Gardening in Florida

 

Hypoestes, Polka Dot Plant

Many Blessings holds true. Oh How it grows!! Starting with My family as my number one garden. I love my garden and as it grows it changes. I have found out through my past that life is what you make it. Never look back on what you have sowed. It’s how you have sown it. Starting with love, handle it carefully with lots of prayer. God will do the rest if we do our best.

(Jeremiah 31:16,17)

Thus saith the Lord; Refrain thy voice from weeping, and thine eyes from tears: for thy work shall be rewarded, saith the Lord; and they shall come again from the land of the enemy.

And there is hope in thine end, saith the Lord, that thy children shall come again to their own border.

My most frequent visited website

http://www.sermonaudio.com/main.asp

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I started out using the Grier’s Almanac years ago. I was taught this from my father who through the years had done the same.

My experience now using the Almanac have found it to be my a #1 guidance with all my planting, weeding and fertilizing.

As a child most of my gardening experience was a hands on experience such as helping my father. And now as I look back memories of Dad and I realize those times in our small garden were some of the greatest times we had together. My Dad could grow most anything, some would call him as having a green thumb. Over the years I have taking a lot of tips on Gardening from him. I highly recommend going by and getting yourself a Almanac and give Gardening a try.

Almanac Book planting is using the 12 signs of the the Zodiac and their relation to the body. The moons sign is given on the monthly pages and is used by many for guidance to planting, harvesting and other activities. The Suns Sign is given on a chart at the times indicated.

Now lets get back to TBerry’s garden. I started planting March the 18th. Right away right after I had pulled up my fall garden. Which I haven’t even mentioned it yet, I will put in a few words on it later time. My fall garden turned out to be such a success, such a blessing to me and many of my church friends who loved fresh greens. This was my first fall garden and I enjoyed it more than my spring garden. Mainly because bugs in the fall and winter are not as bad. I had plenty of greens to share with everyone. Fall gardening was such an injoyment. I can’t wait to do another one.

Now lets get back to my spring garden. TBerrysFlorida Garden and on with the planting after pulling up all my collard greens, mustard’s,turnips, and spinach. I started preparing the soil for planting. March 18Th, this year I decided to plant this Spring garden different than all my other gardens, such as instead of planting seeds in raised beds, I planted in a valley bed (a trench). Why did I want to do this after all these years you might ask. Reason is it being Florida and the past years I have had to water lots by hand under almost drought conditions, hot weather with no rain for months. I know from experience. This year I hope this years planting in a valley will help with not having to water as often. Planting in a valley sure helps with my water bill. I do this by place the water hose at the end of a row with the water barely running out of the hose. This gives the water a chance to soak to the roots gradually as it runs along the side of the plants. I let water run down the trenches along the sides of the vegetables and every 2 weeks I fertilize with a slow release fertilizer. This way it doesn’t burn the plants. Burning my garden with fertilizer is has been a bad experience for me and very easy to do when their is no rain in the forecast. So far so good on this method of valley planting. It seems to be much easier than trying to water the sandy hills.

I PLANTED MARCH 18, 2009

• Blackeyed peas
• Speckled Butter Beans
• Okra *cow horn
• Bell Pepper (plants)
• Tomato’s (celebrity)
• March 19, 2009
• Squash seeds (yellow)
• Cucumber (seeds)
• March 20, 2009 (all seeds planted in pots)
• pepper (dattil) (Cheyenne)
• cumquat’s, not sure if they will come up.
• Mary gold flowers
• Red climbing fern (from a friend) not sure what it will look like.

 

This picture is just one week later. Peas and Okra planted in valley’s Valley planting 03/25/2009

March 25Th

This is a picture I took just weeks later 4/30/2009 TBerrys Black eyed Peas are GROWING SO FAST.

Growing Peas in Florida useful information on growing Field Peas, Black eyed peas.

Thanks to the American Soldier

A Soldiers daughter

This day while strolling through my garden.  My thoughts ramble back to my Dad who was a gardener and I am very proud to say he was American Veteran. Thanks Dad who was in the Korean War.  And to all the American Soldiers who have fought for this Country in the past and present.  Thoughts of my Dad who served in Korean War. Today  I have more respect for all he went through now that I am older. This is just my opinion and many may not agree with.   I see so many veterans not getting the respect that our veterans so rightfully deserve.

Dad is no longer here but all his stories stay at heart are still with me.  Once again I would love to have the chance to re listen to my dad his stories and ask my dad his opinion on some of the things happening in this world today.  So many questions  he could help me to understand.  I am sure my Dad and I would share in the same issues, burdens and most of all prayer in need of for this Nation.

