Harvesting my Own GARLIC and POTATOES in Florida - Let’s See What I Got!

[@joselugo9973]

I live in central Florida where I grow all sorts of stuff in 5 gallon buckets on top of 16" concrete pads to keep the nematodes away. I put the seed potatoes in cardboard boxes on the floor of my house until the sprouts are about an inch long then I plant them. They all sprout. The buckets make harvesting easier because I just tip the buckets over into a plastic basin and sort out the potatoes. My yields have been poor bacause I have been over watering 3 times a week until water comes out the bottom of the bucket, and i only fertilized at planting time. This year I will follow your advice and water once a week and fertilize every 4 weeks, I will let you know how this works out.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

Yes, please let me know how they do. Don’t forget the mulch. It helps even out the watering a lot

[@davidcolman6070]

As another zone 9a Gardner you’ve inspired me to try garlic this year. Thanks for the fantastic videos.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

Yay! Let me know how it goes.

[@Flowers4Bees.Veggies4Me]

Thanks for the information. I plan to grow garlic this year (2024). Doing my research now by watching all your videos for garlic. I want to grow them in my GreenStalk. 💚

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

Best of luck!

[@exploringgames948]

Great video with information on planting/growing of Potatoes and Garlic! Great job on the Garlic harvest, that compost payed off big time! This video will definitely help me with this years potatoes and Garlic since last year it didn't really work out too well! I'm still waiting on this cold to go away... the nights haven't even hit above 5-6c yet which is making my tent packed with plants waiting to go out lol Thank you as always for the quality videos momma🙏

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

Wow! That’s some cold weather. I’ll send you some of our heat 😀

[@exploringgames948]

@Homegrown Florida please do! I'll pay for express shipping 😂 Have a dozen or so 2 foot peppers, and a full 72 cell tray of seedlings begging to go out 😭

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

@@exploringgames948 😂😂😂

[@bay9876]

Growing potatoes has kept us fed even though the most difficult times. The garlic cloves look very good and healthy. Thanks for the Video for better gardening.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

Yes, potatoes are definitely a staple crop for us too.

[@Tygydyk17]

Just ordered those Russet potatoes from that supplier you mentioned. I want to plant them in grow bags and see what happens. Grow bags should prevent them being waterlogged if it rains too much. I live on Treasure Coast, zone 10a. Question is: if I cut them will I get more potatoes vs planting them whole?

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

In theory, yes. But I tested this last fall and my cut potatoes rotted in the ground because of all the rain. I would encourage you to plant them whole.

[@zaneymay]

Potato in your area should be planted around January here in zone 8b Florida it's February into March. Congratulations on your garlic harvest.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

Thank so much!

[@sonnyamoran7383]

I have never cut them up. In our heat and always a chance of rain, always use whole potatoes. And you don't necessarily have to have sprouts. It just takes a bit longer for them to come up. Not all potatoes produce flowers, while some of the same varieties do, some don't. Flowers on potatoes don't really mean anything. These are just some things I learned. Hope this helps.,

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

Thanks 😊 I had one variety that bloomed but the other one didn’t. I’ll never cut my potatoes again. It was such a bummer

[@sonnyamoran7383]

@@HomegrownFloridaZ9a I can imagine. Florida growing is so different. David the Good is great at helping me with problems.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

@@sonnyamoran7383 yes 👍 I love watching his channel

[@liamthompson9090]

You are, likely, right about the potatoes: between the rain and the potatoes having been cut, they probably rotted. Cutting potatoes makes sense in Nebraska (not much rain there, in summer). Florida, however,... On the plus side, the rain is responsible for much of the beauty of Florida.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

Gotta love all that green here 🌱 I’ll never cut them again. Lol I learned my lesson 🤣

[@liamthompson9090]

I know that you like Italian food, but that's a lot garlic. What are you going to do with all that?

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

@@liamthompson9090 🤣 Usually I save about 10 heads for fresh eating, 5 heads for planting next year and most of the rest becomes garlic powder. We go through that stuff more than I thought when I first started growing it

[@oreopaksun2512]

WoooHooo! Those are Great Garlic! And who said garlic can't be grown in Central Florida?!!! Well earned kudos to you! And great potatoes, too. Thanks for keeping it real, and demonstrating how to bounce back; to turn every gardening mishap into not just a learning opportunity, but some kind of harvest as well. Florida gardeners never fail; unless we quit and fail to replant. I don't want to dehydrate onions or garlic because the smell would just linger....do you put your dehydrator in the lanai?

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

Florida gardener strong 💪. I did do that the first year but I stopped because it wasn’t as bad as I thought. Especially if you start at a low temperature.

