Growing question?

Question

I live outside of tampa florida and I was wandering if it was to late to grow a couple of veggies ? I know in december we get like 2 weeks of a cold spell. But I wanted to get a couple of trays and grow a few veggies my kids like. they really like to help plant things but i know they would be so sad if everything they planted died due to the weather.they like little tomatoes and cucumbers small veggies like that.Is it to late to plant them?

Answer 1

It's great that you are encouraging your children to help with the gardening. Gardening is a hobby that will stay with them for the rest of their lives. You have no idea haw many memories that you are planting in them as well.

Plant a mix of things that will help them keep interest. Radishes are a quick growing plant. Beans will take a little longer, but grow quickly. We have some ideas for unusual vegetables that they will also enjoy on our website.

Visit our website for more gardening with children ideas at-
http://www.gardening-at-the-crossroads.com/gardening-with-kids.html

Good Luck and Happy Gardening from Cathy and Neal!

Answer 2

If by cold weather you mean below 45-50, then I'd avoid tomatoes and cucumbers as well as peppers. Save those until you start warming up again. Instead you could plant plant bush green beans if you get to it ASAP plus they are small enough you can throw a sheet over them if cold weather threatens some night. Yes, lettuce will grow in cooler weather. Radishes are fun for kids as they grow and mature quickly. Carrots are also good but do take longer. For tomatoes you need at least 120 days of above 45 degrees. Green beans, if I remember, are about 90 days.

Answer 3

You're in luck!!!!
Florida's vegetable gardening season begins during the fall months.
"Summer crops are not always some of the favorites. Now we can grow what every gardener likes." says Tom Wichman, extension agent with the Orange County Cooperative Extension Service in Orlando.

Fall gardens begin with the warm season plantings that include tomato, pepper, eggplant, squash and beans. Wichman says most have to be in the ground by the end of September to develop fruiting size plants before the arrival of cooler weather.

Some favorite vegetables that won't mind a little frost or light freeze include broccoli, cabbage, radishes, kohlrabi, carrots and spinach. ..
Most related crops--- including all cabbages, broccoli and radishes--- are planted at the same time of the year. You sow their seeds or transplant them in the late fall and winter seasons. "
http://www.orientmag.com/food1.htm

You might be surprised to find that carrots aren't affected by even hard freezes. In frosty Ohio, I have left them in the ground all winter...& harvested carrots whenever the ground was soft enough to pull them out of the ground.

Good luck to you & your kids!!!! Hope this is helpful.

Answer 4

I am planting my garden today, near Fort Myers. Now is the time to plant, get busy :) .

Answer 5

Think of growing fall vegies: lettuce, spinach, broccoli.
http://www.farmersalmanac.com/