i need help with my florida gardening?

Question

i live in sprinhill fl and we just got 61/2 achers property,,there are apple trees peach,pear,nectrines,grape vines,and flowering trees.i have no idea what to do with them,and i think theres money to be made but i need help,

ok about the landscape,,i just know that the lady who lived here for 35 yrs and passed befor we got the house must have loved this place theres so much ,,,however its all overgrown and i think alot of the fruit trees have a disease i have no clue,i would love to take some pictures and email them to anyone who would know whats wrong or be willing to take a guess?let me know please,,,sleepless in my sick yard,,pammy

Answer 1

I know the area, and live in Winter Haven. Rare to find that much property that close to 19 and Cortez still undeveloped, but productive otherwise. Hernando Beach accesses are still scrub, but by Govt design. Spring Hill, on a sad note, has many Tract type situations that diminish it's deeper appeal.

First of all the fruit plants that exist are not strictly indigenous to Florida, or an ideal climate for them. I can't imagine the plot being more than someone who experienced those in some area farther North. That doesn't say they won't thrive and produce, but their care will be more intense for quality results.

Money to be made??? HMMMM... Is there enough produce production, to be profitable and competetive, other than a roadside stand, flea market, or truck bed store?

Did you purchase originally with a profit motive?

What to do with them, might have been a consideration,before buying the property?

Any old growth may not be ideal for creating profit. Look around at old growth citrus groves. Grapes can do well here, and there are FL vineyards, but in quantity is profit.

If your interest is in farming, I guess I'd suggest self harvests, depending on how much of all, you have,,, and offering what produce you have on a small scale to begin. I'd dismiss and remove, or ignore old growth, and enjoy the tree, etc. for what it is,,anyway.

You also dont state if or not this is strictly investment property as a producing plot, or that you intend to live on it, and maintain it diligently,,,which might be a 24/7 effort.

So many questions, but not much in detail.

Rev. Steven

Answer 2

Sounds like you have a heck of a lot of work ahead of you. All those fruit trees need constant care, especially in this hot climate. I live in Louisiana and have had good luck with some apple tree varieties..especially Anna apples..but have had hard time taking care of peach. Constant spraying and fertilizing. One thing you can do is to check with your county extension office and they can provide you with the proper insecticides and care for your trees. I find that the citrus trees need less care than do the apple, peach, etc. Don't know what kind of pear trees you have but here they tend to do well without much spraying. Good luck and yes I think you can have a money-making proposition if you check into the care of those trees.

Answer 3

Sounds wonderful! If you can get a bountiful harvest from your property,I see local Wine in the future or perhaps a Fruit & Veggie stand.You can see if there any farmers market in the area you can sell too.I live in Palm Beach myself.I also see potencial for local Honey and apple juice/cider.

Good Luck!!