Today we’re exploring my neglected summer garden in the challenging climate of Florida. Growing a garden in the midst of summer here is no easy feat—intense pests, unparalleled heat, and humidity, making it a true test of resilience. This year, I decided to embark on a little experiment, cultivating a summer garden with minimal attention. Let’s see how it went.
Exploring the Butterfly Pea and Summer Squash Trellis:
Let’s delve into the functionality of the trellis in my garden, which accommodates a variety of plants, including butterfly pea and summer squash. Some common challenges I encountered with squash blooms included lack of pollination but that was resolved by other plants, such as cow peas and Thai Soldier beans, coexisting within this space.
Encounters with Thai Soldier Beans and Unexpected Guests:
Within my garden bed, you’ll find a mix of Thai Soldier beans and loofah vines. This cohabitation demonstrates the adaptability of these plants to shared space. Additionally, I observed the plentiful yield of green beans, highlighting their resilience and low maintenance requirements.
Revelations of Surprising Results and Unexpected Guests:
Despite my expectations, I noticed the appearance of Puerto Rican black beans and a persistent pineapple tomatillo volunteers in my garden. While these additions were unexpected, they showcase the hardiness of certain plant species. Even though they were infested by common pest issues like aphids, ants, and potential worm, they still produced well.
Exploring the Sun Hemp Cover Crop Experiment:
Taking a closer look at our sun hemp cover crop, its remarkable growth and the ability to cut the tops off to use as a green manure mulch. This sustainable approach offers insights into natural nutrient production and soil enrichment methods.
Reflections on the Tomato Experiment and Unanticipated Outcomes:
My experiment comparing container and raised bed tomato cultivation has yielded interesting results, with one tomato plant surviving better than expected. Shaded spots have proven beneficial in protecting tomatoes from the intense summer heat, allowing for a much longer harvest timeframe.
Challenges and Triumphs with Sweet Potatoes and Tomatillos:
Despite minimal care requirements, sweet potatoes have thrived in my garden. However, I’ve encountered challenges such as pest issues and fungal infections but that did not impact it’s productivity.
Admiring the Flourishing Native Garden:
My native garden section boasts vibrant coreopsis and milkweed, demonstrating the resilience of native plant species. While pest challenges are present, I’ve opted to allow natural ecosystem balances to develop without intervention.
Exploring the Greenstalks and Lush Greens:
My Greenstalks feature a diverse selection of herbs and greens, though I’ve encountered occasional issues such as mealybugs and aphids. Despite these challenges, the garden continues to produce an abundance of greens, including thriving Egyptian spinach.
Updates on Fruit Trees and Berry Harvests:
We took a look at the productive fruit trees, including lychee, loquat, pomegranate, and blackberry, mulberry, peaches, and plumbs. My successful harvest of elderberries serves as a welcome surprise amidst our garden’s bounty.
Celebrating the Success of the Neglected Garden:
As I conclude my garden tour, I celebrate the resilience and adaptability demonstrated by my garden, even in the face of Florida’s challenging summer conditions. I’m reflecting on the lessons learned and express gratitude for the abundance my garden has provided. Happy gardening!
