September Gardening in Florida: Top 20 Vegetables to Plant NOW

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

Don’t forget to get your seed garlic ordered so you can get it in the fridge to vernalize. If you want to know more about growing garlic in a warm climate check this video next - kzbin.info/www/bejne/b4radmt8nbeHarc

[@YouTubeGenesis]

I’ve been looking for central Florida gardeners for months, and today you randomly popped into my feed. I’m so glad I found you.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

Welcome neighbor 👋

[@oreopaksun2512]

How cold is the cold front I'm supposed to look for when it comes to plant garlic? Last year, I grew Elephant Garlic, which is supposed to do better than regular in Florida, but even though the plants were huge, I got the dreaded monobulbs at the end; the vernalization failed (8wks, so got to go longer). They were delish, and very very crisp roots, but unexpected! Gonna get it right this time! Thanks for the enthusiastic push to start the fall garden! YAY!

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

I look for temps that drop into the 50s during the day when I plant them. But colder is even better. Even at 12 weeks in the fridge, some still won’t bulb for me so I make them into garlic powder 💚

[@jaytoney3007]

I'm praying for cooler weather here in central Alabama, zone 7B. The summer heat is causing problems with germination. I sowed seeds earlier in the week, and have sprouts for Late Nagasaki Cabbage, kohlrabi, Pak Choy, Komatsuna, assorted lettuce, and Yellow Heart Winter Choy. I am waiting for the Brunswick Cabbage and Golden Beets to sprout. I am still getting a lot of pole beans, squash, cherry tomatoes, and peppers. I am hoping to get a late crop of cantaloupe. The plants have just started flowering.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

Good luck! I would love a break from the heat as well

[@FloridaGirl-]

I wish I could send anyone 15 hot degrees who needs them! SW FL here.

[@jaytoney3007]

@@FloridaGirl- 90F ther last two days in Sylacauga, AL (countryside, not city). I am having a rough time getting my fall garden started. I have seeds tht have sprouted for Komatsuna, Yellow Heart Winter Choy, and Nappa Cabbage. I'm waiting for sprouts for Pak Choi, tatsoi, turnips, beets, carrots, parsnips, broccoli, and cauliflower. The dutch cabbage, red cabbage, and Swiss chrd are stuggling with the heat. Fortunately, it is going to cool down for the next few days. Maybe, I'll get more sprouts.

[@FloridaGirl-]

@@jaytoney3007 I hear yah! It’s been in 90’s here since mid May. And the two wk forcast ahead is all 90’s too. Usually takes mid to end of Oct. to get perfect again. Been working on ammending my beds and prepping them. Late fall, winter and spring are best growing time here for veggies. Opposite of most!

[@jaytoney3007]

@@FloridaGirl- Frost comes early to my area, around Halloween, but I've seen it snow on Oct, 13th, and last year, we had a hard freeze, 24F, on Nov 2nd. Many people don't grow a fall garden in my area. I do, I'm too damn stuborn not to di it. I can't wait until the cooler temperatures in October to plant, so have to do what I can with stratigic planting and use of shade cloth. Somehow I manage to do it. Growing broccoli, cauliflower and parsnips in the fall is new to my garden. Technically, I don't have the right temperature conditions for parsnips, so it is an act of defiance.

[@tlit3284]

You are amazing!!! Thank you so much!!! 🤗☀️👍🏻

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

My pleasure 💚

[@potagermalo]

Vraiment top 👍😊

[@joinmeinthedirt5186]

this is the first time I heard that you have to refridgerate garlic, mine gets mailed out next week so I will try it. It’s still in the 90’s here in California so I should have plenty of time.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

Yes, plenty of time. The refrigerator trick only applies to places where you have very hot summers and fairly warm winters so it may not apply if you live in Northern California. I think the general rule is zone 7 or above. 💚

[@Christopher-xd5in]

Hey from Crystal River.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

👋

[@Christopher-xd5in]

Im 55 now and getting into the mindfulness of gardening because life is cruel but gardening is a godsend.

[@Christopher-xd5in]

@@HomegrownFloridaZ9a never thought about kohlrabi before but looks pretty good to try.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

@@Christopher-xd5inthe garden is my happy place so I totally agree

[@boonmsgt]

Excited about the garlic but disappointed that Garlic Gods are out of stock on soft neck garlic. Im going to look around. I love Garlic but didnt think it would do here in Lakeland. I think you are in same zone as me so figured I will give a try. Im going to companion plant strawberries with my asparagus as I have commented before. I do like the winter gardening here in central Florida. A great break from the brutal heat. Im kinda spoiled on strawberries because my Aunt and cousin own strawberry fields in plant City. However, im still planting my own😂👍🏻. Thanks for the content. BTW I was watched, liked and enjoyed your garlic planting video as well. Jusy upset you oredered all the garlic from the gods😮😂! Just Kidding.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

I’m so sorry. When I recorded the video, they still had some. Bummer. MIGardener has a notification they will send you when theirs are ready. Good luck! I hope you have a chance to grow them. It’s so much fun.

