow and when. Once you have done that, you should draw out what you are going to put and...
