We’re diving into the exciting world of April gardening in Florida. As the cold season crops bid farewell, it’s time to embrace the heat-loving summer crops. Stay tuned for the top 15 vegetables to plant this month, and don’t miss out on our Urban Harvest quarterly seed shipment unboxing.
April marks a shift in our Florida gardens as we transition from cold season crops to the vibrant and heat-loving summer varieties. I’ll share the top 15 vegetables to plant this month, and we’ll explore the contents of my Urban Harvest seed shipment tailored for Florida gardens.
Seasonal Transition:
Bid farewell to cold season crops as we embrace the onset of summer. In Florida, the heat-loving crops are ready to take center stage. Whether you’re in North, Central, or South Florida, there’s something exciting to grow this month.
- Amaranth: A versatile tropical plant with nutritious grains and leaves, perfect for summer salads.
- Beans: Diversify with various types, particularly dry beans that enrich soil with nitrogen and offer easy preservation.
- Corn: A staple, requiring careful attention in summer to prevent earworm infestations.
- Cow Peas: Robust and heat-loving, these nitrogen-fixing plants thrive in the summer.
- Eggplant: Start cultivation during the summer for a diverse addition to your garden.
- Ginger: Explore the unique flavor of ginger, a delightful addition to your Florida garden.
- Loofah: Resembling a summer squash, young fruits are edible, while mature ones serve as kitchen or bathroom sponges.
- Okra: A summer favorite with a raw, garden-fresh taste that converts skeptics into enthusiasts.
- Papaya: Towering trees producing large fruits resembling grapefruit, a tropical delight.
- Peanuts: Great for soil structure and easy to start during the summer.
- Peppers: Hot peppers thrive in hot weather, making them a reliable choice.
- Pineapples: Start from store-bought tops for a unique and rewarding tropical addition.
- Roselle: Known as the Florida cranberry, offering a cranberry taste and perfect for Thanksgiving harvests.
- Sweet Potatoes: Versatile and excellent for soil structure, a staple in Florida gardens.
- Swiss Chard: Surprisingly resilient to heat, making it a year-over-year producer in Florida.
- Tropical Spinach: Explore varieties like Malabar, Okinawa, Perpetual, Longevity, New Zealand Ethiopians, and Sissoo.
- Tropical Squashes: Include seminal pumpkins, tahini melon squash, and others that thrive in Florida’s heat.
Urban Harvest Seed Club Unboxing:
Explore the diverse seeds I received in my Urban Harvest quarterly seed shipment designed exclusively for Florida gardens. From unique beans and tropical greens to eggplants and watermelons, these seeds promise a bounty of flavors and experiences.
Seed Club Suprise:
- Chaya Cutting (Tree Spinach): A perennial plant with the potential for a continuous supply of spinach. Keep moist in soil, and soon it will sprout leaves.
- Coreopsis: A native Florida flower, a perennial that takes some time to germinate but stays in your garden for an extended period. Not edible.
- Bean Blend: Includes Python and Red Noodles beans, along with inoculate. Ideal for growing in the summer.
- Sesame: Exciting addition with a long growing season, suitable for our climate.
- Spinach: Tropical green variety, adding diversity to your greens selection.
- Chinese Multi-Color Amaranth: A colorful and exciting addition to the garden.
- Cranberry Hibiscus: Not to be confused with Roselle, this red-leafed plant has a citrusy taste and is enjoyable for consumption.
- Rosa Bianca Eggplant: A purplish-pink eggplant variety that adds charm to your garden.
- Sugar Baby Watermelons: While not planning to grow this year due to space constraints, it’s a great option for Florida weather.
Joining the Seed Club provides not only a packet of seeds but also informative cards and videos guiding you through the growing process. A delightful haul for an exciting gardening experience.
Challenge: Neglectful Summer Gardening:
Embark on a summer gardening challenge by neglecting selected plants. Direct seed them, water initially, then let nature take its course. Experiment by direct seeding, providing minimal care until germination, and resisting the urge to fertilize. With a bit of luck and neglect, expect a bounty of tropical veggies celebrating Florida’s resilient summer spirit.
Projects for the Month:
- Planting new fruit trees and bushes for ample time to establish before winter.
- Establishing a Florida Native Garden with perennial plants for long-term biodiversity.
- Utilizing sweet potatoes for soil improvement in struggling beds.
Special Tip: Sweet Potatoes for Soil Improvement:
Discover the secret of sweet potatoes in improving soil quality. Plant them in struggling beds, and witness the transformation as they enhance soil structure and attract beneficial soil life.
Thank you for joining me in this April gardening journey in Florida. I hope you’re inspired to embrace the summer crops and explore the wonders of neglectful gardening. Happy Gardening!
