Alternative Community Farmer/WPB.FL

S.Florida Community gardens are growing more , in numbers.Most of the new comers to S.Florida need some Tropical Gardening orientation as they mostly come from the cold Up-North!

Here are some suggestions for the new comers to make their toil in the soil less painful and more fruitful!

1-Put on garden safety gear when you garden.That includes sun glasses,gloves,hat,long sleeve shirt,bugs repellent..DRINK PLENTY OF SPRING WATER and always HYDRATE!

2-Double dig the soil and extract any debris or toxic substances.Know WHERE YOUR SOIL COME FROM!Avoid adding soils that have fertilizers or other contaminents like PCB,Plastics etc..

3-Trans-plant seedlings from local farmers rather than directly planting  GMO or commercial seeds that take longer to grow and harvest.Seedlings bought from SOME garden centers might have fertilizers and pesticide or herbicide contents.Choose varieties that give bountiful harvest like  cherry tomatoes !

4-Avoid using pesticides or herbicides by choosing  the prevention method rather.Plant companion pest reppeling HERBS like :Cuban oregano or Basil .

5-Choose DIVERSITY in planting varieties of plants that Co-exist and Complement!For example I grow sunflowers and corn and cucumbers or pinto beans TOGETHER , so the former can be used as natural trellis by the latter!Also I plant short term harvesting plants like arugola and lettuce with long term harvest plants like tomatoes together.Plants love to co-exist and are more productive and efficient when used as such in LIMITED SPACE GARDENING!

6-Choose SEASONAL draught tolerant NATIVE plants to S.Florida .Prefer Nutritional content over taste and flavor.Use Xeroscaping ,or the right plant in the right place:do not plant water loving plants alongside with desert loving plants!

7-Get help in ORGANIC TROPICAL GARDENING from a local urban farmer or someone who have experience in TROPICAL FARMING.It is different to garden in Florida ,but it is not difficult to adjust.There is no green or brown thumbs.There is awareness versus ignorance!

8-Use Garden ERGONOMICS Body Functional Movements .There are certain exercises for first time gardeners to strengthen certain muscles and gaurd against injuries by using properTRAINED  muscle FUNCTIONAL MOVEMENTS  !

9-Use ERGONOMIC TOOLS .Use Organic Soil.Use Organic Seeds.

10-Keep learning.Attend worrkshops and ORGANIC gardening classes.

References to check out  Organic Gardening Books and web sites:

www.Rodale Ulitmate Organic Gardening Encycloped

How to grow organic vegetables in containers

Container and small space gardening

Four season gardening

New square foot gardening

Happy community  gardening  

Alternative Community Farmer WPB/Fl

http:www.localharvest.org/farms/M20618