by Dr. William Lester, UF/IFAS Extension Hernando County
It’s still a little cold in the morning, but before you know it spring will be here, and that means the beginning of the best time of year to grow those fresh veggies here in Hernando County.
There are many reasons why more and more people are interested in growing their own vegetables. Research shows that many people are concerned about pesticide residues, food safety and nutrition. Growing your own food allows you to control what pest and disease controls are used, and you know exactly where your food has been. Freshly picked and prepared vegetables have a higher nutrient content, and anyone who has tried a fresh from the garden carrot or tomato knows that the taste is nothing like grocery store produce. And any type of gardening is great exercise and a good opportunity to get outside and enjoy the beautiful weather (when it gets here!).
Now is the time when you want to prepare your garden for the spring gardening season. Vegetables require a well-drained soil and full sun location. If your soil is sandy (like most of our yards are), or a heavier clay soil, adding organic matter in the form of compost is the key. Planting early is very important to get a jump start on the insects and diseases that will be here before you know it.
Beginning at some point in March tomato, pepper and eggplant transplants can be placed in the garden. If you want to grow these crops from seed you need to start them now in small pots or containers, place them outside to grow on warm days and bring them inside on cold nights. Exactly when you decide to place them in the garden depends on how daring you are and how able you are to protect those transplants if we get another frost or freeze. Early spring is also a good time to plant beans directly in the garden. Cucumbers, corn, and summer squash can also be planted at the same time, but remember that these crops do not like cold weather at all. They can be grown again in the fall, but are generally easier to grow in the spring.
For more information about how to prepare your garden for spring, stop by or call Hernando County UF/IFAS Extension weekdays from 8 to 5. Our office is in the airport industrial park at 16110 Aviation Loop Drive, Brooksville, 34604; (352) 754-4433. In addition, master gardeners are available to assist you at the master gardener nursery from 9AM to noon every Wednesday and the first Saturday of every month. Our nursery is located behind the Hernando County fairgrounds at 19490 Oliver Street, Brooksville. We offer free classes at local libraries on vegetable gardening and a variety of other garden topics- just follow us on Facebook to get our latest updates!