[@janicemoyer854]

Freeze them first, it make a biggg difference.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

@@janicemoyer854 good idea 👍

[@PineappleQTpie]

Same thing happened to me with my potatoes this season here in Florida!!!!! I thought some animal got to them too! I even had a few sprout and poke through the soil BUT they disappeared 😩

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

It was such a disappointment but never give up!

[@mistycarter9809]

Great timing! I going to harvest my potatoes this weekend. I keep watching the garlic...only 1 dead leaf at a time right now. First time for both for us! I do want to see you braid the garlic.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

Some varieties are ready early and some are later in the season. You probably just have a later version. Hang in there. I do plan on braiding them. I’m so excited. Hopefully they turn out pretty 🤞

[@user-hz7kv6js6l]

Yes, the same thing happened to my potatoes they rotted in the after getting to wet.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

Mystery solved! I’ve been scratching my head for months.

[@macEboy]

Patrina, you've absolutely got to try elephant garlic. I tried planting in November of last year and still am waiting probably another month before I pull them. I planted approximately 20 and tribed one just yesterday. the head was underdeveloped but still approximately a half a pound! works great in our warm weather. Your pal in Middleburg.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

I’ve been thinking about growing them. You have inspired me to give it a shot this year!

[@lindapedersen-hylka7170]

Great Harvest. I would love to try these, you have to make a video when it's time to plant to remind us. Just put my sweet potatoes in a few days ago. Waiting to see how that goes. Thanks for all the inspiration. You've turned me into a successful Florida gardener.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

I did do one when I planted them but it’s so early in the season, it’s easy to miss it. I will definitely give you a heads up when it’s time again. They are so much fun to grow.

[@hricci]

Too hot in September for potatoes. It happened to me. I live in zone 10a

[@sonnyamoran7383]

Are you using soft neck? They are supposed to be good for our climate. Mine did really well this year. You did good girl. Go you!!😊

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

☺️ Thank you! Yes, all 3 varieties are soft neck

[@cheridefries4980]

Thank you for showing your results! Such great information…I always learn so much from you. I’m in Orlando 9b. My potatoes are still growing (in grow bags). I’m hoping for success.🤞 My garlic disappeared. Since you mentioned the size, I bet mine were too small to grow. I’ll be trying your russet and garlic brands next time! 😊 Sure enjoyed the video with Jacqueline! Can’t wait to see the new landscaping in your yard! 🌻🐝🌺🦋

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

Let me know how your potato harvest goes. I’d love to celebrate with you 🎉

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

I totally forgot she was putting that video out today

[@GardenYourHeartOut]

Your harvesting garlic already? I’m in Deltona zone 9b and I planted my garlics at the beginning of November and they still aren’t ready. The bulbs r so big but the stem is super thick and it still has a lot of green leaves. Most only have about three dead leaves. I learned that when 5 or six dead leaves appear then they r ready, but I’m not sure how long that will take because I cant feel the cloves on my bulbs. I’m just hoping I dont leave them too long like last year. I got about 8 lbs and had some huge bulbs almost the size of my palm and Theyre not elephant garlic.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

That’s awesome. Perhaps you have a late variety. Mine were early varieties. Definitely wait until you can see the cloves when you dig down to check on them. You got this!

[@janicemoyer854]

Growing mostly in the greenstalk and grow bags as I build my i ground garden out but will always use grow bags for taters as the bags will not hold water. I alway get several pounds per bag with 4 pieces. How about a test this fall with some cut taters in bags and see how it goes? Nice job on the garlic! Maybe I’ll give it a whirl this fall. Not sure if it gets cold enough here though.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

I really like that idea! I’m doing a tomato container test right now to compare. Potatoes would be a fun compare too.

[@janicemoyer854]

@@HomegrownFloridaZ9a I did a test with a tomato in a grow bag, started it from seed with just a few inches of potting soil. As it grew I would pull off lower leaves and add more soil. That thing has been producing since last fall. Every day I’m pulling handfuls of them. (Cherry tomatoes)

[@janicemoyer854]

As you know they like to be buried deeply 😀

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

@@janicemoyer854 that’s awesome. Not to spoil it for you but so far I haven’t seen a difference between pots or beds 🤫

[@shaunah.creations9233]

So I've never grown vegetables. I decided to try sweet potatoes because of how my brother in law said how well they do here. We live in Florida too. I didn't do any prep. I just decided to keep them whole from the store lol. And threw them in the dirt hole area recently I've made for them. How do you know when they start growing?

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

Sweet potatoes are actually a different plant from regular potatoes so they grow from the slips rather than the whole potato. Although, it should still work to some extent the way you did it. Sweet potatoes take 4-5 months before they are ready. Are they producing lots of vines?

