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WHEN TO
GROW
PUMPKINS AND GOURDS IN NORTH FLORIDA
Q. I am interested in growing gourds and pumpkins in time for Halloween. I have heard July 1st is the date to plant these seeds. UF extension's list does not provide info for gourds and wondered if you had any insight from local gardeners. The emerald coast is a micro-climate all its own! -- Chris, Fort Walton Beach, FL
A. The thought of growing pumpkins takes me back to my childhood. I was probably only about eight or nine years old when I planted my first vegetable seeds—pumpkins and cherry tomatoes. It was then that I began this journey, and my fondness for growing things to eat. In my eyes, a thriving pumpkin patch is a sight to behold.
You are so right about our micro-climate. Unfortunately, it’s not a favorable one for growing pumpkins, especially when they are planted during the summer. The disease and insect pressure is immense. Pumpkin plants, like other winter squash, grow best in north Florida when planted in March or early April. Of course, when you plant them in the spring the pumpkins mature in July, and who wants them then?
I have had some luck with Halloween pumpkins planted in June and early July, so I know you can, too. Next month I will share my experiences, and offer a few ideas for a better experience, for readers who may want to give pumpkins a try this summer.
As far as growing gourds goes, like winter squash, I believe you will have the greatest success planting and growing them now.
Q. Do you have a list of vegetables that the deer don't like to eat? I'd like to plant a few vegetables away from my house but need to plant things the deer won't gobble up. -- Julia, High Springs, FL
A. I have to believe that if there’s a list of vegetables that deer don’t like, it’s one mighty short list. Unless it is something toxic to eat, especially thorny or spiny, or is highly aromatic, deer will probably gobble it up. If the deer are real hungry, they will eat it even if it is toxic, spiny or aromatic.
Some people have success repelling deer by planting toxic plants, such as marigolds, in and around their vegetable gardens. Others have had luck with spray repellents such as Liquid Fence, Deer No No Pouches, soap-based deterrents that are put in trees and shrubs, and Deer Fortress, a nontoxic repellent in a container that is staked in the ground or put in trees and shrubs.
While you may not want to build a traditional fence to protect your veggies from being gobbled up, you may want to consider a 7-foot mesh fence. You simply attach polypropylene mesh fencing material to posts or stakes. Quick. Easy. Effective.
Look for the above mentioned products online. All are available at Gardener’s Supply Company. |
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