Growing Your Own Food the Florida-Friendly Way

Workshop Overview

Description:
Florida’s climate presents both opportunities and challenges for growing food at home. This workshop will guide participants through the essentials of soil preparation, raised bed gardening, companion planting, and other best practices to create a productive and sustainable edible garden. Whether you're a beginner or looking to improve your food-growing skills, this class will help you grow fruits, vegetables, and herbs the Florida-Friendly way! 🌱🍅

By the end of this workshop, participants will:
✅ Understand how to prepare and improve Florida’s sandy soils for food production
✅ Learn the benefits and construction techniques for raised bed gardening
✅ Discover companion planting strategies to naturally deter pests and boost plant health
✅ Explore efficient watering and fertilization methods for a successful harvest
✅ Gain practical insights into seasonal planting schedules for Florida’s climate

🌱 Soil Health & Preparation – Amending Florida’s sandy soil, composting, and soil testing
🛠️ Raised Bed Gardening – Benefits, materials, and construction tips
🌿 Companion Planting & Natural Pest Control – Best plant pairings and organic solutions
💧 Watering & Fertilization Best Practices – Drip irrigation, mulch use, and slow-release fertilizers
📅 Florida’s Growing Seasons – What to plant and when for year-round harvests

Participants will:
🔹 Learn how to build and fill a raised bed garden for maximum productivity
🔹 Plan a companion planting layout to optimize space and plant health
🔹 Take home portable garden planter box

🏡 Homeowners & renters interested in growing food in limited space
👩‍🌾 Beginner gardeners looking for Florida-specific advice
🌍 Sustainability advocates wanting to grow food with fewer resources

This workshop will provide the knowledge and confidence to grow your own food successfully in Florida’s unique environment. Join us and take the first step toward a more sustainable, homegrown harvest! 🍓🥕🌱

Host or Publisher UF/IFAS Extension Indian River County