Can I still have a vegetable garden?

[Beth P]

If we move to TV I would really miss my veggie garden. I didnt see ANY when we visited. I heard something about a community garden? Can anyone tell me how this works and where it is?

[uprivergirl]

I was thinking the same thing. We visit in May so I as going to ask but maybe we will get some answers here. Everyone is always so helpful

[Richard1366]

There is a community garden behind the Villages wood shop on Rolling Acres Road....however it is used to furnish food to the needy. Lots of people plant tomatoes, etc in their flower beds or containers.

[redwitch]

Sadly, gardens are pretty much prohibited although some do manage to have one because they have neighbors who don't complain. Of course, if you purchase a courtyard villa, you can pretty much plant what you want (so long as it doesn't grow higher than the wall). The community garden grows food for local food banks, not for individuals. So, if the goal is just to dig in the dirt, the community garden is a great thing. If the goal is to grow your veggies, afraid you might have problems.

I'm sure someone will come along with more details.

[Bonanza]

If we move to TV I would really miss my veggie garden. I didnt see ANY when we visited. I heard something about a community garden? Can anyone tell me how this works and where it is?

A huge vegetable garden would be difficult,
however, many people do plant a few things.

Did you find a house or floor plan that would work
so that you can obtain your Mission look?

I think that needs to come first --
well before your garden, no???

[gomoho]

My backyard neighbor has a small garden up against the side of his home in the rear. He keeps it nicely cared for and shares his bounty. We are all friends and more than tolerant of each other's likes and dislikes. And I really enjoy watching the rabbits try to outsmart him!

[JP]

I think you could try to grow a garden if your neighbors didn't object but I think with all the critters, bugs and climate it wouldn't be an easy thing.
Just go to the farmers markets. Reasonable priced veggies that are terrific.

[OldManTime]

I believe in the Lady Lake/Lake county portion of the Villagers, you may have a garden.

[Beth P]

A huge vegetable garden would be difficult,
however, many people do plant a few things.

Did you find a house or floor plan that would work
so that you can obtain your Mission look?

I think that needs to come first --
well before your garden, no???

Indeed, the house comes first! We are hoping for a new stretch Gardenia and then will add hardwoods, molding and some beadboard in places. We can't move until next Spring when we will both be retired. The planning ahead and dreaming is fun though. Thanks for asking.

[Beth P]

My backyard neighbor has a small garden up against the side of his home in the rear. He keeps it nicely cared for and shares his bounty. We are all friends and more than tolerant of each other's likes and dislikes. And I really enjoy watching the rabbits try to outsmart him!

Darn those rabbits! I have developed a new understanding of farmer McGregor in the past several years as I battle them here in Georgia as well!

[Beth P]

I think you could try to grow a garden if your neighbors didn't object but I think with all the critters, bugs and climate it wouldn't be an easy thing.
Just go to the farmers markets. Reasonable priced veggies that are terrific.

There's just something satisfying about eating what you grow. It's a hobby, not a necessity. Plenty of fresh veggies here too.

[8notes]

I believe vertical gardens, like the hydroponic systems, are allowed, if you keep them under the roof line. I've seen a few of those up against houses on the golf courses.

[kittygilchrist]

Beth,
There is a master gardener class held here each year.
http://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/mastergardener/
Several clubs for gardeners of various ilk. Master Gardeners are volunteers with extensive training who hold plant clinics and disseminate research based advice on growing in this region.
There are other community gardens besides the one mentioned...

Many yards, like mine, are tiny. Some in the north are more spacious. On one of those, one could shield the garden from view with ornamental shrubs. On mine, I'll have container herbs in the birdcage and ask neighbors to allow overhanging fruit trees. You should find many unexpected ways to express your love for growing things without incurring disapproval.

[NotGolfer]

I know of folks who grow vegetables here in their backyards. Just spoke with a gentleman last week who said they have one. IF it's done tastefully, I think you may have them. You will need to find out when it's best to plant the various kinds as our summer heat can be brutal to some.

[champion6]

I have a 4'x8' raised bed garden in my back yard - privacy behind me. Raised bed is the way to go because the soil is terrible. I also have 24" chicken wire around it to keep the four-legged critters out.

[scarecrow1]

I have a 4'x8' raised bed garden in my back yard - privacy behind me. Raised bed is the way to go because the soil is terrible. I also have 24" chicken wire around it to keep the four-legged critters out.

And there lies why you can't have a garden. Who wants to be looking at chicken wire next door to them. I think it's not very neighborly. What if you wanted to sell your home and had that next to you. I say if you don't want to go by the rules then don't live here. Read them before you buy a house here.

[rhood]

Is it stated anywhere that you can't have a garden? Nothing I could see in our covenants.

[Blessed2BNTV]

I believe vertical gardens, like the hydroponic systems, are allowed, if you keep them under the roof line. I've seen a few of those up against houses on the golf courses.

I have been very interested in these types of gardens. I've seen them sold at Brownwood.

Anyone have success with the hydroponic systems?

[Bogie Shooter]

Is it stated anywhere that you can't have a garden? Nothing I could see in our covenants.

No fences.

