North florida watermelon season

The seeds can be started indoors up to three weeks before planting in the garden. Imported watermelon is in its peak season from march through may. The north florida growers utilize the mulch to warm the soil, allowing them to plant earlier in the season and get their product into the market early. Florida watermelons are grown in the western parts of the state from north collier county to columbia county watermelon from florida is available from late march until midjuly. Florida watermelon shipments archives haul produce. The watermelon season in florida has already soured and a huge chunk of the states crop has yet to be harvested. At one time, i was the only commercial watermelon producer in hillsborough county, says willis, who left the farm briefly after high school for a stint in the nursery business, but returned to farming in the mid1990s. Gardeners in colder climates can still have success in growing watermelon vines by starting seeds indoors and choosing short season varieties. Thats because although blueberries can be found in grocery stores year round, theyre truly in season in florida the early summer, between april and may.

Wash with cool water, then cut the top and bottom of the watermelon so it stands upright. In the united states, the east coast watermelon season has officially started. Different varieties will take different amounts of time to reach maturity, so be aware of the days to maturity listed on the seed packet. Today, as fruit and vegetable farmers in south florida decide what to do with produce once destined for nowclosed schools and restaurants, watermelon farmers in north florida have recently finished planting their crop. Growing watermelon in north florida prestige landscapes llc. South florida gardeners plant watermelon before march 1. Although watermelon is available year round, domestic watermelon is in its peak season from may through august. Growing raspberries and blackberries in florida the. Learn whats in season in florida, from avocados to zucchini, with limes.

With a warm march in north florida, the watermelon crop will likely be ready for harvest in early may, about two weeks earlier than usual, he said. Search or browse our list of watermelon farms companies in florida by category or location. Watermelon gardening solutions university of florida. Peak watermelon season is here goldsboro daily news. Florida watermelon farmers face uncertainty due to covid19. Weve created an inseason produce calendar for florida so you can easily see when its the right time to find the freshest cantaloupe or watermelon, or if youve missed citrus season. I live in pasco county just north of tampa and are in zone 9 right at the boundary of a and b, our soil is mostly sandy with low levels of organics.

Always use discretion according to current weather patterns. Aug 03, 2016 growing watermelon in north florida when planting watermelon you can plant seeds or transplants just be careful with transplants as watermelons have sensitive roots. With this in mind, the best time to plant watermelon will depend on where you are in the state. May 08, 2019 the domestic watermelon season in the united states has started on a positive note, with plenty of volume out of florida kicking in.

Insect pests are generally less damaging than on other cucurbits. The domestic watermelon season in the united states has started on a positive note, with plenty of volume out of florida kicking in. In texas, the watermelon season is from june to august. Whats in season florida produce calendar infographic. Mexico has had its own problems in their growing season as well. See florida hunting regulations handbook for deer harvest reporting instructions. Higher prices save florida watermelon season vsc news. And yes, they need sundrenched days to produce the rampant vines that manufacture carbohydrates that sweeten the. Watermelon seeds should be planted outdoors in the spring well after all threats of frost have passed. Florida watermelon farmers sold 800 million pounds of watermelon last year, said bob hochmuth, assistant director of the ufifas north florida. If you share in our vision, please take a brief moment to become a member and support our efforts with a recurring monthly donation of an amount between a cup of organic coffee and a farm to table dinner.

Florida is a leading producer of watermelon, and this summertime favorite is on the florida crop harvest calendar from april through. Perfect growing conditions this year could start florida melons up to three weeks early, with good volume and quality throughout the season. Florida watermelons wait for warmer weather to boost demand. Several kinds of melons grow well in florida, including casaba, honeydew, watermelon, and cantaloupe. Those in north florida can plant watermelon in march and april and again in july and august. Florida is famous for its citrus, and rightly so, but plenty of other fruits and vegetables grow in the sunshine state. Fresh from florida watermelons can be found in grocery stores across north america. Although watermelon is a popular treat in the summertime, the watermelon season will slightly vary from different states. Bsw ships watermelons from south florida, trenton which is where the main facility is located, south georgia, south carolina, north carolina, indiana and missouri.

