Tu B'Shevat Munch and Learn Summary

Presentation Summary from Dr. Nazario-Leary

Gardening & Wellness

Gardening is holistic activity that supports both physical and emotional health. Common gardening tasks provide moderate to vigorous exercise comparable to gym activities while improving flexibility and joint strength. Research on therapeutic horticulture shows that gardening can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, making it a valuable tool for overall well-being and mental health.

***Check out this website that provides information on therapeutic horticulture programs at the University of Florida that support physical, emotional, and mental well-being through gardening activities.

https://wilmotgardens.med.ufl.edu/programming-2/

***Check out this website from The American Horticultural Therapy Association website offers research, education, and professional resources on the therapeutic benefits of gardening.

https://www.ahta.org/

Healthy Eating & Economic Benefits

Growing food at home encourages healthier eating habits by increasing fruit and vegetable consumption for individuals and entire households. Freshly harvested produce often contains higher nutritional value than store-bought alternatives. When gardening costs are planned and tracked carefully, home food production can also offer economic savings.

***Check out this study from the National Institute of Health that says gardens can increase vegetable intake for you and your family.

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10196338/

Garden Planning & Design in Florida

Successful gardening in Florida requires thoughtful planning due to climate and soil conditions. The presentation covered site selection, garden design, container gardening, and planting schedules. Strategies such as crop rotation, succession planting, and season-extending tools help maximize harvests, reduce pest pressure, and adapt to Florida’s heat and sandy soils.

Things to consider when designing your garden:

• Sun exposure, drainage, and water access
• Raised beds, containers, or in-ground gardens
• Crop rotation to reduce disease and pests
• Succession planting for staggered harvests
• Row covers and shade cloths to manage temperature extremes

When to Plant:

• Spring is most popular
• Summer is least popular
• Fall is still a great time to plant
• You can plant in Winter in Florida if you cover and protect plants from freeze

***Check out this website that is a UF/IFAS guide showing what edible plants can be grown in Florida by month, helping gardeners plan seasonal planting.

https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/edibles/text-version-of-what-to-plant-by-month/#july

***Check out this website that offers guidance on seed sources and recommended varieties for growing vegetables successfully in Florida home gardens.

https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/EP486

Soil Preparation, Watering & Maintenance

Healthy soil was emphasized as the foundation of productive gardens. Adding organic matter, composting, adjusting soil pH, and proper irrigation practices improve plant health and yields. The presentation stressed efficient watering methods and responsible fertilizer use, especially in Florida’s sandy soils.

What do you need to think about for soil:

• Add organic matter to improve soil structure (mulch, compost, etc)
• Test and adjust soil pH for nutrient availability (the best range for veggies in sandy soil is between pH 5.8 and 6.3)
• Compost improves soil and reduces waste (remember not to over fertilize your plants. Not does it eventually drain into our water; pests find plants from the smell of nitrogen. Too much on your plants makes it easier for pests to find them)
• Young plants need frequent light watering
• Drip and micro-irrigation improve water efficiency

***Check out this website that provides access to UF/IFAS soil testing services to help gardeners determine soil pH and nutrient needs.

https://soilslab.ifas.ufl.edu/ESTL%20Home.asp

Pollinators & Urban Gardening

Pollinators part of the solution? Pollinators are essential for ecosystems, food production, and economic stability. Urban green spaces and home gardens can provide critical nectar, pollen, water, and habitat when designed intentionally. Gardeners can actively support pollinators by planting diverse, flowering species, minimizing pesticide use, and providing habitat and water. Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ principles and UF/IFAS resources were emphasized as trusted guides for sustainable gardening and pollinator conservation.

Key Takeaways:

• 90% of flowering plants rely on animal pollinators
• Pollination supports a significant share of Florida crops
• Urban areas can support pollinators with proper plant selection
• Pollinators include flies, bees, butterflies, birds, bats, and other insects

• Provide nectar and pollen year-round
• Plant native and pollinator-friendly species
• Offer water, shelter, and refuge for pollinators
• Pollinator friendly plants can be used to deter pests from vegetables and ornamentals
• Consider edible landscaping

***There’s an app for that! Check out this app for Florida-Friendly Landscaping using the QR code below.

***Also Check out this website Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ resources and tools to help gardeners create sustainable, pollinator-friendly landscapes.

https://ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/resources/apps/