The Vegetable Industry

Our region benefits from mild climate and a long growing season, enabling Florida to be a national leader in Winter vegetables. Common vegetables include Bell Peppers, Cucumbers, Squash, Sweet Corn, Green Beans, Lettuce, Cabbage, Watermelons and others.

Throughout the region, labor shortages, hurricanes and flooding, disease risks and pressure from imports present challenges to the industry.

Within the industry, Drip Irrigation Systems are the most common followed by Overhead Sprinkler Systems. A third type, Seepage Irrigation, is less popular but used in Florida.

Drip Irrigation Systems are used for nearly all row vegetable crops (i.e., raised beds with plastic mulch). Common crops include tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, squash, melon and others. This system is highly water-efficient and ideal for precision management of water delivery. Furthermore, it reduces weed growth and given that foliage remains dry, reduces foliar disease.  

Overhead Sprinkler Irrigation Systems are less popular but a relevant and effective irrigation method. It employs portable or fixed traveling guns, center pivots and solid-set sprinklers. Common crops include sweet corn, leafy greens, beans and cole crops.

Lastly, Seepage Irrigation is recognized as an inefficient use of water and it’s use is limited to Florida. Groundwater levels are raised using a network of ditches and dikes, allowing water to seep into the adjoining root zones. Pumping and water table management controls how much water is provided. When used, sweet corn and leafy greens are the typical crops.