North florida watermelon farmers bracing for unpredictable season. Print this months shopping list of fresh florida fruits and vegetables and look for them in your grocery store. This list of publications was updated december 4, 2018 by robert hochmuth regional specialized extension agent and dustin hart, agricultural associate, north florida research and education centersuwannee valley, live oak, fl. Some of following crops, however, can withstand the heat and keep your vegetable garden productive. Watermelon can be stored whole for two to three weeks in the fridge or about seven days on the counter. Shiso, thyme, tomatoes, turnips, red orach, watermelon. Sustainable north florida remains free and takes time and energy to provide quality consolidated information with value to our audience. Coyotes hungrily eye watermelon farms news gainesville. Whats in season in april 2020, and other timely information. The sunshine state has been home to watermelon production since the 16th century. During watermelon season, the market is open and busy from 7 a. Florida gardens are unique in that many growers have their offseason in the summer.

Prices for south florida watermelons started at a robust 40 centers per pound but have since dropped to 12 cents amidst a deflated market during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, according to mark warren, university of floridaifas extension agent in levy county. Watermelons trending in central florida growing produce. The most important pest groups in florida watermelon production are disease pathogens, particularly viral diseases, and weeds. First, many of the seasons are the opposite of what they are in more northern states since the summers get too hot for many crops. Wayne county is one of the top watermelon producing counties in north carolina. Hunting equipment may not be taken onto the area until after 8 a. With crops in the ground, florida watermelon farmers face. Florida s watermelon growing season is in full swing, and for the next few months, farmers across north central florida will be busy caring for. This page has a table below that tells when each fruit or vegetable is normally ready to be harvested in florida.

Now 39, willis is the sole proprietor of jfkw farms, growing 150 acres of watermelons and 65 acres of tomatoes. Look for these florida crops in season grown near you agamerica. Watermelon publications from university of florida. Florida watermelon farmers sold 800 million pounds of watermelon last year, said bob hochmuth, assistant director of the ufifas north florida research and. The east coast season begins in immokalee, florida and we began a few days earlier. Production is currently concentrated in south and central. In central florida, watermelons can be planted again in august. Watermelon gardening solutions university of florida, institute of. Today, as fruit and vegetable farmers in south florida decide what to do with produce once destined for nowclosed schools and restaurants, watermelon farmers in north florida. In south florida, watermelon shippers are finishing their season, which is overlapping the early to midmay start of central florida watermelon shipments. Watermelons have crisp, juicy flesh thats perfect for summer eating.

Grown all over florida, it is grown as far north as jackson county and as far south as collier county. Sep 24, 2018 due to rainfall and disease pressure, growers had lower yields than expected in central and south florida. Overall, florida is shipping high volumes of watermelons and as we near the memorial holiday weekend may 2325, approaching 1500 truck loads per week. Florida is one the top producing states for watermelons in the u. Apr, 2010 this summer treat is just about to come in season. The market moves more than 1 million watermelons from farms to buyers, to be shipped north and west, according to jennifer felton, market manager. North carolina ranks 8 th in the united states for watermelon production 2018.

Days to maturity range from 70 to 90, depending on the variety. Heres a list of local food youll find in season throughout the year in northeast florida. This led to very high demand during the watermelon harvesting season in north florida, and specifically the suwannee valley. Watermelon planting dates range from december 15 to april 15, depending on the variety planted and the growing region. A guide to early melon varieties mother earth news. Florida watermelon set for early, plentiful harvest packer. This will give you a small jump on the growing season. And north florida has been hurt by some inclement weather early on in. Jun 18, 2016 i received an email recently on the topic of growing raspberries and blackberries in florida and that triggered todays post. Information provided by florida department of agriculture, florida fish. Billy personally handles all sales and has done so for the entire 26 years of operation. Honeydew is a variety of cantaloupe with smooth skin and. If storing cut watermelon, wrap the cut side in plastic or in a sealed container. During peak season, watermelons roll up by the truckload.

This is definitely true for texas, california and georgia. Florida seasonal fruits and vegetables guide the spruce eats. Floridas summer sun takes a toll on traditional crops familiar in more northern gardens. All deer harvested must be reported to the harvest reporting system within 24 hours of harvest. Florida crops in season florida department of agriculture. Whats in season in september 2019, and other timely information. The florida watermelon association represents the growers, brokers and associated companies of the watermelon industry in florida. When is watermelon season in texas, florida, california and georgia. Gardeners in central and south florida can plant earlier in the year, where warmer springtime temperatures make planting ideal from january through march. Florida yearly planting schedule warm season vegetables. Jul 29, 2015 its watermelon season here at davison orchards and lance davison tells you all about picking watermelon and how they taste. Disease pathogens are difficult to manage, and weeds have become more difficult to manage with the loss of methyl bromide. Look for transplants grown in peat pots that can be planted straight into the ground. Watermelon seeds are typically planted between midmarch and midjuly in louisiana and surrounding states, depending on when youd like to harvest the fruit.