Frequently Asked Questions

We used to be classified as Zone 9a, but with the USDA's rezoning this year based on temperature patterns, we are now classified as Zone 9b here in Hastings. You can find the USDA Hardiness Zone Map [here](https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/PHZMWeb/).

Yes, Taro (Colocasia esculenta) grows well here. It's a wetland herbaceous perennial with large, heart-shaped leaves. Taro thrives in tropical or subtropical climates with temperatures between 77° to 95°F (25-35°C) and consistent moisture. It grows best in USDA zones 9-11. Plant Taro tubers 6 inches deep after the last frost or wait until the tuber gets shoots and plant with shoots exposed above the ground. Tubers take 12-18 months to mature, but you can harvest leaves 2-3 times a year. Note: Proper preparation and cooking are essential to avoid itchiness caused by acridity.

For planting recommendations, check out Seed the Stars, a small Florida business selling Florida-adapted seeds. Additionally, the University of Florida's "Florida Fresh" tool allows you to enter your zipcode to see what to plant each month. Click on any vegetable picture for detailed information on the best varieties for your area, planting instructions, harvest times, and more.

The Plant Stand is a Community project. It is FREE and works on a "Take a Plant - Leave a Plant" principle. The Plant Stand can not function without you. While we don't expect you to take one and leave one all on the same day, after you remove something, it would be lovely if you could add something back to it in the near future. You can leave plants, seeds, etc. We just ask you not to leave whole fruits as it would attract Critters that would destroy them anyway. The Plant Stand is located at the front short end of Flagler Estates at 9620 Huskens Avenue. Please do not litter - we live here :)

We get asked that question a lot since we posted a big harvest image last year. I wrote a detailed blog post about growing sweet potatoes, covering everything you need to know. Check it out on our website, and if you have any further questions, feel free to message me in the Homesteading Group. I'll do my best to add any missing information.

Seminole pumpkins are a type of pumpkin native to Florida, particularly associated with the Seminole tribe, from which they take their name. These pumpkins are renowned for their resilience and adaptability to various growing conditions. They have a long history of cultivation by Native American tribes in Florida and were traditionally grown in the region for their nutritious flesh and seeds. We ended up with 400lbs of Pumpkins from 2 seeds last year and decided to write down how to grow Seminole Pumpkins in this Blog post, including how to cure them so they'll last a year fresh in your Pantry. If there is anything we didn't address, though, please let me know, and I will do my best to add that information as well.

Last year, we grew Cassava, aka Yuca (not the same thing as Yucca), for the first time! We got a really good amount of harvest from the 10 we planted and when we were done, we gave away a ton of cuttings to our Homesteading neighbors. We had a TON left and I now had to figure out how to store it best so that it would survive until spring. We wrote a Blog Post about this, including how to plant it, how to take care of it, and how to harvest it. If you have any lingering questions after reading this, please let me know and I'll be happy to answer them.

Hibiscus comes in a multitude of varieties and grows very well in Florida. Here, we'll talk about the two most common in our Gardens. Hibiscus sabdariffa - Produces a Calyx that is edible and has a cranberry like tartness to it. Comes mostly with red "fruit" but there is also a White variety. Hibiscus acetosella (cranberry Hibiscus) - Does not produce an edible Calyx, but does produce edible flowers and leaves that prolifically produce starting around November. They are essentially grown the same way and I've detailed this here

Please join the EAST COAST EQUINE EMERGENCY and DISASTER RESPONSE / Fleet of Angels group on Facebook that may be able to help you. The purpose of the East Coast Equine Emergency and Disaster Response group provided by Fleet of Angels (a 501(c)3 tax-exempt service organization) is to serve as base camp via social media where equine owners and caregivers can connect with equine transporters, foster facilities, searchers and rescuers, horse-savvy handlers, hay and supply bank hosts, and other volunteer service providers in situations where equines are at risk due to natural disasters in this area. Equine evacuation, post-disaster search and rescue, recovery, fostering, emergency care, and equine facility repair and relief may all be addressed here. Register your request for help (hay, feed, supplies) on our request form at http://bit.ly/EquineHayAndSupplyRequest-FOA and we will get in touch ASAP - please be patient as we may or may not have a specific hay bank location near you and hay sourcing may be in the works before your request is fulfilled. ALL emergency transporters and providers of temporary care are asked to register in the database at https://www.NationalEquineEmergencyDirectory.com before posting your availability on this page. For year round assistance, register and use www.FleetOfAngels.org as official Fleet of Angels "angel" to help! Both directories are used by the FOA organization and by many authorities during natural disasters and other emergency situations to locate help for at-risk equines when needed. Just scroll down to the Angels section on the home page and click the Register Here button. All page users are asked to remain civil and professional, helpful, and mindful of the importance of teamwork in emergency situations- both on this page and out in the field. Posts and comments that are hostile, negative, combative, or otherwise inappropriate will be delete without notice. No profanity or inference of profanity is allowed on the page and will be deleted without notice. Page users may post their needs, availabilities, event updates, weather reports, and other posts of interest that relate to helping equines put at risk by disasters in this area. No fundraising without permission of Elaine Nash, Executive Director of Fleet of Angels. This page is provided by Fleet of Angels, the at-risk equine transportation and assistance network. ALL USERS OF THIS PAGE OR OTHER FOA TOOLS ARE EXPECTED TO USE GOOD JUDGEMENT IN ALL CASES REGARDING ASSISTING OTHERS, RECEIVING ASSISTANCE FROM OTHERS. NO PERSON SHOULD PUT THEMSELVES AT RISK IN AN EFFORT TO ASSIST WITH THE SAVING OR TRANSPORTING OF AN ANIMAL.

Sure thing. Here are just a few that worked for various folks: For Mosquitos and other flying pests: Lavender Marigolds Lemongrass Citronella Catnip Rosemary Peppermint for Spider and Mice repellent.

Pruning a fig tree is essential for better harvests. Here's a simple guide: 1. Prune in late winter when the tree is dormant. 2. Remove any dead, diseased, or crossing branches. 3. Thin out the center to allow light and air to penetrate. 4. Cut back the main branches by about one-third to encourage new growth. 5. Maintain an open structure to support fruit production. Regular pruning helps improve the tree's health and increases fruit yield.

The best mulch for your garden depends on your specific needs and preferences. Organic mulches like straw, wood chips, and leaves decompose over time, adding nutrients to the soil. Inorganic mulches like gravel and stones are long-lasting and help with weed control. Consider your garden's requirements and choose accordingly.

Creating a DIY rainwater catchment system is a great way to conserve water. Here's a simple method to get you started: 1. Choose a location for your rain barrel, ideally under a downspout. 2. Install a diverter to channel rainwater from the downspout into the barrel. 3. Use a fine mesh screen to cover the barrel opening to keep out debris and insects. 4. Attach a spigot near the bottom of the barrel for easy access to the collected water. 5. Elevate the barrel on cinder blocks to improve water flow. Remember, this is just one method, and there are many variations you can explore.

Returns and exchanges are not accepted. If you have an issue with your order, please contact us at [onourownhomestead@gmail.com](mailto:onourownhomestead@gmail.com), and we'll make it right!

While I am an herbalist, I am not a doctor. I do not make health claims, offer health-related advice, or diagnose conditions. The literature here is for educational purposes only and is not meant to replace the diagnosis or treatment of medical professionals. The information in this listing is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or any health-related concern. I only offer my opinion and resources based on research, product testing among ourselves, and customer reviews. All sales are final. Use at your own risk. I am not responsible for accidents, misuse, or adverse reactions. Please do your own research and learn any precautions associated with any of the natural herbs or products.