For the South Florida GardenerKim Gabel, Environmental Horticulture AgentUF/IFAS/Monroe County Extension
Site Selection 2-3
• Location• Sunshine• Root competition• Soil
Planning the Garden 4-9
• Vegetable selection: Start with “Florida Garden Guide” http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/vh021
• Paper Plans
Succession Planting
• Companion Planting
Succession Planting 10
Continuous supply throughout the season:
Two or more crops in succession - After one crop is harvested, another is planted in the same space. The length of the growing season, climate, and crop selection are key factors. For example, a cool season spring crop could be followed by a heat-loving summer crop.Same crop, successive plantings – continuous harvestSame crops, different maturity dates - Several varieties are selected, with different maturity dates: early, main season, late. Planted at the same time, the varieties mature one after the other over the season.
Companion Planting 10-12
Improves growth & productivity
Repels insects & other pests
Increases Nitrogen
Improves Plant Nutrition
Enhances Root Penetration
Improves Plant Environment
Enhances Pollination
Assists germination
Maximizes space
Provides climbing support
Increases Aesthetic value
Companion Planting
Garden Tools 13
Climatic and Weather Effects 14-17
Soil pH 19
http://icsde.ifas.ufl.edu/Accordent/Extension/MGSpecialistUpdate9%2D16%2D10/
Soil compaction
Soil-less Media• Compost• Potting soil• Combinations of
ingredients: vermiculite, peat moss, sand, bark, other
Soil-less Media 37
Sample Mixture• Sand - 1 bushel “Builder’s Sand” (8 gal)• Organic matter (peat, compost) – 1 bushel• 1.25 cups dolomite lime• 1 cup 8-8-8 fertilizer with micro-nutrients
Plant Nutrients 22
Fertilizing the Garden
Macro-nutrientsPrimary
N (nitrogen)P (phosphorus) K (potassium)
SecondaryCa ( calcium)Mg (magnesium)S (sulfur)
Micro-nutrientsB (boron)Cl (chlorine)Cu (copper)Fe (iron)Mn (manganese)Mo (molybdenum)Zn (zinc)
Plant Hunger Signs 23
• (N) Yellow older leaves and stunting.
• (Ca) Blossom end rot; die-back at tips. Not a problem when tomatoes are grown in the ground.
http://hort.ufl.edu/nutdef/
Inorganic Fertilizers 24-25
Fertilizing the Garden
Complete (N-P-K)
Incomplete (Ex. Potassium sulfate)
Ratio (8-8-8, 8-2-12)
Tag shows what’s in the bag and sources
May also contain secondary and micros
Use slow-release and/or organic
Use water soluble if needed
Fertilizing Fertilizing the
Garden
Apply as needed, or monthly intervals, broadcast around plants over root zone.
Apply per 100 square feet - 1# (6-6-6) or 1/3 # (15-0-15)
Less often if organic or slow-release
Main benefit is for nitrogen supply, Liquid fertilizers may be used as well
How will this effect the soil biology? http://www.soilfoodweb.com/03_about_us/approach_pgs/a_02_sfw_dgrm_lrg.html
Organic Fertilizers 26-29
Fertilizing the Garden
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/MG323
•Animal derived products: manures & composted products
•Other Animal based products
•Green manures
•Cover crops
Organic MatterConditions soil
Improves water holding capacity
Improves nutrient holding capacity
Supplies nutrients – slow release
Buffers soil
Increases soil “life”
Animal Manures 26-27
Organic Matter
Kinds & CompositionConditionApplication
Animal Manure Composition 27
Kind % Water %N %P %K
Organic Matter
Bull 86 .55 .15 .50Hen 73 1.10 .90 .50Horse 80 .65 .25 .50Sheep68 1.00 .75 .40Turkey 74 1.30 .70 .50
Composting is the controlled decomposition of organic materials.
Compost is partially decomposed organic matter.
Humus is completely decomposed organic matter.
Mulch is organic or inorganic materials spread on the soil surface.
* Food: Greens & Browns
* Air (02)* Moisture
To compost rapidly, you must "think like a microbe." What do microbes need?
http://www.richmond.ca/__shared/assets/compost_26754.jpg
Carbon to Nitrogen RatioThe ideal ratio of Carbon to Nitrogen is
30 to 1 (30:1)
High Carbon“Brown”
High Nitrogen“Green”
Twigs
Leaves
Sawdust
Wood chips
Manure
Kitchen scraps
Grass clippings
Nitrogen fertilizers
Anything that was once a plant.
Three classes of bacteria will go to work for you in an aerobic (well aerated) pile:
Psychrophilesbacteria that flourish at low temperatures down to 0°F
Mesophilesbacteria that thrive at temperatures between 70-90°F
Psychrophiles
Thermophilesbacteria that thrive at temperatures between 105-140°F
In later (cooler) stages, other organisms will assist with pile decomposition
ActinomycetesFungiSowbugsMillipedesCentipedesSpiders Earthworms
Cold/ Slow/ Passive CompostingSheet Composting Top-Dressing with organic material on the soil surface
Trench CompostingComposting directly IN the soil
Cold Bin Composting Fill your compost bin halfway with browns and bury kitchen scrapsHeap CompostingA collection of compostable materials
Hot / Fast / Active Composting
Fastest rate of composting. Kills weed seeds, pests, and plant pathogens in the process.
