Gardening and Horticulture - Growing Vegetables in Florida

I am from UK and grew vegetables very successfully - however here is a different ball game due to bugs etc. Can someone please advise on what vegetables can be easily grown. Bought brussel sprouts, broccoli, carrots, beans, cauliflower - not sure about potatoes or mainly root vegetables. Has anyone got experience and/or what to look out for bug wise or what can be done preventative. Someone suggested planting rows of marigolds in between rows of vegetables.:wall:

Welcome to the forums......and to the USA, as well!! Marigolds surrounding a garden spot will deter rabbits. They hate the smell. Some "bugs" you will want around, while others, of course, will mess with your garden. You should adhere to the planting season there just as other parts of the country does, even though you don't have that drastic of a seasonal change. Check with the county's cooperative extension service for those planting dates to see what will actually survive the seasons. They will also have invaluable information regarding pests and "good guys".

i agree w/ chandler about consulting your local extension agent..a soil sample analysis might prove helpful..

and, based on my experience in the sunny south, the earlier you plant, the less problems you have with pests..i always planted corn in early march or even late february and, when late freezes didn't kill me, i'd usually beat most of the bugs..if planting in june, i suspect only a chemical onslaught - or a tiny space with vigilant hand removal - will produce a decent garden.

Hi Leigh,

I too welcome you to the US. You certainly do have a change of climate and growing conditions to deal with. You might find these sites on companion planting helpful. At the second site scroll down for different ideas on how to attract beneficial insects.
http://www.moonsweb.com/companions.shtml
http://www.rexresearch.com/agro/comp1.htm

Here's some info about growing veggies in Florida from your Florida Extension Service.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/DOCUMENT%20VH021
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_vegetable_gardening

Newt

Welcome to the Sunshine State. Had to look up where Orange was and looks like Liberty County? If so, you're in my in-laws neck of the woods (Bristol) and they grow all manner of fruits and vegetables in home gardens. It also means you're fairly north as Florida goes so you will need to be heedful of the occasional cold snap in spring. :coffee:

Also watch out for Georgia people headed for the beach during the summer. :D

Hey, I heard that.................:D