Proud to be an American

Thanks again to you all who served this country.   I today know just how blessed I am for Your Service.   Thanks to you and to  God for your dedicated service. Thanks for the  freedom for which this country still stands as One Nation Under God!

Thank you !! My prayer is for God to Bless and comfort every American soldier this Veterans Day.  I pray for you to receive  the love and respect that you so rightfully deserve this day.  I pray for many of you that when you are in  stress, or feel lonely, that you get a Warm Hug of appreciation and receive the comfort you need.  I pray for you all.    Please remember God is always with You.  My prayers and thoughts are with you. Thanks Again…….to you, my dad and other soldiers.  From An American Soldiers Daughter, I proudly stand and salute you. 

In Gods Love, THANK YOU!!

If interested here is a website that I ran across for the occasion

How To Salute And Pay Respects To Officers

Florida Tomatoes 2010

March and have I been busy preparing my garden for planting. I had very good success all winter with my Turnips, Mustard and Collards. Even my first at growing GARLIC. I harvested very little spinach. I have a ways to go with growing spinach. With trial and error I think they like limed soil. Don’t take my word on that though. I just jotted that down for my records only. I have lots to learn with growing spinach. All my greens were all looking great from the very cold weather we had here in Florida. I put up lots into the freezer and also gave lots away. I have such a small area that I had to pulled perfectly good plants up to make room for the Spring Vegetable Planting. We still have cooler temperatures here than normal. Last night it was in the 40′s. Today it’s to warm up to the 70′s. I notice that many gardens in this area I live still have Collards and Mustard Greens in their garden. I would to if I had more room for planting.

Tomatoes

Now lets move on to growing Florida Tomatoes. I planted Celebrity Tomatoes again this year. I wanted to give them another shot this year. Last years experience for me was a disaster as you can see from my last years postings. Oh No Not My Tomatoes!! Last year I got off to a good start with my tomatoes. Then we had a very rainy season. What a bummer! I lost all my tomato Bushes. This year I am going to try to prepare to do even better. We live and learn from our mistakes. This year I planted tomatoes Friday March 19th . Last year I had started out much earlier with all my planting. Nervous this year because we had so many freezes. My tomato bushes seem to be doing well so far. As they grow I will do my best to post updated pictures and comments. All comments and pointers are welcome. I will do my best to answer replies as soon as I can. Happy Gardening to you. You will find me in the Garden.

Planted March 19th. They today March 30th are approximately 7 inches tall.

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Diseased Bush Not sure what sickness. I had one bush pictured here with it’s leaves curled up with rusty looking rough spots. I haven’t had time to do any research yet. I trashed this bush after this photo was taken. The other bushes seem to at this dime be doing well.

Tomato disease and disorders info

April 19th photo

Pictured here is one of my Celebrity Tomato Bushes. See blooms on bush. Doing well.

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Photos 5-31-2010

 

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JUNE 2

WHAT A PRETTY PICTURE!!

Father In Law still has cabbage growing in his garden. I put cabbage that he gave me with Vegetables from my garden.

Pictured a perfect tomato

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June 8th

Oh No!! Pictured below. Fruit on this bush are not looking good. I haven’t diagnosed the problem yet. So far. I think the hot humid temperature and not enough space between tomato bushes is taking its tow on my tomatos.

Pictures of Ugly Tomatoes

Blackeyed Peas 2010

Its Pea Picking Time!! Blackeyed Peas 2009 is where I started out planting my garden.  Or should I say I got serious about it.  Made myself a Blog Page as you see here TBerrys Garden.  I found a love for watching and growing my own garden as my father had in the past.  Now I see why he loved gardening so much.  As you can see hard work in the beginning of the season really pays off.  I love to look back at how far I have come at growing my own vegetable garden.  If I can do it.  Anyone can.  Also see Blackeyd Peas 2011

June 1st This time of the year is all I can do to keep up with my shelling of the peas. Shown here in picture. Is my fresh shelled peas. I now will blanch these and put in 1qt or 1gal Freezer bags to be frozen.

They are well worth all the hard work.

For more info on growing peas in the South. Click here Do it yourself Vegetable Gardening in the South  This site here has a great source of information  for a first time gardener. 

2010 Beauty of Flowers

Caladiums click for more info on growing Caladiums.

This is one of my favorite Flower Bulbs. They are so easy to grow and oh what beauty!

