Wendy's Wanderings
July 9, 2019
Growing Freedom and Tomatoes
Most gardeners that I know grow at least a few vegetable plants, fruit trees, and herbs in their yard. Some have raised-bed gardens, small fruit tree plantings, or they slip a few edibles into a perennial bed. Others have full blown mini-farms in their yards that are in max production through each growing season.
For many years these edible growing activities have been relegated to the back yard, or sidelined over by the AC unit because vegetable gardens just weren't allowed up front. Never mind if the sunniest part of your yard was by the front walk — edible plants had to be grown in the backyard according to most Florida municipalities' regulations.
A Miami Shores couple has been fighting for their right to vegetable garden in their front yard since 2013. They, along with their attorney from the Institute of Justice, as well as other gardeners, moved to change the Florida law.
Finally, with the sponsorship of Florida Senator Rob Bradley from Fleming Island, this year the residential edible gardening bill passed the House and Senate chambers and was signed into law by Govenor Ron DeSantis. The goal of the law is to allow for the development of sustainable cultivation of vegetables and fruits at all levels of production, including personal consumption.
The law went in to effect July 1st of 2019. The statute (Florida Statute 604.71) prohibits local governments from regulating vegetable gardens on residential properties. So if the sun is in your front yard and you have well-drained soil there, you can plant your kale, potatoes, tomatoes, squash, peppers, lettuce, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, cucumbers, and all the wholesome vegetables you would like.
And since your neighbors are going to know what you are up to, plant enough veggies and fruit to share and hopefully spread the gardening bug throughout your neighborhood. HOA disclaimer: your homeowners or condo association rules still apply, so always check before you start plowing.
-- Wendy Wilber