Fall Planting in the South East

Looking for seeds to grow in Florida and other parts of the Southeast? Try our store: Gourmet Gardener Store
It's a beautiful day in North Florida today.  Temperatures were in the 60's this morning and I don't think we've hit 90 yet.  With cooler temps comes the urge to resume gardening.  The community garden in Wellborn is plowed and ready for fall planting.  A list of what we'll be planting this weekend can be found at the end of this post.
I moved all the existing herb bowls, olive, bay, citrus, and pear trees and tidied up my concrete pool deck in order to make room for two new raised beds and a trellis in the container garden area.
With two books to finish writing before spring, I think I will let the garden in my pasture rest for the winter under a bed of straw.
Here's a list of what we are planting this fall and links to garden companies who are selling the seeds/plants.  We select our varieties using the following criteria:
-The variety must taste good and meet my family's cooking/eating preferences.
-It should withstand growing conditions in Florida
-Seeds/plants should be obtainable in the U.S.  Organics are preferred.
-It should grow well in containers/small space gardens.
Fall Planting Selections from The Gourmet Gardener:

Beans:
Bush-Blue Lake  Seeds of Change, Fin de Bagnols Seed Savers Exchange
Pole-Kentucky Wonder Hometown Seeds
Beets:Tall Top, Detroit Dark Seeds of Change
Broccoli: Raab Seeds of Change DeCicco Johnny Seeds
Carrots:Chanteney Seeds of Change, Scarlett Nantes Seeds of Change
Cucumbers:Ashley Reimer Seeds
Endive: Tres Fine Maraichere Seeds of Change
Kale:Vates Southern Exposure
Lettuce:
Crisp-Nevada Johnny Seeds
Looseleaf-Red Sails Johnny Seeds
Oakleaf-Salad Bowl Johnny Seeds
Romaine-Parris Island Cos Johnny Seeds
Onions:
Bulbing-Granex Henry Fields (Will plant in the ground.)
Bunching-White Lisbon Reimer Seeds
Shallots-French Grey Kitchen Garden Seeds
Pumpkins-Winter Luxury (Will plant in the ground.) Johnny Seeds
Spinach-Melody, Bloomsdale Urban Farmer
Strawberry-Chandler, Camarosa Peaceful Valley Garden Supply --

Some of these, such as Camarosa Strawberries, Melody Spinach and Nevada Lettuce are old favorites.  Others, such as Winter Luxury Pumpkins and Ashley Cucumbers are new to us.  If you plant them, feel free to make comments on how well they grow for you and what you think of their flavor.

Fall & Holiday Gardens

North Florida has two main growing seasons: spring and fall. I prefer fall. By late September, we are usually coming out of the hurricane season with a replenished water table. Additionally, cooler temperatures discourage pests and weeds. Often, our winters are so mild we can extend the fall garden right through Christmas. I am not exaggerating when I say I often pick Arugula for our Christmas salad.
It's time to prepare now for a fall garden. Plan where you will grow your crops, taking into consideration their light, moisture, space, and temperature requirements. If you will need to bring the plants inside during cold snaps, make sure to plant in light weight containers and include soil components such as vermiculite and perlite.
Many seeds prefer warmer temperatures for germinating than for growing. You can start seeds in late August and have them ready to produce fruit by October.
Also, don't forget to think about your holiday menu when planning a fall garden. Grow fresh sage and tarragon for your turkey, baby carrots, and a myriad of lettuce greens for your salad. Start in August!