Question 1

What USDA Zone are we in?

Accepted Answer

Hastings is classified as USDA Zone 9b, following the recent rezoning based on temperature patterns. This zone is ideal for a variety of plants that thrive in warmer climates. You can find the USDA Hardiness Zone Map [here](https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/PHZMWeb/).

Question 2

Does Taro (Colocasia esculenta) grow well here?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 3

What can I plant here and when do I plant it?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 4

What is the Plant Stand and where is it located?

Accepted Answer

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 :)

Question 5

How do I grow sweet potatoes?

Accepted Answer

Growing sweet potatoes is a rewarding experience. Here's a brief guide: 1. Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil. 2. Plant sweet potato slips (young plants) after the last frost. 3. Space the slips 12-18 inches apart in rows 3 feet apart. 4. Water regularly and keep the soil moist. 5. Harvest in 90-120 days when the leaves start to yellow. For more detailed information, check out our blog post on growing sweet potatoes. If you have further questions, feel free to message us in the Homesteading Group.

Question 6

How to grow Cassava (Manihot esculenta) in our Zone.

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 7

How to grow Cranberry Hibiscus

Accepted Answer

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

Question 8

How do I evacuate my horses during a hurricane?

Accepted Answer

To evacuate your horses during a hurricane, join the EAST COAST EQUINE EMERGENCY and DISASTER RESPONSE / Fleet of Angels group on Facebook. This group connects equine owners with transporters, foster facilities, and other volunteers during natural disasters. Register for help at http://bit.ly/EquineHayAndSupplyRequest-FOA. Emergency transporters should register at https://www.NationalEquineEmergencyDirectory.com. For year-round assistance, use www.FleetOfAngels.org. Stay civil and professional in all communications. No fundraising without permission from Elaine Nash, Executive Director of Fleet of Angels.

Question 9

Insect repelling Shrubs and Plants please?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 10

How do I properly save Tomato seeds?

Question 11

How do I properly prune a fig tree for better harvests?

Accepted Answer

Pruning a fig tree is essential for better harvests. Follow these steps: 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.

Question 12

How do I grow Ginger?

Question 13

How to build a Dragon Fruit Trellis

Question 14

Easy DIY Rain Water Catchment System

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 15

They Tested 14 Different Potting Soils...Here's What They Learned

On our Own Homestead

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