Welcoming the sweltering heat of summertime is a bit easier when you are looking forward to harvesting vegetables from your very own garden. Just the thought of enjoying fresh foods that you grew yourself makes May a magical month for Central Florida gardeners. After all, nothing beats a meal made with ultra-fresh ingredients!
Exercise Your Green Thumb and Tempt Your Taste Buds by Planting These:
Hot and sweet peppers – You can’t go wrong by planting California Wonder, sweet banana, jalapeno, cayenne, and chili peppers. They are prolific producers that thrive under the hot rays of the Florida sun.
Cherry tomatoes – Even though these plants are related to the nightshade family, have no fear enjoying their fruit raw in a salad, as a pizza topping, or stuck on a kabob.
Eggplant – Black Beauty, Ichiban, and Cloud Nine all grow beautifully in Central Florida summer gardens. Be ready to support them with stakes since these plants can grow up to six feet tall.
Watermelon – A summer’s day isn’t complete without this sweet treat! Growing Sugar Baby, Crimson Sweet, or Florida Giant will be sure to thrill everyone at the picnic table.
Okra – If you love okra, Clemson Spineless is your go-to species. Even if you don’t like its taste, you can still enjoy the gorgeous yellow and purple flowers the plant produces.
Southern Peas – Grow crowder, cream, and black-eyed peas to serve up smiles at your dinner table.
Sweet potatoes – If you want to grow food that requires little effort and not a lot of water, this is the vegetable for you! Because they can be stored for months, you can enjoy your crop until it’s time to plant them again.
Malabar spinach – An attractive red-stemmed vine with delicious leaves, it can be trained to grow up a trellis or along a fence. Pluck off the leaves and add them to a salad or as an ingredient in a cooked meal.
Herbs – Basil, Mexican tarragon, and rosemary will flourish because they love soaking up the heat of the summer sun! Flavoring food with herbs you cultivated yourself will make your meals taste extra special.
Even though the plants in your garden vary according to the amount of water they require, be sure to give them all a drink in the morning. Remember, it’s always a good idea to check your irrigation system every so often to make sure it’s working properly. If you’re not sure your system is running like it should, call us or complete our request service form and we’ll be happy to take a look.
Prepare to Enjoy Bushels of Yum!
Summer gardens bring so much enjoyment – and not just for you and your family. Pollinators such as bees and butterflies will thank you for your hard work and dedication by visiting daily to help keep your crops healthy and thriving.
Remember, if you ever need assistance with sprinkler repair or irrigation in the Orlando area, make sure and give us a ring!