| Perhaps the best way to have a healthy, | | | | Nematodes may also be a problem. They are |
| vegetarian diet is to grow as much of your own | | | | parasitic, microscopic roundworms which attack |
| food as possible. This ensures that you know that | | | | the roots of plants. While they do not normally kill |
| no insecticides have been used on the plants. You | | | | the plants, they do cause stunted growth and |
| are also able to grow particular favorites which | | | | decreased yields. The most effective treatment is |
| are not available in the local market. Vegetarians in | | | | simply leaving the ground fallow (unplanted) |
| the tropics or almost-tropics are presented with | | | | between crops. Without a food source, the |
| both a tremendous opportunity for a bonanza of | | | | number of nematodes in the soil decreases |
| healthy crops as well as a challenge. | | | | dramatically. |
| Anyone who is accustomed to having glorious | | | | Knowing what to plant is also critical to growing a |
| vegetable gardens in northern regions will initially | | | | flourishing garden. Seeds for seed crops (radishes, |
| find that warm-climate gardening can be | | | | carrots, lettuce etc.) can be obtained either locally |
| challenging. Many transplanted gardeners give up in | | | | or from online suppliers. Generally, the online seed |
| frustration after a few failed attempts. However, | | | | suppliers will have a greater variety. It's important |
| your southern garden can surpass the one you | | | | to look for varieties designed for your region. You |
| left behind, but it requires rethinking how and | | | | will find lettuces that will tolerate more heat |
| when you plant. You need to know when, how | | | | without bolting, root crops more |
| and what to plant. | | | | nematode-resistant and tomatoes, peppers and |
| Instead of one crop a year, two are now possible. | | | | eggplants more resistant to various diseases. A |
| You can have both a spring and fall/winter | | | | sturdy plant adapted to the region will be able to |
| harvest. The key is timing. You can check with | | | | provide a bountiful crop and be less bothered by |
| your local County Extension Service or local | | | | insect pests. |
| Garden Club for advice. You can also notice when | | | | Getting the plants that you set out (tomatoes, |
| the commercial growers plant their fields. Chatting | | | | peppers and eggplants especially) can be more |
| with growers selling produce at a local farmer's | | | | challenging. Local garden suppliers are more likely |
| market can also be helpful. A local garden supply | | | | to have them available for planting at the right |
| store may also be a good source of information. | | | | time for your local region. They are also more |
| In regions such as central and southern Florida, | | | | likely to have varieties adapted for the local area. |
| summer is the hardest time to grow vegetables. | | | | Chain suppliers are less likely to be a good source |
| It's too hot and humid, stressing plants and | | | | for varieties adapted to the local climate and may |
| increasing disease and insect problems. Many | | | | not have them available at the best time to plant. |
| commercial growers leave their fields fallow during | | | | Growing your own plants from seed is a good |
| summer months. Your best chance at success is | | | | choice. |
| to follow the same planting schedule as the | | | | You can have the most fabulous garden you |
| growers who do it for a living. | | | | have ever had, with the most luscious tomatoes, |
| Next take a hard look at your soil. If it is very | | | | abundant peppers, glossy eggplants, large leafy |
| sandy, with few plant nutrients. You will need to | | | | greens and herbs and flowers blooming almost all |
| add organics to the soil (composted manure). The | | | | year. You can have those specialty crops that |
| sandy nature of the soil causes the organics | | | | you never see in the market for the most |
| dissipate, so add more as needed. A good organic | | | | delicious vegetarian meals you have ever enjoyed. |
| vegetable fertilizer will also be very helpful. | | | | |