[@KimberlyBrowne-u9r]

We also live in Florida, on the Space Coast, how do you store your potatoes? I know most recommend a basement but that's not really an option in most of Florida. :)

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

Lol, no basement here either. I store them in paper bags in my garage fridge and I bring the temperature down to 50. That usually the fridge we use for drinks so it works well for both.

[@georginablumel2852]

This is super helpful for someone who wants to try garlic for the first time. Question though, can I buy the seed garlic earlier and refrigerate longer, then plant in November? Or is it bad to vernalize too long? Also, I should add that I’m going to try both garlic and potatoes in large containers, and hope that will be ok. I haven’t got to the point where I’m ready for a raised bed yet, still a newbie!

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

Containers are great for potatoes, and I would assume for garlic as well! You can vernalize them longer, but there is a limit before the garlic starts to degrade in the refrigerator. I probably wouldn’t do much longer than 12 weeks. And definitely no shorter than six weeks. Good luck!

[@CristalMermaid]

Wow great garlic and potato harvest! I grew potatoes and garlic this year too. My potatoes harvest was poor but my garlic harvest was pretty good. I planted Inchellium Red and loose Garlic from Publix. I have grown Red Toch in previous years and had very good results with it but it is more difficult to find. I have tried saving garlic seeds from my own harvest to grow but I had the same experience as you. I think is the Florida weather. Inchellium is definitely a keeper for me too. I will be growing it this fall and will try the Red Toch and maybe one other variety too. Did you vernalized the garlic? If so, for how long?

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

Where do you get the Red Torch from? Yes I did vernalize for about 9-12 weeks

[@CristalMermaid]

@@HomegrownFloridaZ9a I get Red Toch from Filaree Farm or Forever Yong farms.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

@@CristalMermaid I’ll check them out this next season. Thank you

[@heatheringram2976]

Would shade cloth over pvc hoops help when the weather gets hot?

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

That could definitely work. It would block some rain which would be good for the potatoes and ease the heat on the garlic

[@joselugo9973]

Which one of your videos talks about nematodes?

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

I have a pest video here - kzbin.info/www/bejne/o3KxgHqeqtqomacsi=MnTTIaAKXprAiOD9

[@TW-gb6mh]

I have had zero success when I cut my taters before planting. I use grow bags, and they rot even in them. Using the whole potato is much better. I still get a small harvest, but I think it is because they need more fertilizer and water. I also usually end up planting a few grocery store potatoes that had sprouted, (not particularly worried that it is too late and hot) and even though they don't produce much, there is usually something. I did not plant this spring, as I couldn't find seed taters locally, and the online ones were a bit pricey for me. Growing in zone 8b.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

I do the same thing. If they already sprouted, I always plant them regardless of the time of year. You never know 🤷‍♀️

[@richardfoshee3244]

Is the garlic you're buying already vernalized for the zone you're in? I'm in Palm Beach County and I got my organic Inchelium Red garlic starts from a central FL grower so they're pre-vernalized and acclimatized for zones 9 through 11.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

No, the one I bought was not pre vernalized. I got them in September and put them in the fridge till they were ready to plant in December.

[@richardfoshee3244]

@@HomegrownFloridaZ9a oh ok, I was wondering! This is my 1st year growing garlic, so I bought something in-state to give me a fighting chance 😂

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

@@richardfoshee3244 that’s a great idea. I think I know who you got it from and his pre vernilized seed garlic is awesome.

[@janes1434]

Is that too late to plant potatoes end of Oct at central FL?

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

I believe UF says to start them in November but when I have done that, sometimes they get killed by a frost in December or January. If you are willing to protect them during a frost, go for it.

[@alwslate]

The bugs ate my potato leaves ugh.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

Bummer! Mine did a bit too but they held up long enough to mature.

[@annemarita4259]

Why don't you use your own potatoes for seed potatoes? Seed potatoes are one of the biggest scams I've seen. When I first time grew potatoes in FL, I used Publix potatoes that I prepped in the fridge and planted in big containers. They sprouted in a week. You pay WAY more for seed potatoes. And they are no different.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

I’ve planted with Publix potatoes before and they work great. I like trying out different varieties and sometimes they are easier to find as seed potatoes. I’ll have a video coming out soon where I show the yield of different kinds of varieties. Keep an eye out 💚

[@robertgrasso3677]

Hi Patrina...Where is a reliable place to purchase Everglade tomato seeds & can I plant them anytime of the year? (I'm in Clearwater). Love your channel, you have improved my gardening immensely !!! Thanking you in advance. rob@sealevel...

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

Thanks so much, Rob. I love theurbanharvest.com. She is local in St Pete. She does by mail and local pickup for live plants.