In an unusual climate, how important is the seed variety?

[jenfl]

I live in Central Florida, and am looking to start a small vegetable garden this fall.

I have a book which lists good varieties for Florida gardens, but am having a hard time locating a source for those specific varieties.

I'm curious how important it is to get varieties that are particularly good for Florida in a small, household garden. Or can I just buy whatever I can find at Lowes or looks good in a seed catalog and it'll do well enough?

Thanks!

[FarmerCathy]

Maybe we can help find the varieties your looking for. Can you list the ones you'd like to put in your garden?

[Arduinna]

local nurseries tend to stock things that will grow well in your area, although they also sell some things that can only be grown under cover or inside. But if you are talking basic food plants you should be fine, when buying plants.

[jenfl]

I'm just looking to start simple, with things DD likes to eat -- carrots, broccoli, peas, that sort of thing. Where's a good place to shop online for seeds? A place like Burpee?

[FarmerCathy]

What are the specific varieties for each plant they list for FL? At the top of this forum under resources are some good seed companies. You might find one that is actually in Florida or the south.

[FarmerCathy]

Here we go. I found a Florida planting guide and it has lists of varieties and when the best time to plant in FL.

http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/vh021

Scroll close to the bottom to find both tables on planting and the best varieties for FL.

[FarmerCathy]

Let us know if you need help finding specific varieties on this list.

[greenmulberry]

I really don't worry too much about getting a specific variety, it is nice if you can find it, but you will drive yourself crazy looking sometimes.

[jenfl]

Thanks for finding that list, FarmerCathy! That's pretty much the one in my book, I just wasn't looking forward to typing it out.

So I've looked for a number of those in Burpee, to no avail. I'll check out some of the seed companies in the sticky, thanks!

[jenfl]

Found a company with the seed varieties I was looking for and that even marked seeds as endorsed by the Florida extension for use in home gardens!

Sustainable Seed Company

Thanks for all your help! Now.... to hope I can grow them!

[FarmerCathy]

Originally Posted by jenfl

Found a company with the seed varieties I was looking for and that even marked seeds as endorsed by the Florida extension for use in home gardens!

Sustainable Seed Company

Thanks for all your help! Now.... to hope I can grow them!

Yay! I'm sure you'll do just fine.