“I’ve never seen something so green burn so fast.” That quote, from a recent Central Florida farm visitor, captures exactly what many of us are feeling this season. Across Florida, the skies have stayed dry, the ground is cracking, and the stress is setting in—not just for farmers, but for home gardeners, too.
In fact, more than 16 million people in Florida—82% of the state—are now experiencing drought conditions ranging from moderate to extreme. According to NOAA, large swaths of South Florida are under extreme drought, and as of this week, 88 wildfires were burning across the state. It’s dry. It’s hot. And it’s not letting up.
At Urban Abundance, we’re watching this closely—and working hard to make sure your garden doesn’t just survive, but continues to thrive as best it can in the face of these challenges.
🌿 How Drought Impacts Gardens (and Gardeners)
During prolonged dry spells, the soil loses its natural ability to retain moisture. Humidity drops. Winds pick up. And the plants? They stress out—just like we do. You may notice:
-
Wilted or droopy leaves even after watering
-
Slowed growth or early flowering (a survival mechanism)
-
Dry, compacted soil that’s harder to rehydrate
-
Increased pest pressure, as weakened plants become more vulnerable
For commercial farms, like Southern Hill Farms in Clermont, this means tripling watering times and relying on advanced irrigation and reclaimed water systems just to keep fruit and flowers alive. It’s exhausting work.
For backyard gardeners like our UA community, the signs might be subtler—but the struggle is real.
💧 What Urban Abundance Is Doing About It
Our Green Thumbs have shifted into high gear. Here’s how we’re adapting your garden care in real time:
1. Watering Smarter, Not Just More
We prioritize watering early in the morning, between 4–7 a.m., when it’s coolest and plants can absorb moisture before the heat hits. We’re also checking and adjusting your drip systems regularly to ensure every drop counts.
2. Upgrading Soil Resilience
As part of our seasonal transition, every bed is getting a layer of specially sourced organic soil—rich in microbes, nutrients, and moisture-holding capacity. Healthy soil acts like a sponge, giving your plants the hydration they need even when skies are clear.
3. Choosing the Right Crops
We lean into heat-tolerant, drought-resilient plants like:
-
Longevity Spinach – thrives in heat and bounces back after harvest
-
Winged Beans – grow abundantly with minimal fuss
-
Seminole Pumpkins – Florida natives that can take the pressure
-
Roselle & Blue Butterfly Pea – beautiful, medicinal, and summer-strong
4. Mulching and Companion Planting
We apply organic mulch to suppress evaporation, regulate soil temperature, and reduce weeds (which compete for water). Companion plants and strategic shade help protect sensitive crops.
🔥 What You Can Do Right Now
You’re part of this effort, too! Here are a few small actions that make a big difference:
-
Keep an eye on your irrigation—report clogs or leaks to your Green Thumb
-
Be patient with plants adjusting to heat stress
-
Follow local burn bans and avoid dry brush buildup near garden beds
-
Ask questions—we love educating our community about how to garden smarter during Florida extremes
🌎 Gardening Through Climate Challenges
This drought is a reminder of why Urban Abundance exists: to help people reconnect with growing food—even when the weather doesn’t cooperate. We’re building gardens designed to thrive in Florida’s unique climate. That means systems that adapt, soil that endures, and a local expert—your Green Thumb—who knows exactly what your garden needs to weather the storm (or the drought).
So, if your plants seem a little sluggish, or your soil seems extra thirsty, just know: you’re not alone. And your garden is still very much alive—resting, adjusting, and preparing for its next burst of abundance.
Together, we’ll keep growing—one drop at a time. 💧🌿