Above ground wood and metal planter boxes provide benefits by saving space,
easy watering and keeping the soil fertile and intact.
SPRING 2022: 73
seed choices, constructing and maintaining wood and
metal blocks, locating affordable and necessary nursery
pots, and other amendments,” Gina Ragan explained.
“The list goes on, with routine planting, watering and
harvesting processes and, of course, preparation to
protect the garden in the event of extreme hot or cold
weather that can come our way.”
HOMEGROWN IS BEST
Prior to growing their own fruits and veggies, the couple
always purchased organically grown produce, something
she said is typically pricey and often hard to come by.
“Gardening in the Central Florida area can be a yearround
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opportunity, but there are definitely specific
things to consider,” she said. “While spring and fall are
best seasons, every plant is different.
“I try to let the soil rest during the warmer summer
months.”
Because they live in the 9B zone, it is sometimes tricky
to grow some plants.
“Those plants suited for a more southern climate in
South Florida may not always be ideal to grow here in
Brevard, so the process demands some patience, and
often, trial and error,” she explained.
Ragan also prefers homegrown fruits and vegetables
especially with the current pandemic situation.
“I always know where they come from, how they were
grown and that they are available and plentiful if I
am doing my job correctly,” she said. “In our current
environment with supply chain shortages etc., this can
be very comforting. Efficient gardening practices can
be a great return on the investment for many reasons.
Monetarily, depending on the time of the year, our
monthly harvest saves us around $40-$50, versus what
we would be spending if we purchased the same produce
from a grocer or market.”
LOTS OF WATERING
With 15 different varieties of tomato plants to tend
to, citrus trees including three lime, three lemon
and two different orange trees, two pear trees, two
peach trees, a pomegranate, fig, plum tree, avocado,
macadamia, guava, mulberry, and several banana trees,
plus lettuce, carrots, peppers, cucumbers, squash, and
more, just the fertilizing and watering alone is obviously
a huge task.
And their fruit collection doesn’t end there.
“Our seven blueberry bushes give us an abundance of
sweetness and flavor that we often share with friends
and neighbors,” she said. “We also enjoy raspberries and
blackberries when in season, along with strawberries,
A yellow tomato is one of 15 varieties grown in the couple’s garden.
Parsley, cilantro and rosemary are just a few herb varieties that are easy to grow
and invaluable for multiple seasoning uses.