[@2021-j2d]

Another question, hope you don’t mind…when you cut down the cover crops and spread them in the beds will you just let them sit a while and break down, mix or till them into the existing soil, top with other soil, compost, black cow or anything over the cut cover crops before those beds can be used again?

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

I just let them sit on top as a mulch but you could do any of those three. All add good benefits to the soil.

[@Flyforawhiteguy1982]

Awesome video. Alot of info. Needless to say, subscribed 🤜🤛

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

Yay! Welcome friend 💚

[@jennywhite6907]

Casselberry - central Florida here: I’m going to order some garlic, even though I feel like I’m throwing money away, one day I’ll get some grown! I ordered my strawberry bare roots, and they should be ready in a month. I’ve got about 40-50 potatoes from last season left over to plant, and they did the best in LARGE grow bags and in the ground. I’m going to do tomatoes and I’ve got successful asparagus that grew 20 or more stalks and continue to give me 2 per month in the summer- I’m gonna fertilizer and hope they power grow this fall. I’m starting onion seeds for the first time. I’ve got indoor lights, but have to set myself a private space to grow (I’ve got cats - ykwim) I’d like to win any seeds you might have to share, and I’ll even send a sase! Ty Ty Ty for your wise experienced advice!

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

Have you seen my How to garlic video? Feel free to connect if you have any questions. I’m happy to help

[@janicemoyer854]

Thank you! ❤

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

You're welcome 😊

[@kidvision564]

Excellent content

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@jnlankavlog8553]

Great work

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

Thank you so much 😀

[@riffwithcliff]

Omg i just found your channel. I am in Tampa and going to be following your videos for advice thank you so much!

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

Welcome neighbor 👋. Please feel free to ask questions if you ever need to.

[@linab8847]

I'm in 9b and had a terrible problem with nematodes which decimated my summer crop. I used galvanized raised beds like you and put weed barrier on the ground, layered up cardboard, then bags of potting soil, some amendments and planted. Please tell me where I went wrong? Any thoughts on how to correct it or do I have to start all over? I really want a fall garden.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

@linab8847 unfortunately RKN can penetrate all those layers. Many people choose to grow in containers that are placed on top of concrete or pavers to avoid them but since you have a raised bed already, I would suggest growing only naturally nematode resistant plants like broccoli or varieties that were designed to be resistant. During the summer you can cover crop with marigolds or solarize the bed. Also, adding a ton of organic matter like homemade compost, leaves and grass clippings will help going forward since they don’t do as well in super rich soil. It’s tough but over time, you can bring down the population.

[@2021-j2d]

I am a little confused. When you succession plant your broccoli, 3 plants at a time, do you pull the old plants or do you eventually end up with something like 12 plants just harvesting at different times? I think I am wondering if this saves space in your beds or do you initially have to have the space e for all 12 plants? My raised beds are not as large as yours so any way I can gain space helps. Thanks.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

You would need the space for all the plants but you could always grow less plants. Broccoli grows the large center head first. Then it will produce little florets all over for about 1-2 months. Try starting with 3 plants spread out one month apart and you should have a good amount for several months

[@stephm8962]

My pea sprout died and the other one is dying, planted in pot with potting soil its yellow and dried up looking despite daily watering

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

If you have never planted beans or peas in that soil before, you could benefit from inoculant. It helps the bean/pea plants to absorb and convert nutrients. If you don’t have any, you can try giving them extra liquid fertilizer until they get older and attract the inoculant naturally. I have a video on growing peas if you want to check that out. It explains that process.

[@2021-j2d]

I will wait to plant my, just ordered, Greenstalk until you plant yours. After seeing the sizes of your crops I realize that I have a lot of things to “fix.” I think I over pruned my single tomato plant but it is putting out some new growth just no fruit, wonk, wonk. My various peppers and Fordhook chard were delicious but small. I’m at around the 70th day since planting cukes & okra from seed but still no fruit. I think they haven’t been pollinated bc I didn’t have enough flowers, etc to bring in the pollinators. Plenty of birds dropping other flower seeds all over, not necessarily where I want them, but not complaining. Hopefully with newly planted marigolds, zinnias, cosmos, echinacea, etc the bees will help out. Planted some Florida friendly tomato varieties today so maybe I’ll have better luck. All this to say that although my garden doesnt look as successful as yours (it’s smaller) I am learning by trial and error and you’ve been my beacon of hope that one day this city girl will actually be a real urban gardener. Thank you for all your help and information.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

Trial and error is the best way to learn. You are on the right path, I can tell. You got this 💪.

