By Amanda Rose Newton
Thanksgiving is a time for family, gratitude, and, of course, a delicious feast! Imagine preparing a meal with ingredients harvested straight from your Florida Thanksgiving Garden.
While Florida’s unique climate requires some adjustments, growing Thanksgiving garden staples like carrots, celery, potatoes, green beans, and savory herbs is entirely possible. Here’s your guide to cultivating these ingredients just in time for the holiday.
Understanding Florida’s Growing Seasons
Florida’s subtropical climate provides year-round growing opportunities, but timing is key. Thanksgiving staples thrive best in the cooler months of fall and winter, making October and November ideal for harvesting. Central and South Florida gardeners benefit from extended planting seasons, while North Florida gardeners should aim to plant earlier in the season to avoid frost.
Staples for Your Thanksgiving Garden
1. Carrots
When to Plant: Late September to December.
Growing Tips:
- Choose short, stubby varieties like ‘Chantenay’ or ‘Nantes’ for sandy Florida soils.
- Sow seeds directly into well-drained, loose soil to prevent misshapen roots.
- Keep the soil moist during germination, which can take up to three weeks.
- Thin seedlings to allow 2-3 inches between plants for proper growth.
Harvest: Carrots are ready when their tops are about ¾ inch in diameter, typically 60-75 days after planting. Learn more about growing carrots here.
2. Celery
When to Plant: Late September through early October.
Growing Tips:
- Start with transplants for best results, as celery has a long growing season.
- Ensure consistent moisture; celery thrives in evenly moist soil.
- Apply mulch to keep roots cool and retain soil moisture.
- Fertilize regularly with a balanced fertilizer to support its heavy nutrient needs.
Harvest: Cut stalks as needed or harvest the whole plant when stalks are 8-12 inches tall.
3. Potatoes
When to Plant: Late September to October for fall planting.
Growing Tips:
- Use certified seed potatoes, cutting them into pieces with at least one “eye” per piece.
- Plant in loose, sandy soil and mound soil around plants as they grow to prevent tubers from greening.
- Potatoes need 1-2 inches of water per week, so keep soil consistently moist.
Harvest: Dig up potatoes once the foliage dies back, about 90-120 days after planting.
4. Green Beans
When to Plant: Late September through October.
Growing Tips:
- Choose bush varieties for quick harvests or pole varieties for continuous production.
- Sow seeds directly into the soil, spacing them 2-4 inches apart.
- Ensure plants get full sun and consistent moisture.
- Watch for pests like aphids and spider mites, and address issues early with organic solutions.
Harvest: Pick beans when they are young and tender, about 50-60 days after planting.
5. Savory Herbs
Thanksgiving dishes wouldn’t be complete without the flavor of fresh herbs like sage, thyme, rosemary, and parsley.
When to Plant: Anytime in the fall.
Growing Tips:
- Plant herbs in well-drained soil or containers for flexibility.
- Keep them in a sunny location, as most herbs require 6-8 hours of sunlight daily.
- Snip leaves regularly to encourage growth and prevent the plants from flowering.
Harvest: Harvest herbs as needed by cutting just above a leaf node to stimulate regrowth.
General Gardening Tips for your Florida Thanksgiving garden
Soil Preparation: Enrich your soil with compost or organic matter to improve nutrient content and water retention, especially in Florida’s sandy soils.
Pest Management: Use natural deterrents like neem oil or insecticidal soap for pests. Planting marigolds can also help repel common garden pests.
Frost Protection: While it doesn’t happen every Fall, gardeners in the northern part of Brevard County should prepare to cover crops with frost cloth if temperatures dip unexpectedly.
Succession Planting: For continuous harvests, stagger planting dates by a couple of weeks for green beans and herbs.
Why Grow Your Thanksgiving Feast?
Not only does growing your own Thanksgiving ingredients ensure fresh, flavorful dishes, but it also deepens your connection to the meal and the season. Gardening is a wonderful way to reflect on gratitude, nurture the earth, and bring loved ones together.
A Sample Thanksgiving Garden Menu
Appetizer: Herb-infused butter with fresh-baked rolls, featuring garden-grown rosemary and parsley.
Main Dish: Roasted turkey seasoned with your homegrown sage, thyme, and celery.
Sides: Honey-glazed carrots, garlic mashed potatoes, and green bean almondine, all made from your Florida garden’s bounty.
This Thanksgiving, savor the satisfaction of preparing a meal rooted in your garden’s hard work. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a novice, growing your Thanksgiving feast in Florida is a fulfilling and delicious way to celebrate the holiday. Happy gardening and happy Thanksgiving!
