7 Essential Crops to Combat Rising Grocery Costs in Florida
Rising grocery costs are impacting everyone, especially Floridians facing increasing prices for staple vegetables. Growing your own food can significantly ease the strain on your wallet while ensuring a steady supply of fresh, nutritious produce. Here are seven essential crops that thrive in Florida’s climate, providing significant savings and food security.
1. Onions
With grocery prices for onions spiking up to 28%, growing your own onions can substantially reduce costs. Choose short-day onion varieties perfect for Florida’s climate. Plant in fall for harvesting in late spring. Proper spacing and regular watering ensure optimal bulb development.
2. Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are incredibly resilient in Florida’s warm, humid conditions. With grocery price increases of approximately 15%, planting sweet potatoes is economically smart. Establish raised beds and plant slips from late spring to early summer for abundant harvests in autumn.
3. Strawberries
Strawberry prices fluctuate significantly due to weather disruptions. In Florida, plant your strawberries from late September through November for spring harvests. Utilizing elevated garden beds helps manage pests and improve yield quality.
4. Tomatoes
Tomato prices have jumped 15–20% due to market disruptions. Florida gardeners can combat this by starting seeds indoors around January and transplanting outdoors post-frost. Tomatoes flourish in Florida’s sunny climate, especially in raised beds.
5. Herbs (Basil, Oregano, Rosemary)
Herbs are not only expensive in stores but are easy and cost-effective to grow at home. Florida’s year-round growing season supports herbs like basil, oregano, and rosemary. Grow them in containers or garden beds for fresh flavors and substantial savings.
6. Peppers
Pepper prices have seen a significant rise (around 15%) due to supply chain and labor shortages. Growing peppers in Florida is straightforward; start seeds indoors in late winter and move seedlings outdoors when temperatures stabilize. With minimal effort, peppers provide a steady harvest throughout summer and fall.
7. Cucumbers
Grocery store cucumbers have become pricier due to import costs. In Florida, cucumbers thrive when planted after the last frost. Use vertical gardening techniques like trellises to optimize space and enhance yield, ensuring you have fresh cucumbers throughout the summer.