“Always do your best. What you plant now, you will harvest later.”
HERB AND VEGETABLE GARDENS
When planting herbs and vegetables in zone 9A, we need to keep in mind that the best plantings will be hot weather plants. Spring is the best time to start these plantings!
Planting in this zone requires well-drained soil and will rot if they become too soggy. A good rule to follow is to water when the first 2 inches of soil feel dry. If you see wilting, the plant is too dry and needs water immediately. Most herbs will grow, so don’t overcrowd them in your garden.
Generally, these plants need 6-8 hours of sun per day to thrive.
Some popular herbs in this zone include basil, oregano, dill, parsley, rosemary, mint and thyme.
Northeast Florida is considered a year-round planting area for vegetables. This means there are a variety of vegetables throughout the year to continuously plant and harvest.
Peppers, beans, lettuce, squash, eggplant, zucchini and tomatoes are popular vegetables to plant in this zone. An adequate amount of six hours of sunlight, water, and compost or organic matter are crucial in the success of your vegetable garden.
Herb and vegetable gardens can be created into your landscaping, or in pots or boxes on patios or windowsills! Feel free to get creative, as long as all other criteria are reached.
Tending to an herb and vegetable garden often can aid in the growth of the plants, and eventually the overall taste when harvested!
Flower of the Week: Salvia
The Recorder’s garden columnist Kathy Esfahani, of Kathy’s Creative Gardens & Nursery, shares her tips for growing gorgeous gardens in Northeast Florida.
Email Kathy at kathys.creative.gardens@gmail.com for any questions or gardening tips you would like to see in the future.
Kathy’s Creative Gardens & Nursery is located at 196 N. Roscoe Blvd. in Ponte Vedra Beach. (904) 655-7373
