Some people just seem to have a green thumb, while others struggle to keep their beloved succulents that only needs watered once a month alive. Regardless of which side you’re on, everyone enjoys fresh fruits and vegetables, right?
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Fruits and Vegetables to Grow in SWFL
If you’re wondering what fruits and vegetables to grow in your Southwest Florida backyard, you’ve come to the right place. It’s important to note that although weather is mild throughout the entire state of Florida, it still varies by region. For example, Northern Floridians may be able to grow apples, while southern residents will have no such luck. So, what fruits and vegetables should you grow as a SWFL local?
Herbs
We’re known for more than just our awesome oranges, and people want to appreciate fresh produce year-round. Besides fruits and vegetables, you’ll enjoy knowing that herbs also do extraordinarily well in Southwest Florida with proper care. With plenty of water, basil is simple to grow and delightful to enjoy. Dill is known for its slow growth, but if you remain patient, you’ll reap its benefits in the kitchen. Cilantro can be grown during winter and is perfect for Taco Tuesday and many other dishes! Herbs may be a great alternative if you feel growing fruits and vegetables may be too involved. The experts at Home-Tech have put together a list of the best fruits and vegetables to grow in Southwest Florida. Enjoy!
Avocados
Avocados prefer warm climates and truly can’t withstand the cold. For example, the ever famous Hass avocados were first grown in California, but soon moved to be grown in Mexico. Both places are well known for their warm climates, similar to Florida. This doesn’t mean that Hass avocados are the ones you want to grow in Southwest Florida, though. Some avocado varieties that will grow in Florida are Brogdon, Choquette, Day and Mexicola. These varieties will have the best chance of growing successfully, because they can they withstand the potentially cooler temperatures of winter.
Did you know avocados don’t ripen on the tree? After picking them, they’ll ripen around four days after. That’s why avocados are often still rock solid at the grocery store. If these fruits are already rotten right after you pick them, it’s an indication they needed to stay on the tree longer. You’ll have to do research on when to plant the type of avocado you’ve decided on.
Bananas
Another fruit that flourishes in warmer temperatures (like Mexico and Florida) is bananas. Bananas do exceptionally well in Southwest Florida because of our warm, humid climate. Heat and moisture are both integral for a banana’s growth, which is why mid to late spring is the best time to plant a banana tree. The heat and afternoon storms make SWFL a perfect home for bananas. Again, it’s important to research the types of bananas to know which kind you’ll want to add to your garden.
Citrus
This one’s a no brainer, right? Florida is known for its juicy oranges and grapefruit, which is why it’s also known for being fairly easy to grow yourself! If you move into a new home and there’s a fruit tree in the backyard, the odds are good that it’s an orange tree. But, did you know Florida is also perfect for growing lemons, limes, and tangelos? Tangelos are a hybrid between a grapefruit and an orange.
If you’re looking to expand your citrus garden, try Myer lemons or key limes. These fruits prefer full sun and can grow to be very large, so they need the space to flourish. In Southwest Florida, we’re blessed with warm weather and no need to cover our citrus plants for winter.
Tomatoes
Do you consider tomatoes to be a fruit or a vegetable? Regardless of which side you’re on, tomatoes are highly sought-after due to their versatility and low maintenance. Everyone knows they are perfect in salads, on burgers and can be used for pizza. Why wouldn’t you want to give tomato growing a shot? Because of their juicy nature, they do well with ton of sun exposure and need little water for growth. As long as you’re sure to cut the leaves so that the roots go deep into the soil, you should have fairly good luck with them!
Cabbage
It’s best to plant cabbage between September and January for the best results. If you choose to follow this schedule, you’ll have wonderful cabbage ready to eat by February or March. It’s been said that this vegetable can grow extremely large and be very heavy to carry! For the best outcome, they need regular fertilization.
Peppers
Peppers thrive on moderate sun and heat, which is why early spring is the best time to grow them in Southwest Florida. If you want your peppers to be successful, plant the seeds near each other. Water them regularly, but reduce their water intake once they’re near maturity. It should also be noted to fertilize them once a month for best results.
Contact Home-Tech for Home Improvement Tips
Florida is blessed with a warm, moist climate and rich soil. This makes for great growing opportunity, but you just have to find the right things to grow. Once you find your niche and get into a routine, you’ll thoroughly enjoy using your fresh fruits and vegetables in the kitchen.
Home-Tech hopes you enjoyed learning about what fruits and vegetables to grow in your Southwest Florida garden. If you’re ever looking for more home improvement tips, check out our blog or contact us. We’re SWFL’s fast, emergency appliance and AC Repair Company. We also offer Home Service Warranties to protect you from expensive repairs. Fill out our online form for a free quote or call us at 800-800-8356 to learn more.