Last week, we cleared out these four beds, and now it’s time for the fun part – planting out my fall garden here in sunny Florida. Last fall, I had an amazing harvest of squash, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, tomatoes, and various greens. Today, I want to share with you how to plant in the high heat and deal with pest pressure.
Chijimisai and Tokyo Bekana Greens
I’m starting with Chijimisai and Tokyo Bekana greens. Despite the pest pressure, we’re going ahead. Since they’re sizeable, cutworms aren’t a big concern. However, slugs and snails pose a threat. To address this, I turned off the micro-sprayers for two weeks to let the bed dry out, deterring these pests. Although it makes the bed dry, the moisture-retaining mulch has been helpful. Planting them in a shaded area, well-hydrating, and using mulch will aid their growth.
Onions and Potatoes
Moving on to the next bed, we’re planting onions and potatoes. Onions are notorious for getting crowded out, so this time, I’m dedicating the entire half bed to onions. I’ve chosen different onion varieties, and to prevent overcrowding, I’m planting them in well-defined rows. After moistening the soil, I’ve carefully planted the seeds, hoping for a successful germination.
Now, it’s time for potatoes. I’m tilling the soil to soften it and create a better environment for the potatoes. Despite some mold on a few, I’m planting them anyway, having had success with moldy potatoes in the past. The key is to water them in thoroughly.
Carrots Galore
The third bed is all about carrots – purple, red atomic, and the heat-tolerant New Kuroda. Carrots require loose soil and even moisture, especially for the first 21 days. To achieve this, I’m loosening up the soil and lightly raking the carrot seeds on the surface. The trick here is to sprinkle them generously, as I’ll harvest baby carrots early on, leaving space for others to grow into full-sized carrots. Carrots, in particular, need extra care, so a good soak is essential. Additionally, to keep the soil moist and protect the seeds, I’m covering the carrot bed with cardboard. This ensures they have the right conditions for germination.
As we wrap up today’s planting session, remember to keep an eye on the moisture levels, especially in Florida’s heat. Regular check-ins, proper watering, and strategic planting are the keys to a successful fall garden. Happy gardening!
