Have you started your sprouts?

I have started my tomato seeds on the patio, because I’m bound and determined to beat Old Man Winter this year. You see, in Florida, we can grow fruits and vegetables all year long, but not just any fruit or vegetable–we grow according to temperature. Now your first thought might be, “Easy. It’s always warm in Florida!”

Not so. We do receive our fair share of freezing temperatures, though not with any certainty. Ask any citrus grower and they’ll tell you. Cold weather is a tricky business when it comes to growing edibles. Take tomato season. In Florida, it runs August – December and then again March – May which gives your little darlings ample time to produce those glorious red ruby fruits, you so adore. However, be aware that you can be shocked by a blast of freezing weather in November. What?!

Yes. Usually the cold doesn’t hit us until later in December, but sometimes we get a surprise dose of frost in November. Now, I don’t know about you, but my tomatoes are at their peak about this time and a freeze is the LAST thing I need. Okay, that’s not entirely true. I enjoy the cold weather and my blueberries need the chilling hours or they won’t produce next spring. But tomatoes? Not so much.

Start Sprouts on Patio

Another reason I begin my seeds on the patio is to avoid the heat of summer. My first attempt at planting tomatoes didn’t go well, because I transferred them to the garden a bit too early and the scorch of summer proved overwhelming. Translated: they fried.  Not the first day, though, as it was overcast–casting false hope in my heart–but the second day. Despite a good dose of morning water, they still fried. Didn’t stand a chance, really.  Have you been to Florida in August?

It’s hot. Big fun, tons to do, but hot. So, this year I’m outwitting both Mother Nature with her fiery temps and Old Man Winter with his chilling effect. I’m smart that way. And you know what?

So far, so good. Sure, it’s only been a few weeks since I planted my seeds, but my tomatoes have poked their tiny green leaves from the soil, and my green peppers are right behind them. Small leaves, yes, but sprouts are small. Very small.  (Yes, that little sprig is a tomato sprout — trust me.)

And just to prove that Mother Nature isn’t the boss of me, I’ve planted lettuce, a real no-no in the Florida heat. Mine are in containers on the patio, away from the heat. Seems you can have your gourmet salad mix, and eat it, too!  I do love my salads.

So if you’re a southern gardener like me, and it’s much too hot to toil away outdoors then start your sprouts on the patio. Now, before it’s too late.

How to Start Sprouts

Make sure you’re using a lightweight potting soil, as seedlings aren’t very strong. If your soil is too compacted, your sprouts will struggle. So find a place on your patio to place them and get to work. I place my individual potting trays into one large tray to keep stray dirt and mess off the ground. The husband doesn’t complain about them this way and it’s nice to have them close at hand is a constant reminder of the success headed my way.

A good thing. I need all the positive reinforcement I can get, especially when it comes to my sprout mission. Once established, feed them fish emulsion and keep them moist–not wet, not dry, but moist. Mine also get plenty of light without the blazing direct sun. In fact, once I transplant them into the garden, I’ll cover them with screen for a few weeks to allow for a gradual hardening off as they acclimate to the outdoor sunshine.

So what are you waiting for? If you live in a warm climate like Florida and love to grow peppers, tomatoes, pumpkins and the like, get going! This is your chance to get a head start on the growing season.