Requires several elements to succeed:
* Minimum size - 3’ x 3’ x 3’ (1 cubic yard)* Blend of greens and browns(~ 30:1 C/N Ratio)
* Proper moisture content* Frequent turning to provide air* Particle size of less than 2"-3"
Sandwich Method
Layer compost materials using a balance of Green andBrown materials.
* Alternate 3-4" layers of Green (high nitrogen) and Brown (high carbon) materials.
* Water each layer as you build it so material is moist not wet, like a wrung sponge.
* End with a Brown layer on top.
Mix-It! Method
Mix the Green and Brown materials before adding them to the compost system
* Speeds up the composting process
* Add the mixture in 4" layers.
* Water each layer.
After building your compost pile, manage it by
•Monitoring temperature, moisture & odor
•Mixing and Turning
•Finishing/Curing
•Screening
* Soil Amendment (Use only finished)
* Mulch (Use finished or unfinished)
* Potting Mix (Use only finished)
* Compost Tea (Use finished or unfinished)
To increase the organic matter in the soil. Work in 1-3” of compost.
Apply 3-4 inches thick when possible.
Blend with sand, perlite, vermiculite, etc.
Fill burlap bag with compost and place in barrel of water. Use “tea” to water plants.
Vermiculture
Vermicompost Tea
SUPPRESSING PLANT PARASITIC NEMATODES AND ARTHROPOD PESTS WITH VERMICOMPOST TEAS
VERMICOMPOST TEA PRODUCTION AND PLANT GROWTH IMPACTS
Mulches 47-49
Organic Mulches In-Organic Mulches
Hay/Pine strawLeavesBark/Wood chipsYard waste Sawdust
Poly-plasticNewspaperCardboardCarpet
Weed Control 47-49
CultivationHand-pullingMulchingDo not compost perennials
or weeds “in-seed”Keep weeds out in off-season
Gardening options for south Florida 30-33
• Container gardening• Hydroponics (Water culture)• Organic gardening• Raised bed
http://solutionsforyourlife.ufl.edu/hot_topics/lawn_and_garden/veggie_gardening.html#
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/VH032
Containers
• Pots and cans• Buckets and
baskets• Styrofoam ice
chests• Plastic bags• Barrels and drums• Imaginative
containers
Gardening options for south Florida
Hydroponic gardening
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/HS/HS18400.pdf
Organic Gardening
Composting
Mulching
Animal manures
Crop rotation
Least-toxic pesticides
Natural predators
Resistant varieties
No synthetic chemicals (pesticides and fertilizers)
Soil building: compostingmulching
Raised Beds
Construction4-5 feet wide5-8 feet long or longer6-12 inch high24 inch high for wheelchairsMaterials variableLumber: non-treated wood, cinder blocks, or cedar to resist decay
Site PreparationRaised Beds
Clear debris & plants
Outline area for raised beds
Place newspaper, cardboard, etc over area
Place raised bed walls
Fill with compost or potting soil
Mulch between beds
transfers diseases
transfers nematodes
compacts soil
Don’t step on your soil!
Seeds or Transplants?
Seeding the Garden 38-41
Advantages
Can plant best varieties
Some veggies don’t transplant
Transplantability 42-45
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/VH021
Seed Longevity
Seed Storage 41
3-15 years
Cool: 35-50° F
Dry: 50-70% RH
Seed moisture low: 10-14%
Refrigerator
Absorbent material
Seeding Rules of Thumb 40
Plant 2 seeds/hole
Thin if needed
Plant seed no deeper than 2x diameter
Press tiny seeds into soil
Keep seed bed moist (cover with burlap
Thinning Plants 46
Why thin?
Thin when seedlings are small
Seedlings may be used for:TransplantingGreens and salad
Leave best plants even if spacing is off
Do not disturb roots
Starting With Transplants 42-44
AdvantagesEarly start, earlier harvest
Avoid bad weather
Choice of plants
Instant success
Ideal seed germination
Required for some: Sweet potato and Strawberry
Setting Plants
4-6 weeks old
Do not disturb roots
Set in moist soil
Water around roots
Set at proper depth
Starter solution helpful
Other Plant Parts
Cutting - sweet potato
Tubers – potato
Bulbs – onions
Entire fruit – chayote
Clove – garlic
Stem - cassava
Caring for the Garden
Soil Moisture and Plant Growth
Watering the Garden 50-51
No water - no garden Hand-held cans or hose Overhead sprinklers Drip systems Soaker hoses
Irrigation Considerations
Water early in day
Young plants need 1” water per week -- apply water frequently
Mature plants need 2” water per week - apply infrequently
Supporting Tall Plants 49-50
Staking
Trellising
On Fence
Cages
Plant-to-plant
For information on specific plants and other University of Florida Extension publications
Http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu
Http://solutionsforyourlife.ufl.edu/
Courtesy of:Jim Stephens Vegetable Gardening Specialist
Sydney Park Brown Extension Horticulture Agent,
Mary Lamberts Commercial Vegetable Crop Agent,
George Fitzpatrick Professor of Horticulture
Adrian Hunsberger, Miami-Dade Extension Agent
Hillsborough County Extension Composting Program