Category: Plant Care

Cassava (Manihot esculenta), also known as yuca, manihot, manioc, and tapioca, is a versatile tropical root vegetable that can be grown in a food forest in central Florida. It is a hardy and easy to care for plant that can tolerate a wide range of soil types and moisture levels, and can withstand hot, dry…

Chaya (Cnidoscolus aconitifolius), commonly known as Tree Spinach, is a tropical perennial leafy vegetable that is a perfect fit for a food forest in central Florida. As a master gardener and horticulturist with over 25 years of experience in the area, I have found Chaya to be a hardy and easy to care for plant…

Katuk (Sauropus androgynus) is a tropical plant that can thrive in Central Florida if given the right growing conditions. It is a fast-growing, evergreen shrub that can reach up to 6 feet tall and is native to Southeast Asia. Also known as sweet leaf or star gooseberry, it is a popular edible leafy green due…

The Mulberry tree or bush (Morus spp) is a versatile and hardy tree that can be grown in a food forest in central Florida. It is known for its delicious and nutritious fruit that can be eaten fresh or used for making jams, jellies, and wine. There are several varieties of mulberry trees, including both…

Loquat trees are an evergreen fruit tree native to southeastern China. The Loquat tree (Eriobotrya japonica) is a small tropical fruit tree that can be grown in a food forest in central Florida. It is also known as the Japanese plum.  It is known for its small, orange-yellow, and juicy fruit that are high in…

The Surinam cherry (Eugenia uniflora), also known as Pitanga, is a small tropical fruit tree that can be grown in a food forest in central Florida. It is known for its small, red, and juicy fruit that are high in vitamin C and antioxidants. Surinam cherry is a nutritious and flavorful fruit that can be…

The Barbados cherry (Malpighia glabra) is a small tropical fruit tree that can be grown in a food forest in central Florida. It is also known as Acerola and for its small, red, and juicy fruit that are high in vitamin C and antioxidants. Once specifically grown for vitamin C production.  However, it’s important to…

Fig trees (Ficus carica) are a popular fruit crop that can be grown in a food forest in central Florida. They are known for their sweet and flavorful fruit, as well as their hardiness and ease of care. However, it’s important to note that fig trees are sensitive to frost and cold temperatures, so it’s…

Bananas (Musa spp.) are a tropical fruit crop that can be grown in a food forest in central Florida. They are known for their large, flavorful fruit and their easy-care nature. However, it’s important to note that bananas are sensitive to frost and cold temperatures, so it’s best to grow them in a protected location…

Blueberries (Vaccinium spp.) are a native fruit crop to Florida and can be grown in a food forest in central Florida. They are known for their sweet and juicy fruit, high nutritional value, and the fact that they are very easy to grow. When choosing varieties of blueberries to grow in your food forest, consider…