Spring is by far the best time to be on a farm. Everything is alive! Flowers open right in front of your eyes, creaking bamboo grows right in front of you, mulberries ripen as you walk by them.
The ducks flutter more than normal this year on and above the pond. The green is greener and the flowers smell so good you can taste them. Whippoorwills are up early, and the bees are on coffee.
So, what makes Spring so vibrant? Life explodes everywhere. You can see it between trees, between vegetables, between grains of sand even, if you have a microscope that is. Growth happens all around us whether we stop and smell the roses or not.
We are innocent bystanders of this parade of life, unless those of us who have allergies. It is like eating sunshine with every fabric of yourself.
When people ask what they should grow? I answer, what do you like to eat? Unless you’re like me and you grow just to grow, let’s start with what you enjoy consuming. There are however some restrictions, even in a state that you can grow year-round. Let’s begin with generalities.
There are two growing seasons in Central Florida – 1. Fall-Winter, and 2. Spring-Summer. The cooler months bring underground vegetables, lettuces, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage and of course that one fruit/vegetable most asked about – tomatoes.
The warmer months bring melons, cucumbers, peanuts, peas, beans, peppers, okra, and loofah. Yes, loofah is a plant not a sponge and can be eaten or used to clean dishes or bathe your body.
All plants need five things to stay green – 1. the air you breath; 2. water, rain works; 3. plant food, organic kitchen scraps will suffice; 4. sunlight; and 5. patience from us. Mind you, plants have their own timelines.
Where can you get Spring plants and seeds? Well, I’m glad you asked. There are free garden classes in South Lake. All you need is time. Check out Florida Blue Clermont. Their monthly garden class includes complimentary plants, trees and seeds. There is also The Neighborhood Center of South Lake complete with a raised bed garden to harvest and share.
If you are into farm tours, there is Here on The Farm Tour which includes tasting whatever is in season, free fruit trees to take home with you and a whole lot of information on creating your own orchard, vineyard, vegetable garden, sugarcane row, and pineapple patch not to mention at least five Dad jokes along the tour.
Spring is happening whether you are aware of it or not. This explosion of life is out there, and nature wants you to participate. Join her. You will only be disappointed when it gets too hot and wished you had done it.
Farmer Banks Helfrich teaches gardening on his seven-acre experimental farm in north Clermont. Farm tours are every 2nd Sunday. Call Farmer Banks for more information. (407)616-9720
Banks Helfrich
Candidate for Florida House,
District 25
As a native Floridian, I love this state. As a resident of South Lake County, I love farming and teaching sustainability to this community. As a Candidate for State House, I love finding solutions to the issues of our time.