Moving Down to FL: Soil Condition

16 years ago

Hi guys/gals,

I have been reading a lot about the florida gardening and the many different types of tree/plants/vegetables that could be grown in the FL environment and also the un growable items as well.

A question that doesn't seem to have a lot of detail is the soil condition in FL. I know that is mostly sand cause I have visited several friends in the FL area (central).

My main questions is how much work would be required to transform a 5 acre property into a large garden/fruit tree mini farm for myself and my family.

The soil there is realtively dry and sandy i guess. Can anyone offer any solid advice to transforming the sand/dry land into rich/moderate soil for growing all types of tree/plant/vegies.

Jim

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Comments (8)

goldenpond
16 years ago
Yes soil is probably the most important factor in growing things and yes we have need to improve it. I have had good luck with mushroom and other compost as well as my own home grown worm castings and friends' cow manure!
You will need to think big.Another poster will give the address to the mushroom farm I am sure.Better start making friends with dairy farmers or some 4-Hers and start getting truckloads of the good stuff. I have only half the amount of your property and it can be overwhelming so concentrate on a small part at a time before going on to the next.You will get there Good Luck and I hope you plant something for the wildlife too!
manature
16 years ago
I agree that your success will come from amending the soil. The mushroom compost from the farms is one of the best deals around, and well worth a trip to get a truckload at a time.

I'd also suggest starting small so you won't get discouraged. Get a smaller plot underway, and then keep expanding it as time allows.

You will find things you miss from up north, but you will also find yourself harvesting vegetables in the middle of winter, and that will make up for it.

Welcome to Florida, and to this Forum, and good luck!

Marcia
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gcmastiffs
16 years ago
Welcome Jim, The advice to enrich/ammend soil for growing veggies is correct, but for fruit trees/shrubs, it is not recommended! Well-fertilized fruit trees grow pretty foliage but much less fruit. Most do fine in sandy soil, but standing water will kill just about any of them. Banana and Papaya trees are exceptions-they are heavy feeders.

First, ask yourself what kinds of fruits do you like to eat? Then look for varieties that will thrive with the chill hours you get.

In North/Central Florida you can grow Apples, Peaches, Nectarines, Plums and Pears, as well as some of the more cold-hardy tropicals.

Check out the website of Just Fruits and Exotics. They are a terrific source and will provide plants that you will be very happy with.

Lisa
cindeea
16 years ago
Hey Jim, welcome to Florida and the Florida forum!
an_ill-mannered_ache
16 years ago
jim, welcome. throw away all your books. this forum is the cat's meow.

meow.

where are you moving to?
garyfla_gw
16 years ago
Hi
Only part of florida that i've ever seen that has decent soil is the bottom land south of the lake .In my area it has to be improved to called sand.lol
Can't imagine the work involved in improving 5 acres .
One piece of advice I'd give is go SLOWLY . Get a clear idea of what's possible in your area and be VERY careful about what you plant if your land is relatively free of invasive plants keep it that way.
I have a very small lot and almost every "weed" in the yard was planted by me lol.
If it were me, I'd live on the property about 6 months
to get an idea of how much work is involved in maintenence just the way it is. If it's to be a working farm then carefully plan what will grow where and how much.
DON'T do like i did plant a hundred different things and then have to remove them . gary
gardennut1
Original Author
16 years ago
Thanks for the great advice. When I'm refering to a little farm i meant fruits/vegies for the family and friends. Not a realy farm.

The major fruit trees i would like to grow is lychee and longan which are said to do very well in sandy soil. I especially like tropical fruit, and have read that a lot actually do quite well in florida.

Oh, if anyone can offer me advice on how asian vegies grow in 9B weather that would also be great. Love the asian vegies.

Does anyone know what kind of fruit trees grow best in sandy soil or that do very well without much maintenance in 9B weather. Thanks a bunch guys/gals.

Jim
countrynest
16 years ago
Jim, Zone 9b, can vary from one end to the other. You may get more specific answers if you tell us approximately where in zone 9b is the property? My three acres is located where water melon was grown and cattle was raised. The soil is sandy but
it has allot more organic material than some other land in the area that was never use as mine.
One tree at a time. Oh, I use Christmas lights on trees and plants untill they mature.

Felix

Moving Down to FL: Soil Condition

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goldenpond

manature

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Moving Down to FL: Soil Condition

Comments (8)

goldenpond

manature

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