Chapter 1. Commercial Vegetable Production in Florida
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).
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
Pesticide Safety
Pesticide Provisions of the Florida Agricultural Worker Safety Act (FAWSA): https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/PI078
Pesticide Safety: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/CV108
Interpreting PPE Statements on Pesticide Labels: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/PI137
Honeybees and Pesticides: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IN1027
Pest Management
Vegetable IPM. Integrated Disease Management for Vegetable Crops: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/PP111
Florida Nematode Management Guide: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/entity/topic/nematode_management
Weed Management: https://journals.flvc.org/edis/article/view/115700
Insects in Vegetables: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_vegetable_pest_insects