June is here, and so is the heat and humidity in USDA zone 10A!
This month, In Between We Garden will post new updates on gardening in our unique climate every Monday. As well, there will be a new gardening post added every Wednesday covering other gardening topics.
This Monday I am sharing my top 5 picks for your June vegetable garden.
Staying Safe While Gardening in Florida’s Summer Heat
Before I share my top five picks for your edible Florida garden, let’s talk seriously about our Florida summers.
Heat-related illness (HRI) can happen any time of year in Florida. Gardeners and outdoor enthusiasts are most at risk when the heat index is high.
What is the Heat Index?
The heat index is what the temperature feels like when combined with relative humidity. It becomes dangerous when it reaches 90 degrees or higher. Remember, the heat index is measured in the shade; direct sunlight can increase it by up to 15%. You can find the heat index on weather apps and channels.
Here are some examples of how heat index is measured:
- An 85-degree temperature with 60% humidity results in a heat index of 90 degrees.
- An 84-degree temperature with 70% humidity results in a heat index of 90 degrees.
- A 90-degree temperature with 40% humidity results in a heat index of 90 degrees.
Understanding the heat index helps us make better decisions about when to garden. Our bodies regulate internal temperatures by sweating, which cools us off when it evaporates. However, high humidity prevents sweat from evaporating, trapping heat inside our bodies and increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
Preventing Heat-Related Illnesses
To prevent heat-related illnesses, check the heat index before gardening and choose to garden in the morning or evening.
Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing, sunblock, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses to protect against UVA and UVB rays. Florida has the highest number of skin cancer cases in the U.S. – don’t become a statistic!
Drink at least 8 to 12 ounces of water, juice, or electrolyte drink before going outside, and continue drinking at least that much every hour, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Take frequent breaks in the shade – at least every 15 to 20 minutes.
Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke Symptoms
Recognize the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke so you can act quickly.
Heat exhaustion symptoms include feeling faint or dizzy, excessive sweating, cool or clammy skin, nausea or vomiting, and a rapid, weak pulse. If you experience these, move to a cool, shady spot, drink cool fluids, remove some clothing, and cool your body with wet towels. If symptoms don’t improve, seek medical attention.
Heat stroke symptoms include confusion, headache, red or hot dry skin, nausea or vomiting, body temperature above 103 degrees, rapid pulse, and loss of consciousness. Heat stroke is a medical emergency, so call 911 immediately.
With the right information and precautions, gardening in Florida can be a healthy, therapeutic, and rewarding hobby!
Garden Clean-Up
Despite what the calendar says, summer has already arrived. One of the first tasks for gardeners in June is to clean up any vegetables that are done for the season. This includes some tomato plants, although Everglades tomatoes should still be thriving.
For those of us who are used to northern climates, many of our “typical” vegetables can no longer be grown here.
Florida’s subtropical climate in zone 10A is challenging for many veggies because of the intense heat and humidity, not to mention the virtually daily torrential rain storms. June 1, after all, does mark the start of hurricane season.
My Top 5 Edibles
You can grow many types of edibles in your Florida garden, you just have to find the perfect time to do so.
While the list of vegetables to plant in June might be short, there are still several good options. Let’s go through them now.
Okra
Okra is a warm-weather crop that’s gaining popularity for its edible vegetables and beautiful flowers. It’s rich in vitamin A and low in calories, making it a great addition to your diet. Okra flowers resemble hibiscus flowers because okra belongs to the hibiscus family.
The variety I am growing is Jing Orange Okra.
Planting Okra
Okra thrives in full sun and hot weather, preferring evening temperatures of 60°F or warmer. It grows best in fertile, well-drained soil with a neutral pH of 6.5 to 7.0. Before planting, enrich the soil with aged manure or compost.
Sow okra seeds directly into the garden. The seeds have a hard shell, so soak them in warm water for a few hours before planting to speed up germination. Plant the seeds 1/2 to 1 inch deep and space them 12 to 18 inches apart. If planting transplants, space them 1 to 2 feet apart. Okra plants are tall, so space rows 3 to 4 feet apart.
Growing Okra
When the plants are young, eliminate weeds and apply 4 to 8 inches of mulch to prevent more weeds. Side-dress the plants with 10-10-10 fertilizer, aged manure, or rich compost at a rate of 1/2 pound per 25 feet of row. Alternatively, use a balanced liquid fertilizer monthly, but avoid excessive nitrogen as it deters flowering and encourages leafy growth. When seedlings are about 3 inches tall, thin them to be 18 to 24 inches apart.
Keep the plants well-watered throughout the summer, aiming for one inch of water per week. Prune the tops of okra plants when they reach 5 to 6 feet tall to encourage more side branches, and prune those as needed. In warm regions, cut plants to about 2 feet when productivity slows in summer; they will regrow and produce another crop.
