Gardening in tropical climates can be a rewarding experience. The unique climate conditions can make it challenging to grow certain vegetables during the fall season. Let’s face it, the heat can be brutal and very unforgiving to some of our much-desired garden crops. This makes Fall a more comfortable time for gardening.
Some crops can also be high maintenance and very time consuming, which may not be ideal for the busy mom or businesswoman. However, there are several low-maintenance vegetables that thrive in these conditions and can bring a bountiful harvest to your backyard garden. In this blog post, we’ll explore 4 low-maintenance vegetables to grow in your tropical fall garden, along with tips to ensure your gardening venture is a success.
Okra:
Okra is a hardy, heat-tolerant vegetable that thrives in tropical climates. It’s perfect for a fall garden because it can withstand the warmth and humidity. Okra plants require little attention once established and produce abundant pods. Plant okra seeds or seedlings in well-draining soil and provide regular watering. Harvest time for okra is around 2 months. Just to be transparent, I am not a huge Okra fan, but I know lots of people who are, so if you’re a fan go ahead and get to planting or if you’re not like me, you can still plant a few and give away the harvest to people who love it! Sharing is caring!
Sweet Potatoes:
Sweet potatoes are well-suited to tropical fall gardens. They are low-maintenance, heat-tolerant, and can be grown with minimal effort. Plant sweet potato slips in loose soil, and they’ll thrive with minimal watering. Harvest these nutrient-rich tubers when the leaves start to yellow or after about 3-4 months. Remember to put them in a place that can accommodate their long vines which can grow up to 10 feet long. If you only have a small space, don’t worry, sweet potatoes grow well in pots and a trellis can be created using chicken wire or tree branches and twine, to allow the vine to grow upward to save space.
If you opt to grow sweet potatoes in pots or grow bags, make sure that it’s big enough to allow your crops to thrive, at least a 5-gallon size. Personally, I like plant pots or grow bags with opening around the sides to make harvesting easier. Who doesn’t like easier!
Malabar Spinach:
Malabar spinach, despite its name, is not a true spinach but a heat-loving green that’s ideal for tropical climates. It’s not as well-known as other spinach plants but this plant packs a nutrient punch with more than 3 times more vitamin C than spinach, calcium, potassium and iron. Malabar Spinach can be eaten raw in salads, stir-fried, or added to soups and curries. This vining plant is easy to grow and provides a steady supply of edible leaves throughout the fall. Plant it in a sunny spot, and it will flourish with moderate watering.
Harvest time is between 2 and a half to 3 months. This plant is extremely frost sensitive so to my readers that experience extreme cold climates, all hope is not lost. You can try growing indoors if you have a room that gets direct sunlight, and you can temperature control the environment to keep the plant warm. It may be worth a try!
Chilies and Peppers:
Chilies and peppers thrive in tropical climates. They are low-maintenance and can add some spice to your fall garden. Even if you can’t tolerate the ‘heat’ from the chili peppers, like me, they are still fun plants to grow and they can co-exist with other pepper varieties like California Wonder, Sweet Banana, Giant Marconi, Habanero to name a few. So, if you can’t eat the hot variety peppers, you can share them with your neighbors and friends.
Plant them in well-draining soil, ensure they receive plenty of sunlight, and water them consistently to promote fruiting. Harvest time for some varieties is as little as 60 days. It’s really satisfying to see your peppers bloom and cast an array of vibrant colors in your garden.
Gardening in a tropical climate during the fall season can be highly rewarding, especially when you choose low-maintenance vegetables that thrive in these conditions. Okra, sweet potatoes, Malabar spinach, chilies and peppers are just a few of the options available. With the right care and attention, your tropical fall garden can yield a bountiful harvest of fresh, delicious produce, all while requiring minimal effort.
So, get your hands dirty in the soil, then sip on some refreshing iced tea! I personally recommend chilled lemongrass tea! Enjoy your gardening journey and the flavors of the tropics right in your backyard!