Author: Chris Lutz

Sweet potatoes are delicious, nutritious root vegetables that grow well in the food forests of central Florida. These warmth-loving plants thrive in the region’s long, warm summers and mild winters, making them ideal for food forests and home gardens. I consider sweet potatoes to be our king of calorie crops. The first 2 food forest…

Longevity spinach (Guynura procumbens) and Okinawan Spinach (Gynura crepioides) are tropical leafy greens that is native to Southeast Asia and is well-suited for growing in a food forest or as a survival crop in Florida. The plant has dark green leaves that are rich in vitamins and minerals and have a slightly sweet, nutty flavor.…

Seminole pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata).  What better name for a true Florida native food forest plant, right?  It is a type of squash that is native to the southeastern United States and is well-suited for growing in a food forest or as a survival crop in Florida. In fact, the name of the town, Chassahowitzka, just…

Blackberries are a popular fruit that can be grown in a variety of climates, including Florida. Here are some tips for growing blackberries in Florida: Choose a sunny location: Blackberries prefer full sun, so choose a location that gets at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. Prepare the soil: Blackberries grow best in…

Florida cranberry, also known as Jamaican roselle or hibiscus sabdariffa, is a popular tropical plant that can be easily grown in central Florida food forests. Here’s some information to help you get started. Hardy varieties: Hibiscus sabdariffa is commonly grown as an annual, but there are several hardy cultivars such as ‘Thai Red’, ‘Karkade’ and…

Cranberry Hibiscus (Hibiscus acetosella) is a beautiful, versatile plant that makes a great addition to your Central Florida food forest. Here’s a quick guide to growing this plant in your food forest. Hardy varieties: Cranberry hibiscus is a tropical plant, so it is not very hardy. However, some cultivars are more cold-hardy than others, being…

Moringa oleifera, also known as drumstick tree or horseradish tree, is a fast-growing, drought-tolerant tree native to Asia/India, but can be grown in a variety of climates, including in central Florida. It is valued not only for its seed pods, which can be eaten like vegetables, but also for its nutritious leaves, which can be…