[@2021-j2d]

@@HomegrownFloridaZ9a thanks for the encouragement! Trial & error, like education, ain’t cheap. 🤭

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

@@2021-j2d Truth!

[@windskatha]

I am like you in that I am going to have a mix of Summer, Warm weather, and Cool weather veggies this year. I was wondering how you manage the space with this combo? For instance, I know my Roselle is going to be going for quite some time. Is it a good idea to interplant lettuces etc... around them or should I just wait until they are done and clear the space? I only have three beds so I do want to use the space as much as possible.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

I do interplanting a lot. Lettuce would be a great idea since it benefits from some shade that the roselle will give and is pretty short. When the roselle is done, I just cut it down to the ground and leave the roots below the surface so it doesn’t disturb the other plants.

[@DadnHubs]

Hello there.. New 9a gardener here! Working on my first raised bed (4×4). Planning to do 4 plants for this fall - Shallots, Radish, Beets and carrots. I saw these suggestions in another website. What do you think about my picks?

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

It’s definitely worth a shot. As a new gardener, you may have some challenges with shallots or carrots. I have a video with some special tricks for the carrots so check that out. A really easy veggie for new gardeners would be green beans or kale. Both are pretty bomb proof.

[@DadnHubs]

@HomegrownFloridaZ9a Sure, Thank you! Appreciate your response!

[@cindywoods4645]

Wonderful video again. Can i direct sow my cauliflower or do i need to transplant. Thank you.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

You can do either but if you have heavy pest pressure, you may want to wait to transplant until they are bigger and can defend themselves better

[@cindywoods4645]

@HomegrownFloridaZ9a okay good to know. I'm so impatient lol. Thank you.

[@jeaniebeanie3350]

When you say plants to start in September do mean you are starting the seeds now or did you already start the seeds a few weeks ago? I’m in Cape Coral and I already started seeds back in early August for things like the Brussels sprouts, mustards and tomatoes. I think I may have started too soon. I’m still learning.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

I’m referencing starting from seed. I start my Brussels every month starting in August to October because you never know when the first cold front comes through and if we have a late winter, the ones started in August will struggle but the October ones will do better. Brussels are tough to schedule because of that.

[@CristalMermaid]

What varieties of strawberries do you grow where do you get them? I’d have problems growing strawberries for the last couple of years no matter where I buy them or plant them. Thanks for the video.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

I got mine from Berries Unlimited last year. The variety I got was Chandler but I’m not sure if they still carry that one or not. These are actual plants, not bare roots which I prefer.

[@CristalMermaid]

@@HomegrownFloridaZ9a thanks I have better luck with plants than bare roots.

[@autumnmarie8841]

I live in central Fl. And just started my seeds yesterday(waiting for them to germenate). Your title says "to plant now" so am i too late? Im new at this.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

Not at all. I mean to plant the month of September. Hope that helps.

[@dianelambert8281]

Hey Ms. P. I have a question. Have you ever had cucumber vines come back? I have right now. Do I let them grow again or plant new ones?

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

That has never happened to me before but I would be excited if it did. Shows the survival instincts of that plant. If you have space, let them grow. I bet they will be super productive

[@dianelambert8281]

@@HomegrownFloridaZ9a I will send you a pic on your Facebook

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

@@dianelambert8281 perfect 👍

[@Everyday.homemaking]

I’m confused. Are we starting these seeds now or transplanting? You mentioned it’s fine to plant them as long as the evenings are cooler, but we wouldn’t be doing that if we’re starting seeds. Can someone help clarify for me? Thank you. I’m in central florida

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

I was referencing seeds. Transplants would be about a month behind. Cooler for us is about 60s, lol.

[@Everyday.homemaking]

@@HomegrownFloridaZ9a thank you for clarifying!

[@gclotman]

Can I just direct seed or do I have to germinate them first?

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

Are you referencing garlic? Or another veggie from the video?

[@gclotman]

@@HomegrownFloridaZ9a The various vegetables you mentioned. Cabbage, carrots, cucumbers, lettuce

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

Oh okay. Pretty much all veggies can be direct seeded but some benefit from transplanting like tomatoes and peppers. This time of year, I do lean towards transplanting most of them (except beans peas carrots cucumbers and squash) because the pest pressure can destroy young seedlings. Hope that helps.

[@hoperules8874]

I lost all my ginger and tumeric by cutting them!😢