Sunflower voluntary come up all around my bird feeder.

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PURPLE PERIWINKLE

( vinca minor)

This beauty has such a wonderful fragrance. I have this planted near a window. When my windows are up. Such a sweet smell drifts in.

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I just love this Red miniature Rose Bush. I have had it for many years now. Growing up my chainlink fence. It stays pretty much in full bloom all summer. I really have to keep it well fed with 10-10-10 fertilizer.

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Canna Blossoms link here for more info on these flowers

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This Milkweed bug is very pretty with its red and black color resting on my 4 o’clock bush.

(Click on picture to enlarge)  It’s a Milkweed Bug  (more info click here)

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This is such a beautiful picture that I took. In this squash plant is a bee at work. Not sure at this time to as what kind of bee it is. I just love this detailed shot.

These creatures will eat every leaf in site. They say the best way to get rid of these is to “SMASH” them dead. I let this one live long enough for me to get his picture.

3/23/2011 its just march and and these pests have already started eating on my plants.  I am finding newly hatched babies everywhere.  The best solution I have found to these little pests is to quickly stomp, stomp, smash, smash!!  Yuk!!!

Eastern Lubber Grasshopper

Physical Description

The eastern lubber grasshopper, which at times can be a serious pest of young citrus groves, is approximately 2 to 2 1/2 inches long when fully grown. The adult is a brilliant yellow with red and black markings and is incapable of flight. The nymphs (Figure 1) are almost solid black with yellow, and occasionally red, markings.

Life History

The eastern lubber grasshopper overwinters as eggs which are laid in the soil along the margins of low, marshy areas. The eggs hatch the following spring and the nymphs migrate to the cover crop in adjacent citrus groves. This migration often results in feeding by large numbers of this pest, causing severe defoliation of young trees and occasionally even feeding on the bark of older trees. There is only one generation per year.

Peas and Fried Green Tomatoes!! (First Harvest May 19, 2011)

Picture May 19, 2011 TBerrys First Harvest of Peas and Green Tomatoes

Well here it goes.  You can guess what’s cooking for Dinner tonight.  I just picked my first harvest of peas and tomatoes.  Now my work is cut out for me.  Shelling them  is the job.  It’s all worth it .  I don’t mean to sound like I am complaining.  While shelling these peas.  I like to find me a Bible study lesson or a good old gospel preaching to listen at while I am shelling away at these peas my ears are open.

I have a favorite website for when I am not able to read the word.  Shelling peas is a good time for it.  I hope many will agree there is no excuse these days for not learning the Truth(Gods Word).  When I am not able to read I can just key in the KJV on my favorite website at Sermon Audio and it will read any Chapter and verse  for me.  This website has it all  click here Gospel preaching and Bible Study.  God has been good to me, so yes I do get excited.  No way can I ever take a stroll through TBerrys Garden and not say “Thank Ya Jesus!”  Right now it’s Beautiful and lot’s of work to be done.  Will you join me Sermon Audio.   To all my Gardening friends I am sure you’ve heard, my ears are open to the word.  Fingers dare not on the keys but shelling peas, Amen!!

Cow horn Okra May 17, 2011

TBerrys watching the okra that doesn’t seem to have taken off as I expected.   I have lost a few bushes.  Not sure to as why maybe to not enough rain.  We didn’t get any rain for a long time till last week.  This is just an update of the Okra.  As you can see here pictured to the far right they are not more than a foot tall and they are putting out blooms for the ones that are left growing

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May 17, 2011 Cow Horn Okra can see first Blooms

Tomatoes May 17, 2011

TBerrys Tomatoes are growing well.  This morning I saw at least 6 tomatoes hanging on one bush.  I am getting ready to go ahead a pick some of the biggest ones shown here tomorrow.  For Fried Green tomatoes.  I just last week fertilized them with Lime, 10-10-10, and Magnesium Sulphate.  Last week we also had a good rain shower to water it all in well.  Today all the vegetables are looking great.  I can’t wait to taste this big tomato tomorrow.

Picture May 17, 2011 First picking yes!!

Picture May 17, 2011 pictured here are 4 tomatoes hanging together making it at least 6 or more tomatoes on the bush.

