April in zone 10A is a slice of paradise! The temperatures aren’t scorching yet, and the humidity remains pleasantly low. It’s the perfect time to get out in the yard and enjoy However, there are hints of what’s to come – those days when you can feel the humidity creeping in, reminding us that soon it’ll be too hot and humid for certain crops.
For instance, the vegetable garden I planted up north won’t thrive here now. Corn, lettuce, tomatoes, cantaloupes, and watermelon – with a few exceptions – won’t make it to harvest if planted at this time. My lettuce, for example, is already bolting.
But what does that mean? Well, like many plants, lettuce goes through different growth stages. After sprouting, it enters the vegetative stage, where it focuses on leaf growth. Once fully formed, we enjoy its plump leaves in salads. Then comes the generative stage – or bolting – where it shoots upwards and starts producing flowers for reproduction.
Various factors trigger this transition. Some lettuce varieties bolt depending on how many hours of daylight, while others respond to specific temperatures. While bolted lettuce is technically still edible, it becomes tougher and bitter, as the plant produces bitter substances to deter predators.
Despite bolting, you can salvage your lettuce by leaving it in the ground to harvest the seeds. Just be sure to select seeds from the best-looking heads for optimal future crops.
Edibles
Okra
Even as the weather heats up and the humidity increases, it doesn’t signal the end of planting season. In fact, there’s a variety of edible crops perfectly suited for these conditions. Okra often tops the list, praised for its resilience in hot climates.
While I personally find its sliminess off-putting, my husband enjoys it. Therefore, I’ve begun collecting recipes that mitigate its slimy texture, hoping it becomes a welcomed addition to our meals. With my Jing Orange Okra seeds on standby, I’m ready to plant and experiment with this versatile vegetable.
Eggplant
Eggplant thrives in the Florida climate, and one of my personal favorites is the Ichiban variety. This Japanese eggplant checks off all the boxes for a successful garden addition! Its sleek, 10-inch-long, deep purple fruits boast a sweet and mild flavor profile, perfect for grilling or roasting. Imagine enjoying this beautiful plant when you harvest just before preparing dinner. Other eggplant varieties like Rosita, White Beauty, and Ping Tung also flourish in zone 10A. Eggplants in this zone can be prolific producers, with the same plant bearing fruits for several years.
Luffa
Next on our planting list is the versatile luffa. This unique summer squash serves a dual purpose as both a delicious edible and a practical sponge. The sprawling vines produce fruits that are tender and edible when young, perfect for enjoying raw or cooked. As they mature, the fruits grow large and fibrous, ideal for peeling, drying, and deseeding to create biodegradable sponges for personal care or cleaning tasks. Alongside luffa, other squash varieties suitable for planting now in zone 10A include calabaza, Seminole pumpkin, and chayote.
Sweet Potatoes
Our Florida summers are a paradise for sweet potatoes! Their vines are eager to sprawl and will effortlessly take over a backyard in no time. To contain their exuberance, I’ve opted for a couple of grow bags, employing the same technique I use for regular potatoes. By doing so, I anticipate a bountiful harvest of these nutritious and delicious tubers, all while keeping their growth manageable and organized. With their hearty nature and abundant yields, sweet potatoes are a must-have for any summer garden in zone 10A.
Leafy Greens
While my lettuce may be bolting, there’s no shortage of leafy greens thriving in our Florida climate. Amaranth, in particular, flourishes here, offering a nutritious addition to our garden. Additionally, tropical spinaches like Malabar spinach and Okinawa spinach are well-suited to our conditions, providing a refreshing alternative to traditional greens. Not to be overlooked are collard greens, with varieties such as Green Glaze, Georgia, and Champion excelling in our zone 10A gardens. These resilient greens promise to bring abundance and flavor to our plates, ensuring a continuous harvest of fresh, nutrient-packed foliage throughout the season.
Beans and Peas
Indeed, our summer garden isn’t complete without the addition of beans and peas, albeit of a different kind than the tender green beans or peas. Many of the beans we cultivate here are what we refer to as drying beans, such as Southern peas, cowpeas, and Puerto Rican black beans. These legumes offer not only a potential harvest of nutritious beans but also serve as excellent cover crops. Even if you don’t intend to consume them, their ability to fix nitrogen in the soil enhances its fertility, priming it for the success of future crops.
Tomatoes
When it comes to tomatoes, the quintessential summer crop, certain varieties thrive in our Florida climate while others struggle. Beefsteak tomatoes, unfortunately, don’t fare well during our hot summers. However, we have some resilient alternatives. Cherry tomatoes generally do okay, and among them, Everglades tomatoes stand out for their remarkable productivity. These small-fruited gems not only withstand the heat but also offer an abundant harvest. For those seeking a more traditional tomato experience, Heat Wave and Floradade varieties are reliable choices. With their ability to withstand the summer heat, these tomatoes ensure a steady supply of juicy and flavorful fruits for our kitchen tables in zone 10A.