Harvesting Okra
When harvesting okra, wear gloves and a long-sleeved shirt if your variety has spines. Harvest every day as okra pods grow quickly and ripen within a day. The best pods are 2 to 4 inches long, which are the softest and most digestible. Cut the stem just above the cap with a knife. If the stem is too hard to cut, the pod is likely too old and should be discarded.
Harvest often to encourage more flowers and fruit. If the plants become too tall to harvest, cut them back to 12 to 18 inches above the ground in July or August for a second crop.
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are a nutritious, sweet-tasting root vegetable that can produce a generous harvest with just a few plants.
Belonging to the Morning Glory family, sweet potatoes have foliage and flowers that resemble morning glories. They are not related to standard potatoes, which are in the nightshade family.
The edible portion of the sweet potato is a tuberous root, not a true tuber like standard potatoes – although it is safe to eat the leaves as well. Known for their deep-orange flesh and coppery skin, sweet potatoes are commonly served mashed, roasted, or as a pie filling.
This tropical crop requires at least four months of warm weather and warm soil but is drought- and heat-tolerant with few pests or diseases. Short-season varieties allow for successful cultivation even in northern climates.
Planting Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are grown from slips, which are sprouts from existing sweet potatoes. These slips can be purchased from garden centers, nurseries, local farmers, or mail-order companies.
To plant, create raised mounds 6 to 8 inches tall and about 12 inches wide, spaced 3 feet apart. Plant on a warm, overcast day. Break off lower leaves and set slips deep enough to cover roots and stem up to the leaves.
Water with high-phosphorus liquid fertilizer and water generously for 7 to 10 days to ensure good rooting.
Growing Sweet Potatoes
To ensure healthy growth, side-dress plants 3 to 4 weeks after transplanting with 5-10-10 fertilizer. Weed regularly, starting two weeks after planting. Water the plants regularly, unless you receive adequate rainfall.
Do not prune the vines; they should be vigorous. Reduce watering late in the season to avoid cracking.
Harvesting Sweet Potatoes
Harvest sweet potatoes when the leaves and vine ends turn yellow or about 100 days from planting. Loosen the soil around each plant, cut away the vines, pull up the primary crown, and dig the roots by hand.
Handle the roots carefully to avoid bruising.
To cure and store sweet potatoes, store the roots at 80°F and high humidity (90%) for 10 to 14 days.
The best way to store your sweet potatoes is in a cool, dry, and dark area, like your pantry or the back corner on your kitchen countertop. Keep them in a bowl or basket so that they’re self-contained, and always thoroughly wash and scrub their skin before you cook them.
Roselle
Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa), also known as Florida cranberry, red sorrel, or Jamaica sorrel, is a versatile plant native to Central and West Africa.
It produces attractive foliage and flowers, reaching about 7 feet in height. The most commonly used part of the plant is the calyx, found at the bottom of each flower, which is used to make a variety of jams, sauces, and teas. The calyces have a tart taste similar to cranberries.
Roselle leaves can also be used as a cooked green or added raw to salads. The flowers, which appear in October, are typically yellow with a dark center and about 3 inches wide.
Roselle is known for its medicinal uses and is a rich addition to many foods. In the Caribbean, Roselle is used to make a festive Christmas drink.
The variety I am growing is Roselle Thai Red.
Planting Roselle
Roselle is typically started from seed or cuttings and planted outdoors in April or May. To plant, choose a sunny location with well-drained soil. Early pruning will increase branching and the development of more flowering shoots.
Sow seeds directly into the garden. Space plants about 3 feet apart to allow for their mature size.
Growing Roselle
Roselle grows best in well-drained soil and requires plenty of sunlight. It appreciates regular watering, especially when rainfall is inadequate.
Fertilize the plants with a balanced fertilizer to encourage growth.
Roselle blooms as the days shorten, typically 4-5 months after planting, with harvest ready in October or November. It is hardy in zones 9-10 and should be harvested before temperatures drop below 40°F, as it is damaged by frost or freezes.
Harvesting Roselle
Harvest Roselle calyces when they are tender and plump, before they turn brown. This usually occurs in October or November.
The calyces can stay fresh for about a week after picking. To harvest, simply snap off the calyces by hand.
One plant can yield up to 12 pounds of fruit with proper care. The harvested calyces can be used to make jams, sauces, and teas, or to prepare the festive Christmas drink popular in the Caribbean.
The seeds are high in protein and can be roasted and brewed like coffee or ground and added to soups and salads. Store the calyces frozen or dried for later use.
Spinach Amaranth
Spinach amaranth (Amaranthus tricolor L.), also known as Joseph’s coat, garden amaranth, and Chinese spinach, is a nutritious vegetable belonging to the Amaranthaceae family. This plant is known for its vibrant, never-fading flowers, and includes 60-80 species categorized into vegetable, grain, ornamental, and weed types.
