Chapter 1. Commercial Vegetable Production in Florida

Peter J. Dittmar, Nicholas S. Dufault, and Shinsuke Agehara

Vegetable production remains a tremendous industry for Florida in terms of acreage and value. Including vegetables, melons, potatoes, and strawberries, production occurred on approximately 251,011 acres and generated more than $1.34 billion in gross sales in 2016, which ranks second among all the states. Growing seasons are well defined by the peninsular geography, allowing Florida to serve as the main vegetable supplier during late fall, winter, and early spring months to the United States. Although more than 40 vegetable crops are commercially planted in the state, Florida ranks in the top three on production value of tomato, bell pepper, snap bean, squash, sweet corn, watermelon, cabbage, cucumber, and strawberry (Table 1).

Table 1. Vegetable production acreage and value in Florida.

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The objective of this publication is to provide updated information on crop cultivars, pesticide labels, and certain practices for vegetable production in Florida. Suggested practices are guidelines for growers to plan farm activities and are always subject to review using the latest scientific data available.

Web Links to Additional Information on Vegetable Production Topics

UF/IFAS Extension provides information through Ask IFAS, the Electronic Data Information Source (EDIS) found at https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu. Below is a partial list of EDIS articles pertaining to vegetable production for further information beyond the Vegetable Production Handbook of Florida.

Vegetable Crop Production

Complete Vegetable Production Handbook: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/CV292

Transplant Production: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/CV104

Introduction to Organic Crop Production: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/CV118

Value Added Agriculture: Is It Right for Me?: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/FE638

Farm to School: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_farm_to_school

Row Covers for Growth Enhancement: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/CV201

Fertility and Irrigation

Commercial Vegetable Fertilization Principles: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/CV009

Soil and Fertilizer Management for Vegetable Production in Florida: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/CV101

Controlled-Release and Slow-Release Fertilizers as Nutrient Management Tools: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/HS1255

Cover Crops: https://ufdcimages.uflib.ufl.edu/IR/00/00/37/15/00001/AA21700.pdf

Principles and Practices of Irrigation Management for Vegetables: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/CV107

Drip Irrigation in the BMP Era: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/HS172

Postharvest Quality and Handling Resources

UF/IFAS Postharvest Quality & Technology: https://irrec.ifas.ufl.edu/postharvest/

UF/IFAS EDIS (Electronic Data Information Source): https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_postharvest

Postharvest Technology: http://postharvest.ucdavis.edu

Marketing and Regulatory Resources

Florida Dept. of Agriculture & Consumer Services (FDACS): https://www.freshfromflorida.com/Divisions-Offices/Marketing-and-Development

US Grade Standards for Fruits and Vegetables: https://www.ams.usda.gov/standards

National Agricultural Statistics Service: https://www.nass.usda.gov/fl/

National Nutrient Database: https://www.ars.usda.gov

National Organic Program: https://www.ams.usda.gov/nop/indexIE.htm

Food Safety Resources

Food Safety on the Farm: An Overview of Good Agricultural Practices: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/FS135

The Food Safety Modernization Act and the FDA Facility Registration Program: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/FS231

UF/IFAS Food Safety: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_food_safety/

Good Agricultural Practices Training: http://www.gaps.cornell.edu/

CDC: Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases: https://www.cdc.gov/ncezid/dfwed/

FDA: US Food and Drug Administration: https://www.fda.gov/food/guidanceregulation/fsma/default.htm

Fumigation

Maximizing the Efficacy of Soil Fumigant Applications for Raised-Bed Plasticulture Systems in Florida: https://journals.flvc.org/edis/article/view/118553