[gomoho]

Don't like what your neighbor is doing - call and report. Not your neighbor and not affecting you directly - get over it. Don't be a busy body.

[Bonanza]

There's just something satisfying about eating what you grow. It's a hobby, not a necessity. Plenty of fresh veggies here too.

I really don't think you will have a problem.
You aren't talking about a farm!
My neighbor has many herbs which are as pretty as annuals, tomatoes, etc.
Plant a citrus tree; who could object???

P.S. Good luck in finding the right Gardenia!

[Barefoot]

My backyard neighbor has a small garden up against the side of his home in the rear. He keeps it nicely cared for and shares his bounty. We are all friends and more than tolerant of each other's likes and dislikes. And I really enjoy watching the rabbits try to outsmart him!


Don't like what your neighbor is doing - call and report. Not your neighbor and not affecting you directly - get over it. Don't be a busy body.

Gomoho says it well.
In most neighborhoods, people are very respectful of each other.
Unfortunately, the blatant exceptions are what we tend to hear about here.
I think that most neighbors cooperate enthusiastically so that all can enjoy the environment.

[gomoho]

Gomoho says it well.
In most neighborhoods, people are very respectful of each other.
Unfortunately, the blatant exceptions are what we tend to hear about here.
I think that most neighbors cooperate enthusiastically so that all can enjoy the environment.

Thank you Barefoot - I really am of the "live and let live" mentality.

[nitehawk]

produce will not taste like the produce grown up north --- different soil --- we have sand - not that rich black top soil --- tomatoes --- No Taste

[mulligan]

I have read and re-read my deed restrictions, and I cannot find any restriction against vegetable gardens. Does anyone actually have this on paper ?

[NotGolfer]

There have been articles in The Daily Sun re: folks having gardens in their back-yards. On Saturday there's a featured section re: gardening and decorating. As someone else on this thread stated....the veggies don't taste quite like they did "up north", here. But I say go for it then report how it's been going for you here! Your neighbors won't object...they'll probably "hint" at wanting some of your abundance.

[senior citizen]

I have been very interested in these types of gardens. I've seen them sold at Brownwood.

Anyone have success with the hydroponic systems?


Not in The Villages, but elsewhere. Many of our friends and relatives who have arthritis , knee issues and so forth.....just LOVE their hydroponic systems. Their bounty is plentiful with minimal work.

Everyone we know gets so much joy out of growing their own produce without harmful sprays, toxins, etc.

As another mentioned, check to see which season is the best in Florida. Up here, we don't plant until after Memorial Day, unless it's a cold weather crop.

My husband's uncle in Brooksville Florida had a huge garden in his backyard, something he continued from his days in Parsippany, New Jersey.......they had a bountiful end result which his wife would blanch and freeze (that which they could not use immediately). Each meal time, she served two healthy veggies; they both lived to a ripe old age, in their 90's

Not sure, but I would think that depending on your location, you "might" (not sure now) be able to use the hydroponic system on your lanai or birdcage/screened room.........

It would solve the problem of poor soil in Florida. Yes, you could go to a farmer's market, but truthfully, there is nothing quite like stepping outside and plucking your own ripe tomato as needed. We all tend to overbuy at those farmer's markets and then it goes to waste before being used.

Best wishes for a bountiful harvest. Personally I do not see a problem as to upsetting people. Gardens don't make noise after all.

[senior citizen]

I have a 4'x8' raised bed garden in my back yard - privacy behind me. Raised bed is the way to go because the soil is terrible. I also have 24" chicken wire around it to keep the four-legged critters out.


Good idea with the chicken wire. When we had our "victory garden" on the ground......on a hillside, no less.......the assortment of "critters" like groundhogs , skunks, deer, rabbits, you name it, came to feast. An elderly neighbor had warned us that we would never be able to grow anything to completion. He was right. We were running a "veggie supermarket" for all the nocturnal critters, especially the deer families.

[Bogie Shooter]

Good idea with the chicken wire. When we had our "victory garden" on the ground......on a hillside, no less.......the assortment of "critters" like groundhogs , skunks, deer, rabbits, you name it, came to feast. An elderly neighbor had warned us that we would never be able to grow anything to completion. He was right. We were running a "veggie supermarket" for all the nocturnal critters, especially the deer families.

And so nice to look at from next door......not. This is not Vermont.

[Snowbirdtobe]

Check with a Master Gardener and call the county extension service for information. In the older sections of TV the lots are larger.
My lot is 9000 sq ft and the lot next door is 13000 sq feet. You could put up a large pool sized screen structure and put almost anything inside it. Many vegetable plants would thrive under some shade from the Florida sun.
You could have a few truck loads of compost dumped in your screen structure and even get away with a greenhouse inside the screen structure.
If you find a home that already has a pool you could just fill it in with compost, start planting and plumb the solar heat to warm your greenhouse during the winter.

[Barefoot]

Quote:
Originally Posted by senior citizen
Good idea with the chicken wire.

From Bogie:
And so nice to look at from next door......not. This is not Vermont.
__________________

I agree with Bogie, chicken wire would not be a pretty sight.
However a hedge around the garden might not offend.

We have a lot of bunnies in our area.
I would probably only do container gardening inside our birdcage.