Florida

Florida is well known for its thriving agriculture industry, which plays a significant role in both the state’s economy and the nation’s food supply. With its warm climate, rich soil, and long growing seasons, Florida is one of the top agricultural states in the U.S., producing a diverse range of crops and livestock. From citrus groves to cattle ranches, Florida’s farming industry supports thousands of jobs and contributes billions of dollars annually.

Agriculture is one of Florida’s most important industries, contributing billions annually to the state’s economy. The industry supports millions of jobs, including those in farming, food processing, transportation, and distribution. Florida is a key supplier of fresh produce to the U.S., particularly during the winter months when many other states cannot grow crops due to cold temperatures.

Dairy farming is another significant agricultural sector in Florida. The state’s dairy farms produce millions of gallons of milk annually, supplying dairy products to local and national markets. The majority of Florida’s dairy farms are located in the northern and central parts of the state.

Tag Archive for: Florida

Growing Potatoes in Your Florida Backyard: A Step-by-Step Guide

10/20/2025/in Florida Living, Homesteading/by Tim

If you’re dreaming of harvesting your own spuds right from your Florida backyard, you’re in for a treat! While Florida’s warm climate and sandy soils can make growing potatoes a bit tricky, it’s totally doable with the right know-how. Potatoes love cooler temps and fertile soil, so with some planning, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest. Here’s everything you need to know to grow potatoes in the Sunshine State, from planting to plate.

Conquer Health Chiropractic in St. John’s Florida

10/13/2025/in Let's Do Something/by Tim

Less than 5 years ago, I was running 5Ks and lifting weights. People would often mistake me for 10 years younger than I was. How did I become this fragile old man? In my early 40s, I was strong and lean. I had days that hurt, but they were not THIS bad. How did this slow and steady march into worse pain with virtually no activity sneak past me? No activity meant weight gain. Carrying more body weight meant more pain. Which caused me to slide further down. I started to feel ashamed of how I looked. Faith and I took fewer selfies together. When camera phones came out at social gatherings, I’d make a point to step out of photos or try to stand behind Faith. Looking at pictures of the man I was not all that long ago, versus what I’d become, led to depression and anxiety piling on top of my situation.

10 Positive changes for Life

09/22/2025/in Let's Do Something/by Tim

Your comeback will always trump your worst setback. In 2017, I was 41, a newfound bachelor, in poor health, addicted to tobacco, and drinking way more alcohol than I should’ve. My first marriage had come to an end, and I felt I had been thrown away. This post isn’t about the details of my first marriage or even the “if I had only…” kind of relationship advice. But simply to indicate a starting point for the positive changes, I used for my comeback.

Being an Urban Farmer

09/15/2025/in Farmer's Market, Florida Living, Homesteading/by Tim

Urban farming offers countless benefits: access to fresh, organic produce, reduced carbon footprints, and stronger community ties. In cities where green spaces are scarce, growing your own food can improve mental health, lower grocery bills, and contribute to food security. Plus, it’s a chance to reconnect with nature, even amidst skyscrapers.

Persimmons: Native Flavor, Southern Charm

08/25/2025/in Florida Living, Foodies, Homesteading/by Tim

Persimmon trees offer significant benefits to local ecosystems, attracting bees and other pollinators with their spring flowers and providing fall fruit that deer, birds, and small mammals enjoy. Their shade and vibrant fall color also make them an excellent addition to native plant gardens and food forests. When it comes to eating, persimmons—whether from wild American trees or cultivated Asian varieties—offer rich flavor and nutrients. The Fuyu type can be sliced and eaten raw like an apple or added to salads, while the Hachiya should be fully soft before being used in puddings, muffins, or smoothies. American persimmons are best when ripened on the tree or picked when jelly-soft, ideal for traditional Southern dishes like persimmon pudding or cookies. For storage, keep ripe persimmons in the fridge for up to a week, freeze the pulp for baking or smoothies, or dry slices into chewy, candy-like snacks.

5 Easy Crops Anyone Can Grow

08/18/2025/in Florida Living, Foodies, Homesteading/by Faith

Living in Jacksonville, Florida offers more than just beautiful beaches and bustling city life—it also provides a great climate for growing your own food right in your backyard. Whether you’re in a small bungalow in Riverside, a suburban home in Mandarin, or even an apartment with container space on the Southside, Jacksonville’s warm and humid subtropical climate makes it possible to grow a variety of crops with minimal fuss. Here are five easy crops that just about anyone can grow in their backyard garden (or even on a sunny patio) in Jacksonville.

Edible Flowers A Vibrant Addition to Your Garden

08/11/2025/in Florida Living, Foodies, Homesteading/by Tim

Cultivating edible flowers in Florida is a rewarding way to combine an abundant garden with culinary adventure. Thanks to the state’s warm, often humid climate and lengthy growing seasons, gardeners have the unique opportunity to grow a dazzling variety of blooms that aren’t just beautiful, but also safe to eat and delicious. Focusing on the process of growing these flowers highlights the joy and simplicity of turning your own backyard into a vibrant, edible landscape.

The ink has dried in this chapter of our journal

06/12/2025/in Florida Living, Homesteading, Let's Do Something/by Tim

Faith and I relocated from the Jacksonville area to rural Tallahassee, Florida in the fall of 2021. We worked jobs we thought were very boring and repetitive. The two of us wanted to chase a little more adventure and what we saw as an uncomplicated life. This drew us to an area known as the Big Bend part of the state. Average people can still buy a decent chunk of land in the state of Florida without being celebrity rich. We dreamt of starting a hobby farm where we would produce our own high-quality, real food. Be a little more self-sufficient and live a more outdoor, agricultural lifestyle as well.

Creating Your Dream Homestead Haven

02/16/2025/in Florida Living, Homesteading/by Jill

Retirement offers a unique opportunity to redefine your lifestyle, focusing on what truly brings you joy. For those passionate about homesteading, this phase of life can be the perfect time to cultivate a space that nurtures personal interests and family connections. By carefully considering your needs and aspirations, you can create a homestead that supports your hobbies and welcomes family gatherings. This thoughtful approach ensures a retirement filled with purpose and satisfaction, where personal fulfillment and family engagement coexist harmoniously.

Porterhouse Meat Market

12/14/2023/in Florida Living, Let's Do Something/by Tim

Walking into a small-town business like Porterhouse is always an experience. The door’s entrance bell dings when we walk in. A moment later, Fawzi stepped out from the back and with a sincere smile greeted us like friends. You just don’t get that in some random grocery store or even the specialty stores in bigger cities. We catch up from the last visit and make small talk for a while. Eventually, I made my way to the back of the store to check out his fresh cuts.