Florida update

Hi, everyone!

Thought I'd jump in and give a brief account of what's happening down here in 
my patch in FL.

Been having a terrible time with mosaic virus this year. Had to pull two 
lovely plants because of it. 

Interestingly, the Eaton 780 plant seemed to be resistant to the viruses, and 
has my largest fruit on the vine at 180 pounds. This plant is the only one 
remaining in my designated patch.

I have two other plants growing across my front lawn. This was a project of 
sorts which has turned out quite nicely. I allow the plants to vine across 
the lawn, then bury the vines as they grow. My Brock 561 plant has an 80 
pound fruit on the vine. The other plant is a Rockwell 879, which also set a 
fruit Monday, and is huge already. Rocky, your new baby looks like a squash 
so far. Nice, long stem and medium green color. The Brock 561 pollinated it.

Since I planted in February, I have harvested all of my radishes, beets and 
am now down to the scallions. The only things left in the garden are tall 
sunflowers. My tallest is about 9.5 ft, last measure. Leaves look like giant 
elephant ears.

I am hoping that the weather holds out and that the misting and 
micro-management of my AG plants allows me to keep fruit on the vine longer 
this year. To any who know what our summer weather is like, you understand 
the perils of 100% humidity, drought, afternoon temps near 100 degrees F and 
overnight low temps in the high 80's. Factor in the bug problems (we don't 
freeze, so bugs and other vermin thrive) and disease transmission, and you've 
got a pretty good idea of what we face.

I have to say that composted horse manure has been a good addition to my 
garden soil (sand, ha-ha~) along with the municipal compost from yard waste. 
The latter product is free to anyone who drives up to the county facility and 
asks for a load. If you are unsure if compost is available in your area, call 
your county and ask.

My pineapple plants are doing the best this year of any year to date. I love 
growing pineapples in my yard because the plants are attractive and yield the 
loveliest sweetest vine ripened fruit. I leave them on the plant until the 
entire pineapple turns yellow, then harvest for luscious eating. 

That's about it from the sunny south. This year's citrus trees have bloomed 
and the little oranges are about golf ball size already. We are enjoying 
Florida grown cantaloupes, watermelon and sweet corn along with green beans 
and new potatoes. Does life get any better? Yep! When I pack to head for the 
Adirondacks of NY for the summer!

Best of luck to all!

Barb
Orlando, FL










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