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Old May 27, 2012   #3
ContainerTed
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Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: 6a - NE Tennessee
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Keep the faith, Jan. The Di Mare Corporation (and some others) raises a lot of tomatoes all around you. BTW, my first grandchild was born in Bradenton.

The problem you will have from Sarasota to north of Tampa/St. Petersburg is the soil and the summer temps. You need to get used to TWO growing seasons - sort of Spring and Fall. Summer is way too hot and humid and winter can get you some freezing temps from time to time.

Look at the strawberry harvest to the northeast of you in Plant City. In Kentucky, you would harvest strawberries in May/June. Plant City brings in the main crop in February.

As far as the soil, Florida has some of the worst vegetable growing soil in the United States. The big commercial outfits use a lot of chemicals and they harvest stuff green and then gas them to sell them. I think you would find a lot less frustration if you use containers and "soil-less" potting mix type growing medium. Also, the containers should have some means of keeping the sun from being directly on the sides of the containers. This will help things run a little cooler down at the root level. Mulching and frequent watering are normal with containers.

Maybe some of the other Tomatoville members from the Sunshine State will chime in and make some more specific recommendations.
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