Growing an edible garden in Golden Gate Estates Naples.
Growing an edible garden in Golden Gate Estates Naples can be quite a challenge. This is true because so many aspects of growing vegetables and herbs are different, sometimes even reversed from other locations.
For instance, the time of the year is completely opposite. Everywhere else it is spring, summer and fall; here in Golden Gate Estates Naples it is fall, winter and spring.
Also, most other locations have winter freezes that kill most pests and diseases. The few cold spells here in Golden Gate Estates Naples do little to eliminate these problems.
However, this does not mean that lots of pesticides are needed, just that good cultural practices must be incorporated into the gardening routines. Local Golden Gate Estates Naples soils need a lot of help if good yields are expected - probably more than most other areas of the country.
Despite all of these and other drawbacks, when done properly, and with some amount of work, the harvest will be just as good, and maybe even better, especially when the thoughts of a northern garden covered with ice and snow comes to mind.
It is important to choose the varieties that do well here in Golden Gate Estates Naples, or the results will be far less than optimum. The Fact Sheet SP103, Florida Vegetable Gardening Guide lists the varieties that do best in Florida, as well as listing other good information such as planting time, days to harvest, and brief information on fertilization, pest and disease control, spacing and some other good information. It is important to choose varieties that are disease- resistant also.
Most people who are serious about gardening in Golden Gate Estates Naples use raised beds, and are continuously amending the soil with organic matter as well as other helpful additives. It is best to sterilize the beds annually. This can be done with some degree of success using a natural means called solarization. This process is accomplished by covering the garden beds with clear plastic, and allowing the sun to heat up the bed for a period of six weeks or so. Naturally, the number of days that are full sun days will affect the outcome, so if there are periods of cloudy weather a longer time may be necessary. This process is also somewhat effective against nematodes as well as insects and diseases.
It is also important to fertilize adequately, including minor elements, and the pH of the soil will affect the amount of minor elements needed, so it is important to know the soil pH. The Collier County Extension service offers free pH testing, and additional soil testing can be done through the University of Florida for a nominal fee, the kits and forms for these tests are available through the Extension office also.
Most vegetables can be grown in Golden Gate Estates Naples, if the right time and methods are chosen.
Celebrate the holidays this Year in a new home! 
