I tried to chime in on the last post in response to Matthew's comment about growing things in the summer, but for some reason the comment section wouldn't allow it. Maybe I am too far away?
I feel very far away - in a totally different season really. Paris summers are much more like our springs, and I am very happy about that. I have learned to think of North Florida summers like folks think about winter in the north - a time to let the garden rest. Even things that can survive the heat - eggplant, seminole pumpkins, some pole beans, peppers, cherry tomatoes, okra, and peanuts, for example - are better off planted in May, not June.
It's best to use the summer for spreading manure, mulching, and building your compost pile. In addition, I would highly recommend perusing the seed catalogs, prefarably while floating down the Ichetuknee river or in one of our many beautiful springs. Even better if you can also manage to balance a little bowl of muscadines or boiled peanuts on that tube.
You can begin to start plants from seeds again in late August. This planting guide from the the University of Florida exension office is a great help and inspiration for next season's garden. Scroll down to Table 4 for times to plant.
Enjoy this season of harvest and rest!
I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don't know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.
Margaret
http://howtomakecompost.info
Posted by: Margaret | July 20, 2009 at 07:10 AM