This week, I delved deep into the heart of my garden, unveiling a plethora of fall projects. Living in Florida, our primary growing season is fall, making it an ideal time for various tasks. I decided to break down the workload into manageable chunks, starting with Sunday’s mission: giving some much-needed attention to my vibrant Tromboncino squash.
Sunday – Tackling Tricky Tromboncino Squash
A key aspect of maintaining vining squash varieties is trimming lower leaves. Unlike bush varieties, vining squashes benefit from improved airflow and reduced fungal issues when lower leaves are pruned. Witnessing the transformation of my Tromboncino squash through proper maintenance was a rewarding start to the week.
Monday – A Symphony of Onions Takes Root
The new day brought fresh fall projects, and this time, I was eagerly awaiting the arrival of onion starts. Opting for onion starts from Dixondale Farms, I explored the Short Day Sampler Set, featuring Texas Sweet, Super Sweet 1015, and Red Creole varieties. Separating and selecting the best onion starts involved examining their roots, stem thickness, and overall health.
Planting onion starts is a straightforward process, requiring loose soil and a strategic placement of the bulbs. I shared insights into choosing the heartiest starts and demonstrated how even seemingly small and thin ones could thrive. With limited space, I carefully selected and planted these onion starts, embracing the forgiving nature of these resilient plants.
Transplant Tuesday Fall Projects- Reviving Struggling Seedlings
Tuesday’s focus shifted to transplanting seedlings sourced from a big-box store. Facing challenges with previously direct-seeded plants, I opted for a jumpstart using store-bought transplants. A helpful tip for maximizing yield included breaking apart multi-plant containers to save on costs and enhance growth potential.
Transplanting cabbage, kale, and celery into the garden beds marked a strategic move to revive struggling seedlings and ensure a bountiful harvest. This section showcased the importance of informed plant selection and cost-effective gardening practices.
Wednesday Garlic Galore – Planting the Promise of Flavor
Embarking on a garlic planting venture, I uncovered garlic bulbs, including a unique addition – elephant garlic. Despite some uncertainties about their growth in Florida, I eagerly planted these flavorful bulbs. Careful separation and planting with the root side down ensured optimal conditions for the garlic to thrive.
With a focus on providing loose soil and essential nutrients, the garlic planting session revealed the anticipation of a flavorful garlic harvest. The potential challenges and unique characteristics of elephant garlic added an exciting dimension to this fall gardening adventure.
Berry Bliss on Thursday – Welcoming Strawberries to Green Stock
Thursday ushered in the delightful task of planting strawberries in a Greenstalk leaf vertical container as our next fall projects. From selecting vibrant strawberry plants to arranging them strategically in the tiers, the process unfolded with careful consideration for sunlight exposure and soil quality.
Navigating the assembly of Greenstalk required attention to detail, ensuring proper engagement of tiers and stability for the strawberry-filled structure. Watering strategies and insights into addressing past challenges showcased a commitment to optimizing strawberry growth in the garden.
Friday fall Projects – Pot Rejuvenation Extravaganza
The end of the week brought forth a much-needed pot-cleaning session. Acknowledging the oversight of leaving pots unwashed before vacation, I detailed a time-efficient cleaning method involving high-pressure water hoses. The pots, trays, and self-watering spikes received a refreshing cleanse, contributing to an organized and clutter-free shed.
Saturday – Sweet Potato Curing and Unveiling
As the weekend arrived, it was time to unveil the results of a two-week sweet potato curing process. The dark, hot, and humid conditions in the garage facilitated skin thickening and starch-to-sugar conversion, enhancing the sweet potatoes’ flavor profile. Brushing off excess dirt and marveling at the harvested bounty marked the culmination of a successful week in the fall garden.
Embracing the Fall Projects
This week’s gardening escapades encapsulated the essence of fall in Florida, where strategic planning, thoughtful planting, and a touch of experimentation harmonize to create a thriving garden. From onions to strawberries, garlic to sweet potatoes, each project added layers of flavor and vibrancy to the autumn landscape. As the garden evolves, so does the excitement, promising a season of rich harvests and continuous growth. Happy gardening!
