Hey Fellow Floridians - Year 2

[ginger2778]

Originally Posted by PlainJane

Lol, you will pretty much have nematodes in Florida, period. That doesn’t stop me growing figs, however; I have 3 planted in the back mini-orchard. I did amend with compost and I keep mulch around them. Good so far!

Agree with Jane, if you're in Florida, you will have nematodes.

[TwoAdriftAtSea]

Thanks for the reply, I've heard conflicting reports on nematodes in this area with the sandier white/grayish soil being nematode heaven and the darker black soil being nematode free. The area I am wanting to plant in the ground is dark black soil and just wanting to verify that by getting the soil tested ahead of time as I cannot grow them in pots. It will be 4-5 years before we call the area our winter home and we are wanting to get a 4+ year head start on fruit trees. If all else fails we will just stick to avocado and mango for the time being.

[Barb_FL]

Agree with PlainJane. Not everything is bothered by nematodes; I've never heard of a tree was with affected by nematodes.

Originally Posted by TwoAdriftAtSea

Thanks for the reply, I've heard conflicting reports on nematodes in this area with the sandier white/grayish soil being nematode heaven and the darker black soil being nematode free. The area I am wanting to plant in the ground is dark black soil and just wanting to verify that by getting the soil tested ahead of time as I cannot grow them in pots. It will be 4-5 years before we call the area our winter home and we are wanting to get a 4+ year head start on fruit trees. If all else fails we will just stick to avocado and mango for the time being.

I would try to lay hands on some bulk compost, and go ahead and plant your trees.
I put in pluots, avocado, citrus, figs and blueberries...everybody’s happy.

[JaxRmrJmr]

All of the plants I have put out survived the "frost" we had. Now I'm putting out everything in the next week or so. Excited for the growing season of warm weather veggies.

Originally Posted by JaxRmrJmr

All of the plants I have put out survived the "frost" we had. Now I'm putting out everything in the next week or so. Excited for the growing season of warm weather veggies.

That’s great! Good luck!

[TwoAdriftAtSea]

Just an update, after going to the local Farm Bureau office they directed me to a UF extension on hwy 98 in town..I was able to get sample bags and send them off. The avocado pair will go in the ground before I head back north.
Thanks for the replies

[Zone9b]

I had a couple of Fig Trees in my yard when I lived in Clermont (in Lake County). They produced very well nematodes and all. They were a big attraction for the Birds and the Bees. Good Luck in Okachobee.

[Zone9b]

Originally Posted by TwoAdriftAtSea

Thanks for the reply, I've heard conflicting reports on nematodes in this area with the sandier white/grayish soil being nematode heaven and the darker black soil being nematode free. The area I am wanting to plant in the ground is dark black soil and just wanting to verify that by getting the soil tested ahead of time as I cannot grow them in pots. It will be 4-5 years before we call the area our winter home and we are wanting to get a 4+ year head start on fruit trees. If all else fails we will just stick to avocado and mango for the time being.

I would like to hear the answer to that. Of course the dark soils has been used to grow mountains of vegetables for probably over a century. The muck soils seem to have been extremely productive. It would be interesting to know if they have fewer nematodes and for what reason. Certainly we have our share of them in the sandy soil in the Orlando area.

[Zone9b]

I finally got my tomatoes transplanted today. The bush snap beans that I grew through the winter have done fairly well I continued to plant them this spring and will plant them again in very late March, which I haven't done in the past. Tasty Nugget variety of Brussel Sprouts did well for me again. I planted them last fall. I can no longer get seeds for this excellent variety and will try to continue a couple of the plants into another season to harvest seeds. I doubt this is going to work in Florida, but if anyone has had experience in harvesting seeds from Broccoli in Florida, I would love to hear about it. I'm guessing July and August are going to turn my old plants into burnt sticks. Also, a photo showing my love for gardening. Larry

Too funny!!!
Brussels sprouts look great!

[ginger2778]

Love the photos Larry.

Today’s cauliflower haul. Warm weather wreaked havoc with some of it but got a few nice heads.
This is a combination of Graffiti (Johnny’s) and Purple of Sicily (Territorial).

Now roasting in the oven with olive oil, new potatoes, onion and a head of garlic.

[ginger2778]

Those cauliflower heads are so pretty. You do nice work plainJane.

Why, thank you Marsha!