Gypsy Sweet pepper 5-17-2011

TBerrys Garden!!!  May 17th I see just the tip of this my Gypsy Sweet Pepper.  This is the first for me as to ever growing them.  Last week I put some Magnesium Sulphate or (Epsom Salt)on them and all my pepper bushes.   Aprox a tablespoon is all I put per potted bushe.  They have greened up quickly.  Last year I learned about adding Magnesium to my peppers when they seem to be yellowing.  Thanks to one of my blog comments.  Thanks again for the tip.  I am this year also trying this on my tomatoes along with the of course putting lime that tomatoes bushes love.  So far my tomatoes and peppers are looking great.  More info on Peppers, fertilizing etc.   Click More info Epsom Salts

Picture May 17, 2011. This is an image after applying Magnesium Sulphate a week ago.

May 17, 2011 Gypsy Sweet Pepper In Bloom.

Scuppernong Grapevine (Muscadine)

 

This is a borrowed picture of Scuppernong Grapes

The scuppernong is a large variety of muscadine (Vitis rotundifolia). This grape species has the distinction of being the first grape to ever be actively cultivated in the United States. It was declared the state fruit of North Carolina in 2001 The grape was named after the Scuppernong River of North Carolina, where it was first discovered. The word Scuppernong is from the Algonquian Indian word ascopo which means “sweet bay tree.” The fruit grows where temperatures seldom fall below 10  Fahrenheit.

Over 100 years of breeding has resulted in several bronze cultivars such as Carlos, Doreen, Magnolia and Triumph, they are distinguished by being perfectly flowered, which means the vine now produces male and female flowers. Opposed to the Scuppernong variety which only has female flower parts. The oldest cultivated grapevine in the world is the 400 year old scuppernong “Mother Vine” growing on Roanoke Island, NC 

Scuppernong is usually a green or bronze color and is similar in appearance and texture to a white grape, but rounder and about 50% larger. It was first known as the ‘big white grape. The skin is very thick and tart and several small green seeds are found in each grape. The pulp is viscous and sweet and the seeds are bitter – the most desirable part of the scuppernong is the sweet juice. The vine is an exceptionally strong grower, and its wood is the envy of the grape family.

Muscadines have a high tolerance to diseases and pests. There are no insect enemies, or fungus diseases that attack the fruit. Although black rot sometimes attacks the leaves in the spring, but never enough to affect the growth of the vines, or to cause any apparent detriment to a vine when given proper care. The blooms open during the first part of June, and the grapes ripen during September.

As with all grapes, muscadines need full sun with good airflow and proper drainage,  As with all grapes, muscadines need full sun with good airflow and proper drainage.  This grapevine can grow from  60 to 100 feet and should be planted 8 to 11 feet apart. 

It can be rooted so you can have more grapevines.  In rooting Scuppermong  grape vines, the first step is to look over the grapevine in mid-summer and find a cane that is in season.  Bend the cane to the ground and make sure that it is long enough to lie on the ground leaving the tip free.  Then score the stem in four or five places with a sharp knife where the brance touches the ground. Mound soil over the cane, leaving the tip uncovered.  Lay a brick or push down two u-shaped wires to hold the cane against the ground. 

You have to keep the ground moist so that the cane will produce roots.  The sections where you scored the cane  will produce roots.  Severe the cane from the parent in the fall when the grapes become dormant and roots have developed.  Last thing you will do is to dig up the rooted grape and plant it in your desired location.

The properly care of Scuppernong grapes you must fertilize them regularly.  Apply half a pound of 10-10-10 after planting.  Spread the fertilizer on either side of the vines a foot from the bases.  Apply another light sprinkling in late May or early June.  In the second year, apply double the amount.  Each year thereafter, apply 2 pounds of fertilizer in March and half a pound in June.  The scuppernong or muscadine grapevine (Vitis rotundifolia) is a fast-growing deciduous vine that can produce grapes for more than 50 years.  It is used for fruit, wine and shade.

Picture taken May 13, 2011. This picture show lots of new growth. I pruned this grapevine back February.

                                                                                                                                

 Years in the past shows Muscadine shows this same grapevine along with 2 others that I didn’t know were all planted together.  All 3 growing together making it rootbound.  It was very dry and wasn’t producing grapes like it should have.  All the fertilizing that I had done in the past was not helping.  Fertilizer cold never reach the roots.  This year after cutting it all the way back I now have 2 grapevines.  I am hoping that by seperating them that they will be more fruitful.  I’ve fertilized it with 10-10-10.  I have been watering regularly every other day.  Now only time will tell.  So far it is looking very healthy and seems to be growing very fast.   Click here to see grapevine MUSCADINE Grapevine 2009.  This page I had posted when it was growing but badly rootbound.

