Fall Growing in

FLORIDA

THE BEST CROPS FOR a

Successful Fall Harvest

Achieve an Abundant Fall Vegetable Harvest in Florida with Expert Growing Techniques

Sweet Potato

Growing Sweet Potatoes:

  • Choosing Varieties: Select sweet potato varieties like 'Beauregard,' 'Centennial,' or 'Georgia Jet' that are well-suited for Florida's climate.
  • Timing: Plant sweet potatoes in late spring or early summer, giving them time to grow before the temperature drops too low. In some areas of Florida, you can grow these plants year-round.
  • Slips or Cuttings: Grow sweet potatoes from slips or cuttings. You can buy slips or create your own by placing a sweet potato in water until shoots develop.
  • Soil Preparation: Ensure well-draining soil with a pH of 5.8 to 6.2, preferably sandy loam. Amend with compost or manure for fertility.
  • Planting: Space slips or cuttings 12-18 inches apart in rows with 3-4 feet between rows.
  • Hilling: As vines grow, gently mound soil around the base for root development and weed control.
  • Sunlight: Provide at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
  • Watering: Keep soil consistently moist, especially during initial growth. Sweet potatoes tolerate some drought but need regular moisture.
  • Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer before planting and avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers.

Tomato

Tips for Growing Tomato:

  • Variety: Choose heat-tolerant and disease-resistant varieties like 'Florida 91,' 'Homestead,' or 'Sunmaster' for summertime growing, but if it is fall and winter months you will be harvesting, you can try a wider variety.
  • Timing: Plant tomatoes in fall or early spring to avoid extreme heat. Tomatoes grow well year-round in the Southern parts of the state! If you will be having cool weather, just make sure seedlings are protected using burlap, drop cloths, or plastic containers.
  • Location: Select a sunny, well-draining area and amend soil with compost.
  • Spacing: Plant seedlings 2-3 feet apart for air circulation.
  • Support: Stake or cage plants for support and air circulation.
  • Watering: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
  • Mulching: Apply mulch to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
  • Fertilizing: Use a balanced fertilizer with higher phosphorus content to promote flowering.

Spinach

Growing Spinach Tips:

  • Varieties: Choose heat-tolerant spinach varieties like 'Bloomsdale Long Standing' or 'Malabar.'
  • Timing: Plant in fall or late winter to avoid high heat.
  • Location: Partial shade is crucial, especially in the afternoon.
  • Soil Preparation: Add compost or manure for fertility and improve soil structure.
  • Spacing: Sow seeds 1 inch apart and later thin to 4-6 inches between plants.
  • Watering: Maintain consistent soil moisture with regular watering.
  • Mulching: Apply mulch for moisture retention, weed control, and temperature regulation.
  • Fertilizing: Use balanced fertilizer sparingly, as excessive nitrogen can lead to excessive leaf growth.

Radish

Tips for Cultivating Radishes:

  • Varieties: Choose fast-maturing varieties like Cherry Belle or Easter Egg radishes.
  • Timing: Plant in cooler months (October to February) or late winter for spring harvest.
  • Soil Preparation: Well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Add compost for fertility and water retention.
  • Sunlight: Full sun is ideal (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight).
  • Planting: Sow seeds directly at a depth of 1/2 to 1 inch, spacing them 1-2 inches apart in rows 6-12 inches apart.
  • Watering: Keep soil consistently moist without waterlogging.
  • Thinning: Thin seedlings for proper spacing.
  • Mulching: Apply organic mulch for moisture retention, temperature control, and weed prevention.
  • Fertilizing: Use balanced, all-purpose fertilizer before planting and 3-4 weeks later, avoiding excess nitrogen.