Prepping for the Summer Heat
Prepping for the Summer Heat
Mark your calendars! The sizzling Florida summer officially arrives next Thursday, June 20th. While sunshine is our state's claim to fame, scorching temperatures can put a strain on even the most resilient plants. But fear not, fellow Floridian gardeners! Here's your guide to getting your green haven ready for the heatwave.
Plant Power: Ditch the cool-season crops! Embrace heat-lovers like okra, peppers, eggplant, and sweet potatoes. They'll thrive in the warmth and reward you with delicious harvests. Check local gardening resources for specific planting times in your zone.
Hydration Hero: The sun is relentless, so become a watering warrior. Deep soak your plants early in the morning or evening when temperatures are cooler. Opt for drip irrigation to conserve water and target plant roots directly. Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Shade Strategies: Florida's sunshine can be brutal. Offer your plants some midday shade with strategically placed row covers, shade sails, or taller plants. This will help prevent scorching and conserve water.
Nourish for Success: Healthy plants are resilient plants! Use a slow-release fertilizer formulated for summer to provide sustained nutrients. Don't forget to adjust your fertilizing schedule based on specific plant needs.
With a little planning and these summer-smart practices, your Florida garden can flourish even under the scorching sun. Happy prepping!
Blog/In The News
On Tuesday, April 8th, our founder and president, Anna Barbary, had the honor of being a guest speaker at the Rotary Club of Orange Park Sunset. This was a meaningful opportunity to introduce more people to the mission, history, and goals of the Northeast Florida Homesteading and Prepping Ladies, and to spread awareness about the exciting initiatives we have coming up. Anna was joined by our dedicated Secretary and Treasurer, making the evening even more memorable. Together, they shared our nonprofit’s vision of empowering women through community-building, preparedness education, and self-reliance skills. From growing your own food to being ready for anything life throws your way, the message of resilience and local connection was warmly received. We’d like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Rotary Club President Jeremiah Aut and all the members for the warm welcome and the opportunity to speak. The support and genuine interest shown by this inspiring group of community leaders meant a great deal to us. As a Rotarian herself, Anna always enjoys the chance to forge new Rotary friendships and strengthen bonds with those who are passionate about service and community impact. We are excited to continue building relationships across Northeast Florida and look forward to participating in more local events. Stay tuned for upcoming workshops, meetups, and ways to get involved with our mission! For event updates, resources, or to become a member of our growing community of like-minded women, be sure to explore our website and follow us on social media. Together, we grow stronger, smarter, and more prepared.
Our nonprofit has won its first grant! The Capital City Bank Group Foundation awarded Northeast Florida Homesteading and Prepping Ladies Inc. a grant of $250.00. The funds will go directly towards our pilot program, Jars of Change: Canning Together, Healing Forever. Please click here for more information: Empower Women | Homesteading Ladies Inc. ( neflhpl.org ) Our board members and advisory board members would like to thank Patricia Evans and the entire team at Capital City Bank for believing in our nonprofit. Together, we will forge a path towards a brighter and more self-reliant tomorrow.