There's been a positive trend toward local agriculture lately as people are seeing the benefits provided to the environment, the community and our health by searching close to home for their produce.   Growing vegetables in your own garden is as local as it gets!  There are plenty of delicious vegetables that are easily grown in the climate and soil here in NW Florida, with a small amount of TLC and knowledge.  Here is our printable brochure with some basic timing and maintenance tips to get you started. 

Here in Northwest Florida, we experience drought and flood, high heat and humidity as well as hard freezes and the occasional hurricane.  Our native plants are not only beautiful, but can also tolerate our diverse and sometimes harsh growing conditions, and less than fertile native soils.  Because they are so well-adapted, native plants require less water and less fertilization.  These plants are usually healthier than exotics, so they are less subject to pest and disease problems as well.  Native plants also attract a variety of birds, butterflies and other beneficial wildlife to your yard.  But using native plants in your landscape, you save time and money and also caouse less harm to our environment.  Please select this link for a detailed list of our best performing native trees, shrubs and perennials. 

Here are some of our other brochures related to local gardening:

Herb Gardening - Including two different herb garden plans for the Gulf Coast
Container Gardening - Tips for the perfect combination of plants to add pizazz to your porch
Gardening with Children - Full of ideas for projects that will interest even the youngest sprouts!
Waterwise Gardening - There's no need to slave at soaking your soil when you use the right techniques and plants.  
Attracting Birds to Your Garden - Extend an invitation to our avian friends with the right landscape.