Amaranth is cultivated widely across China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Pakistan, parts of the Pacific islands, tropical Africa, and South America. Although new to Florida, spinach amaranth shows potential for commercial production due to its heat tolerance and suitability for the region’s mild climate.
The variety I am growing is Chinese multicolor spinach amaranth.
Planting Spinach Amaranth
Spinach amaranth is propagated from tiny, brown-black seeds about 0.04 inches in diameter. To plant, sow the seeds one-eighth to one-quarter inch deep in rows spaced 12 to 18 inches apart.
In a garden setting, space the seeds 1 inch apart and thin them to 6 inches as they grow. For raised beds, construct the bed 35 inches wide, raising it 8 inches during the dry season and 20 in
Growing Spinach Amaranth
Spinach amaranth is a warm-season annual that thrives in temperatures between 70°F to 85°F but can tolerate a range from 50°F to 110°F. It prefers full sun but can handle partial shade in high temperatures.
Growing up to 5 feet tall and 2 feet wide, it may need staking or support.
While amaranth has moderate drought tolerance, severe water deficiency can lead to early flowering and reduced yield. Regular and even irrigation is crucial, especially during early growth stages, with drip or micro-sprinkler irrigation recommended for small growers.
Amaranth grows well in a variety of soils, preferring well-drained and fertile soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.0.
Harvesting Spinach Amaranth
Spinach amaranth is ready for harvest about 30 days after planting.
For a one-time harvest, pull the plants from the soil. For successive harvests, use repeat cutting, removing partial leaves for the first harvest to allow regrowth and harvesting again after two weeks.
Once the plant flowers, the leaves become fewer and unsuitable for harvest.
Post harvest management includes cooling the plant at 40°F to 55°F with 75% relative humidity to prevent rapid wilting. Properly harvested and stored spinach amaranth retains its nutritional value, making it a beneficial addition to various dishes.
Peanuts
Peanuts, also known as groundnuts or goobers, have a rich history, originating in South America where archaeological finds date back 3,500 years. The Incans in Peru used peanuts in religious ceremonies.
Spanish conquistadors brought peanuts to Europe, and they were spread to Asia and Africa by traders and explorers. African slaves introduced peanuts to North America in the 18th century.
Initially grown commercially in Virginia in the early 19th century, peanuts were used mainly for oil, food, and as a cocoa substitute. The demand for peanuts increased during the Civil War and world wars due to their affordability and high protein content.
Peanuts also became popular as a snack food, sold at PT Barnum’s circuses and by street vendors. Dr. George Washington Carver, a significant figure in the history of peanuts, conducted extensive research on alternative crops, including peanuts, which improved nutrition for farm families.
Today, peanuts are the 12th most valuable cash crop in the United States.
The variety I am growing is Tennessee Red Valencia.
Planting Peanuts
Peanut plants (Arachis hypogaea L.) are low-growing, self-pollinating annuals. Although they are legumes like peas and beans, their nuts mature underground.
Use raw peanuts as seeds, leaving them in their shells for the fastest germination. Plant them 4 to 6 inches apart and 2 to 4 inches deep in rows spaced 24 to 36 inches apart.
Prepare garden soil as you would for any other vegetable. Peanuts, like other legumes, can fix nitrogen in their root nodules with the help of nitrogen-fixing bacteria.
Growing Peanuts
Peanuts reproduce through a process called geocarpy, where the plant flowers aboveground, but the fruit forms and matures underground. Small yellow flowers appear on short stems and, once they fade, a self-pollinated peanut ovary forms, known as a “peg.”
The peg grows downward and enters the soil, where the peanuts begin to form. Peanut plants will continue to grow and flower, but all peanuts should be ready to harvest at the same time because the first pegs mature more slowly than those formed later.
Peanuts require regular watering and a warm climate to thrive. They are drought-resistant but grow best with consistent moisture, especially during the flowering and pegging stages. Ensure the soil remains well-drained to prevent diseases.
Harvesting Peanuts
Peanuts are ready to harvest within three months of planting. Lift the plants out of the soil with a pitchfork.
For dry peanuts, pile the plants into fluffy, well-aerated stacks and let them cure for 5 to 10 days in warm, dry weather. Pick off the peanuts, wash them, and roast them for a tasty snack.
Runner peanuts mature in about 135 to 155 days after planting, while Valencia peanuts for boiling may mature in as little as 75 days, depending on planting time.
To check for maturity, open a few pods before harvesting and look for seeds turning darker.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, June may bring intense heat and humidity to USDA zone 10A, but with careful planning and the right selection of crops, your garden can still thrive.
By choosing heat-tolerant plants like okra, sweet potatoes, roselle, spinach amaranth, and peanuts, and following proper planting, growing, and harvesting techniques, you can enjoy a productive and rewarding gardening season.
Remember to prioritize your safety by staying hydrated, taking breaks, and monitoring the heat index.
Happy gardening!