PINK BEGONIA May 11, 2011

2 weeks ago.  I planted these Pink Begonias in my window boxes this year.  Begonias are a landscaper’s favorite. Superior performance with lots of color punch. They look great all summer until frost. Unlike some plants, begonias will bloom all summer without fizzling out with the summer heat. Little maintenance in the landscape provides an extra benefit. Dead-heading is not necessary. Bronze leaf varieties are best for use in the sun. Try green leaf varieties for shady spots.  Website  Begonia Flowers more info.    E How.com….on growing Begonias

Pink Begonia

Peas are here !! May 4, 2011

Yes Peas are finally coming on the bush.  Though still no rain in the forecast that I see.  I’ve been doing my best at watering every other day.  My prayer for now is God please send the Rain.  When it is dry like this the bugs seem to be even more of a pest.  Like peas are in bloom with snap size peas at this time.  Ants love to crawl all over them.  Right now I have been giving them a sprinkle of seven dust.  Seems to keep ants and grasshoppers away.  So far so good.  More info Black eyed Peas 2010.  Also see Peas 2009 ”Pea Picking time June 2009″.  This years Peas in Bloom Picture April 2011 .

Picture May 4, 2011. Looking close at this picture you can see early peas coming on the bush.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

Flowers in Bloom May 2011

Purple Periwinkle (Vinc Minor) April 2011 Oh how I love the sweet fragrance these flowers have.

Purple Periwinkle

This is a Bluish Purple Periwinkle.  I have this growing under my office window.  Early moring and late evenings while windows are up I can smell the sweetest smell as a breeze from the outside comes rushing in. 

Pictured below is a Beautiful

Red Gladiolus (link) for more info.

Gladiolus

Impatients

I keep these in the shade at all times.   I have to keep them watered or else they droop very quickly.  They are so Impatient when it comes to watering.

Care for Impatients Flowers:

(GREAT TIP) If they start looking leggy late in the summer, trim off the top third of their vegetation. This will promote the emergence of new impatient flowers, plus the plants will look better overall.

Uses for Impatiens Flowers:

Impatiens flowers are one of the dominant bedding plants in North America, especially for shaded areas. They are also used in container gardens, ranging from hanging baskets to window boxes.

Origin of the Name for Impatients Flowers:

Impatiens flowers take their name from the Latin, impatiens, “impatient.” They are so called because their ripe seed pods will sometimes burst open from even a light touch (as if they were “impatient” to open). This characteristic is especially apparent in a relative named, “jewelweed,” indigenous to eastern North America.

Blackeyed Peas 4/28/2011

 

First Bloom Peas 4/28/2011

Peas are now in Bloom. Weather is very dry.  Rain is in the forcast. Praying for Rain!!!  Click here to see last years Field Peas 2010 growing

Tomatoes Full Bloom 4/27/2011

Celebrity Tomatoes:  This variety is my favorite again this year. And now in full bloom.  Starting out so far so good. This is the first blooms and tomatoes.  My mouth is watering with just the smell at each touch of the leaves.  Such a wonderful fragrance.  These are the first of my pictures this year.  At this time the weather is great except for it being very dry at the moment.  No rain have we had in over 3 weeks.  Looks to be a dry year again. 

Celebrity Tomatoes Picture here is first of blooms 4/28/2011

Planting:  This year I planted each plant by digging deep whole and placing each tomatoe plant into hole with at least half of the plant covered with soil.  I first removed bottom leaves of each plant only leaving 2 branches of leaves sticking up from the ground.  I was told by a friend that this encourages more strength to the bush and root system. 

  

Fertilize:  I fertilized with 10-10- 10 very little after a week of being planted.  Lime: Tomatoes are lime lovers, and greener upper they absorb quickly so I only put aproxmately 2 tablespoons of lime around each plant  to start out with.  Then as plant gets bigger I monitor each plant according to how green it is.  I also think it keeps down tomatoe plant deseases.  Always watering plant at the base only is another thing I think keeps plant healthy and green.  Everyone may have other tips on growing tomatoes.  Please leave comments as to how your tomatoes are doing such as tips and tricks according to what state you live in is very important. 

Important Note: We can always add lime fertilizer but…remember we can’t take it away once it has been added to the soil.  Many vegetables according to soil by state and lacation varies with applying any kind of fertilizer.

Picture taken 4/28/2011 See here is first tomatoe

 Here is a Website I have found very useful information at growing tomatoes, diseases etc.  Click here   Also info adding  Epsom Salt, Magnesium to your vegetables Click here.