[ricklowe]

I could also see a farmers market that would somehow help people in need. Just a thought.

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by ricklowe

I could also see a farmers market that would somehow help people in need. Just a thought.

What a great guy.

I can't see why golf cart accessible would be a great problem.

Good for you.

[kittygilchrist]

I'm over-celebrating. This is the OP's first post and look at how this thread took wings! Hil's one of our newbie singles and my neighbor in Gilchrist, and he is teaching me some things about raw and organic nutrition. I hope the offer of a plot works out..totally awesome, RickLowe!

[KathieI]

Originally Posted by ricklowe

I could also see a farmers market that would somehow help people in need. Just a thought.

Rick, are you the farmer that has "pick your own tomatoes" in early summer? It was near the Walmart on 466. I heard that was a fantastic thing, many of my local friends went there and picked a bunch of delicious tomatoes.

Nice thing for you to offer us, I'd like it would be interested. I did a lot of gardening while in Los Angeles, and it was very challenging to have it be totally organic with all the bugs and stuff that happen in warm climate areas. Florida is also very wet and humid and I'm not sure what problems that would entail. Thanks again for your offer.

[kittygilchrist]

bump

[ricklowe]

no, my place is on 301 less than a mile from buffalo ridge Walmart to the South of 466. I've talked to several produce markets over the last 6 months regarding opening a new location. I've had special events there over the years with thousands attending. Next year i'll be hosting food and wine events as well I think having TV residence growing organic produce fall directly in line with my future plans i'd love to not only use some of the property for this purpose but help manage it as well!

[Happydaz]

Rick that is a wonderful idea to offer some land for gardening. You certainly got me thinking. I am new to vegetable gardening in Florida. I have a lot of learning to do. I could see growing lettuce, radishes, cabbage, broccoli, etc., in the fall and winter. Summer seems problematic as the tomatoes we grew up north didn't set fruit when the temperatures got up high in the nineties. Maybe you know of varieties that can grow here successfully in the summer. A plot around 10 by 10 feet would be good for me. I am still entertaining thoughts on this. We will have to see what others think.

[KathieI]

Originally Posted by Happydaz

Rick that is a wonderful idea to offer some land for gardening. You certainly got me thinking. I am new to vegetable gardening in Florida. I have a lot of learning to do. I could see growing lettuce, radishes, cabbage, broccoli, etc., in the fall and winter. Summer seems problematic as the tomatoes we grew up north didn't set fruit when the temperatures got up high in the nineties. Maybe you know of varieties that can grow here successfully in the summer. A plot around 10 by 10 feet would be good for me. I am still entertaining thoughts on this. We will have to see what others think.

I'm in too.. Love the idea. My only disappointment with my house is that I can't have my garden, this is the 2nd best thing to it. Thanks Rick.

Happy, we could never grow the wonderful New Jersey or Long Island tomatoes in SoCal. We had good ones, but not as good. But I did have tomatoes at Christmas, so that made up for it. LOL.

[Love2Swim]

Rick that is a wonderful offer. My spouse and I are going to check out your place!...thank you so much. With our small lot size, and deed restrictions, we have done a little container gardening and that's about it. It would be wonderful to be able to put some veggies in the ground like we did up north. I'm sure the seasons are different here, and we need to learn about all the Florida bugs and pests and so on, but we're up for the challenge!

[ricklowe]

The more that participate the easier it will be to make a realty the land and irrigation are only a small part of the pie. I have a tractor that we could use for some of the preparation for outdoor planting, there are some master gardeners in the villages and the university of Florida has approached me in the past. I'm going to reach out to them again to see what they think.

[KathieI]

Originally Posted by ricklowe

The more that participate the easier it will be to make a realty the land and irrigation are only a small part of the pie. I have a tractor that we could use for some of the preparation for outdoor planting, there are some master gardeners in the villages and the university of Florida has approached me in the past. I'm going to reach out to them again to see what they think.

Our thanks to you for doing all this for us!! You're a good man!!!

[kittygilchrist]

Originally Posted by ricklowe

The more that participate the easier it will be to make a realty the land and irrigation are only a small part of the pie. I have a tractor that we could use for some of the preparation for outdoor planting, there are some master gardeners in the villages and the university of Florida has approached me in the past. I'm going to reach out to them again to see what they think.

Rick, I'm a Gainesville transplant and you are so on target with ifas...they have most everything we need except for the land and hands on mgt, which by some grace of God you are offering. Hil is my friend, so I know his vision comes from a passion for great food and nutrition.
Where does your passion for doing this come from?
Kitty

[Captainhil]

Originally Posted by ricklowe

I have a garden center on 301 and 466, i'd be interested in helping. I have a total 13 acres and would be willing to host events as well as allow sections to be used for organic gardening. the property is irrigated and ready for your suggestions!

Thank you so much for your help and interest.
I was in Leiden (Holland) last summer and saw thousands of gorgeous Community gardens. I know that we can do something beautiful here too.
With the help and advice of local Master Gardeners,it is possible to raise food organically here. I have seen it in Vero Beach ,Florida where the quality of the earth is not as rich as it is here.
What I think is needed is to establish an organizational meeting with all the people concerned and interested so we can learn the best ways to approach this.
Thank you again.

[ricklowe]

Kitty, Thank you for asking I grew up splitting time between my mother in Fort Lauderdale and my father in Naples, Port Charlotte and Wildwood, my summers from the age 9 to 19 were spent working in my dads produce market and garden center as well as picking fresh produce along side migrant workers (I learned to appreciate hard work and how some of the most simple things in life brought the most joy)

After I graduated I started my own business worked hard and by gods grace was able to see it in 2006 and simi retire. I purchased the land on 301 in 2003 as an investment but decided to build a garden center with my Brother Bobby. My brother currently runs the day to day operations he's really very talented and a pleasure for me to work with.

I currently live in Fort Lauderdale with my wife and our three boys 5,7 and 8 years old so we have our hands full! lol.. It's funny you know when I ask them if they'd rather go to Disney or my Garden center they always choose the garden center! I'm happy and proud to say they share my passion! Again, thank you for asking!

[ricklowe]

Hil, I think that's a wonderful idea. I've spoken to my brother and he couldn't be more excited let me know when you'd like to meet and we can start conceptualizing. As I stated before the more involved the better. I'll be in town next Tuesday but my brother in always on site so just let us know what's convenient.

I left a message for Jim Davis
Master Gardener/Florida Master Naturalist Coordinator for the University of Florida to contact me tomorrow to see what suggestions he may have regarding this project. i'll keep you informed.