Yes, There Is Fall Gardening in Florida

August is quickly approaching, which means time for crop rotation, even in sunny Florida.

Gardening can be therapeutic, save you up to $300 a year in groceries and serve as an eco-friendly alternative to non-locally-grown foods. It is fun, sustainable and creates a green space for wildlife.

There are several reasons why crop rotation is necessary when there is a change in the season.

First, common plants such as tomatoes and peppers tend to share the same nutrients and may also become susceptible to the same pests and diseases. Therefore, it is important to change their location so you can give the soil a chance to give nutrients to other plants while the other vegetables take from another side of the yard.

Here are some .

If you already have a garden plot and are ready to plant for the fall, here's when to plant the following organic vegetables:

• Pole beans: August to September
• Broccoli: August to January (Plant in October for best results)
• Celery: August to February
• Eggplant: August to September
• Green onions: August to March
• Okra: March to August
• Peppers: August to September
• Summer squash: August to September
• Winter squash: August
• Tomato: August to September

Another great tip for gardening is companion planting. Just as we have loving and warm friends that we cherish, vegetables have companions that help revive them and keep them healthy and strong while life continues. Here what's to plant alongside your vegetables to aid their growth:

• Broccoli: Chamomile, pepper, mint, dill, rosemary, oregano, chives, sage, thyme
• Celery: Beans, cabbages, tomatoes, tarragon
• Onions: Tomatoes, carrots, chamomile, tarragon
• Peppers: Basil, oregano, tarragon
• Squash: Sweet corn, beans, cucumbers, oregano, tarragon
• Tomatoes: Onions, basil, mint, parsley, chives, oregano

Don’t forget that for Florida gardens it is essential to pair the right seasons with the right vegetables; because it is summer, the plants made for warm plantings will take less water than others. Finding the balance between season and earth is essential for a successful and sustainable garden. Visit the University of Florida’s IFAS extension Web site for tips on organic gardening.

In the words of philosopher Francis Bacon, "Gardening is the purest of human pleasures.”

Enjoy every minute of it!

Ready to stock up for your fall garden? Find gardening supplies in the Old Northeast-St. Pete directory.