Roselle
Among the unique edibles that thrive in the summer heat of zone 10A, one standout is roselle. This plant, a relative of hibiscus and okra, has a rich history as a popular edible. Although not native to Florida, it was a staple in many Florida Cracker homesteads.
Roselle, scientifically known as Hibiscus sabdariffa, goes by various names such as Florida cranberry, red sorrel, or Jamaica sorrel. Originating from Central and West Africa, it has spread across the globe. The edible part of the plant is the calyces of the roselle flower, which can be used to create a range of delicious treats including jams, sauces, and teas.
Unique Edibles
There are several other unique edibles worth considering for your garden in zone 10A. One interesting choice is the python snake bean, known for its long, slender pods and rich flavor. Egyptian spinach, with its tender leaves and mild taste, is another excellent addition to any garden. Lastly, the rat tail radish, prized for its edible pods rather than its roots, adds a unique twist to salads and stir-fries. These lesser-known edibles offer a chance to diversify your harvest and explore new flavors in your summer garden.
Annuals
For transplanted northerners adjusting to gardening in our sunny and hot climate, planting annuals can indeed present some challenges. Many familiar favorites from temperate regions, such as petunias, snapdragons, and nasturtiums, struggle to survive our intense sun and heat. However, there are several annuals that thrive in our conditions and can bring vibrant color to our gardens.
Among these resilient options are balsam, globe amaranth, melampodium, and torenia. These annuals have adapted well to our climate and offer beautiful blooms to enhance our outdoor spaces. Balsam, with its colorful and showy flowers, adds a cheerful touch to any garden bed. Globe amaranth, with its unique globe-shaped blooms, provides long-lasting color and texture. Melampodium, known for its bright yellow flowers, brings a burst of sunshine to garden borders and containers. Torenia, with its charming and delicate blossoms, thrives in shady areas and offers a cool contrast to our hot summer days.
Now is the perfect time to plant sunflowers from seed. With an abundance of varieties to choose from, these cheerful blooms add a vibrant presence to any garden. Sunflowers come in an array of colors, sizes, and shapes, making them a versatile and delightful addition to your outdoor space. Whether you prefer the classic golden hues or want to explore more unique options like multi-colored or dwarf varieties, there’s a sunflower to suit every taste and garden style.
April Showers?
While the saying goes, “April showers bring May flowers,” it’s important to note that April is often one of the driest months of the year in our region. As such, it’s crucial to keep a vigilant eye on your plants and provide water as needed. With the potential for dry spells and heat increasing, plants may require more frequent watering to thrive. Be proactive in monitoring soil moisture levels and watering your garden beds, containers, and newly planted seedlings accordingly. By staying attentive to your plants’ needs, you can ensure they remain healthy and vibrant throughout the month, despite the lack of traditional April showers.
Garden Pests and Fertilizers
As you tend to your garden in April, remember to keep an eye out for pests and diseases, which can become more prevalent as the weather warms up. Implementing preventive measures, such as proper plant spacing, mulching, and regular inspection, can help mitigate these issues. Additionally, consider incorporating organic pest control methods, such as companion planting and introducing beneficial insects, to maintain a healthy balance in your garden ecosystem.
Furthermore, April is an excellent time to fertilize your plants to promote healthy growth and blooming. Choose a balanced fertilizer and apply it according to the specific needs of your plants. Remember to follow instructions on the fertilizer packaging to avoid over-fertilization, which can harm your plants.
Garden Festivals
In April, garden enthusiasts have exciting opportunities beyond their own backyard. One notable event is the USF Botanical Gardens Spring Plant Festival, happening on April 13 and 14 at the University of South Florida campus in Tampa. This festival is renowned as one of the premier plant shows in the area, featuring plant vendors, commercial growers, and local clubs from across the state. Not only can visitors purchase a variety of plants, but they can also glean valuable gardening advice from knowledgeable growers.
Another highlight is the Green Thumb Festival, taking place on April 27 and 28 at Walter Fuller Park in St. Petersburg. This annual Arbor Day Celebration draws plant and flower lovers, along with families seeking a weekend filled with fun activities. With over 120 garden, plant, and flower vendors and exhibitors, the festival creates a vibrant community atmosphere where attendees can explore, learn, and enjoy the beauty of nature. These events offer wonderful opportunities to connect with fellow gardening enthusiasts, discover new plants, and gather inspiration for your own garden endeavors.
What plant shows are being held in your area? It’s a great way to explore a wide variety of plants not typically found in big-box stores, and you may even discover the perfect new addition for your yard.
Finally, take advantage of the pleasant weather in April to spend time outdoors and enjoy the beauty of your garden. Whether you’re planting new additions, harvesting fresh produce, or simply admiring the blooms, cherish these moments amidst nature’s splendor. Happy gardening!