West Pasco Urban Farm Report
The One & Only Farm Report for Urban Growers on the Pasco’s Gulf Coast
November 17, 2025
New Port Richey FarmNet
Committed to a healthy community, food sovereignty, and agrarian ideals
FarmNet hosts dinner and gala celebrating Grand Gardens’ 10th anniversary
November 20, 2025, 6:00 p.m.
Seating is limited with a suggested donation to hold a seat. Sponsorship of the dinner and gala is welcome. Event contingent on community support and donations. Contact us if you are interested and to receive information on sponsorship, reservations, donations, and location. Zborek ajozborek@gmail.com deChant ddechant@tampabay.rr.com
Dry Season Continues
Polar Vortex passes without disturbance
Above normal temperatures return
No rain
Weather Report
After last week’s polar vortex, we return to above normal temperatures this week, and once again no rain.
The vortex’s arrival was quick and sudden, and gone within a day – a flash flood of cold air. Being on the southern edge of the vortex, we missed the coldest temperatures. None the less, we experienced unseasonal cold. Some record lows were recorded in the area. East Madison Gardens reached a low of 33 degrees.
This week will be quite different. We will continue the warming trend started at the end of last week; and get even warmer as the week progresses.
Do not expect any rain. It will be very dry, all week.
Historical average (“normal”) high temperature is now 79. By the start of next week, the historical average high will be 77. Historical average (“normal”) low is 60 and will drop to 59 by the end of the week. We will be warmer than normal for highs and lows every day.
Average (normal) rainfall has now leveled out at dry season norm. For this week, average rain is .05.
As we’ve been reporting since September, we are now well into the dry season, which will last until mid-June 2026. From here on out (until next June) rain will be a consequence of fronts and (until November) tropical systems. Any rain we receive is welcome. Last week’s vortex front did bring a little rain – about ½ an inch at our experimental gardens.
See this site (still available) for daily historical normal temperatures for each month of the year.
https://www.weather.gov/tbw/tampabayoriginalclimatepage
As we move further into fall and prepare for winter, the only rain we receive will be from fronts – cold fronts as they move south and then return as warm fronts.
Climate and Temperature Notes: The average/normal high is now 79. The long summer run of 90-degree average highs is over, and we will likely not reach the 90s again until spring. The 90-degree run of average highs extends from late May to mid-September – and lately into October.
Historically, average lows are now moving into the 50s.
Historical average for week: High, upper 70s; Low, upper 50s
Forecast: Above normal for highs and lows. Mild and very dry.
Rain: Well into the dry season. No rain this week.
Regenerative Bed Preparation We will run this message about bed preparation through the end of the month.
Before planting for fall and winter, give time to regenerative work. Leave spent plants on the site (cut stems at the base, leave the roots), chop up and otherwise dismember the spent plants as finely as possible, add cullings from other beds, layer manures (green and brown) over the cullings, add compost, then organic soil, and finish with a layer of mulch. Some growers use seaweed harvested from local shores as compost/manure. If seaweed is used, wash with fresh water, let it dry, turn it at least one, wash/rinse again.
For new beds and first or second season beds, the full routine in best. Going forward, in our experience the first step (chopping up spent plants) and the final step (layering on new mulch) are sufficient. They are the very most important. If a regenerative model has been followed, that may be all you need to do. Of course, the more local organic material that can be added, the better.
November’s best crops are tomatoes, peppers, and (if we can get something close to normal fall temperature declines) cucumbers. Cucumbers will sprout quickly and grow fast, but they do not like the heat. Low 80 are best for them. Radishes and turnips are also good choices for the fall – and will do well into winter. As noted previously, we are making a commitment to silk melons (luffa), and we’ll how they do as we drift deeper into fall.
Dragon tongue beans are also a good choice. Most of the dragons we planted have struggled, but a planting in one our residential beds is thriving and flowering. Our new planting is up and seedlings are strong.
Now that cool fronts are arriving, winter crops can be planted. Start seedlings or start more seedlings. This is the ideal time to start winter crops – outside in the sun. Growers in NurseryNet, have had good success with collards, kale, and bok choy.
Temperatures are now back into the 80s, so those cool weather crops will need irrigation. It is very likely that above normal temperatures will continue. Well, of course, that’s what global heating is all about. So, look for 80s into December, and lows in the 60s – 5-10 degrees above normal.
If you are setup to start seeds inside under grow lights and the space is relatively cool, try starting winter vegetables now. Try outside, too, but be aware of the dry hot conditions that may stress, weaken, and even kill the seedlings. Try brassicas and lettuces.
It is cool enough for open sowing. Of course, keep starting seeds in cells. All fall-transitional crops noted above can also succeed in the fall and into the winter, if temperatures remain mild. Tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers will not survive a freeze.
As we move deeper into fall, cool-weather crops will begin to thrive. The cold will speed their maturation. The best story of the fall for FarmNet is the strong sweet potato harvest. At beds in the FarmNet network, we’ve harvested about 500 pounds so far – with several more beds to go. We will harvest the last beds this week, in preparation for the Sweet Potato Festival (November 22). This is the best sweet potato harvest in two years.
Harvest
If you are saving seeds, check spent plants for dry pods and shells. If the pods and shells rattle when shaken, they will have seeds for your personal seed bank – for next year.
Transitional & Early Fall Harvests
Arugula If you are using our seeds, you should have some nice heads by now.
Brassicas Regenerative growers will see various young brassicas sprouting in areas where their parents grew last year. Some will likely have harvestable leaves – e.g., in our gardens: mustard greens and Asian blue collards. Our brassicas seedlings are still smallish, but some that sprouted in previous beds are large enough for harvest.
Cucumbers May now be recovering from heat and too many hungry insects. Check plants now. May have to compost current crop if weakening due to heat and predation. Those is our gardens are flowering.
Dragon Tongue Beans. Check for pods. Early plantings should have them – as is the case for some in the network.
Luffa/ Silk Melon check vines for continued fruiting – as they are from several in the network. Fruiting does appear to be slowing.
Peppers Some may be ripe.
Pigeon Peas – Watch for flowers, leading to pods soon. We are observing buds on most pigeon peas in our newwork.
Sweet Potatoes Time for harvests. Check your planting dates. The earliest spuds are ready 90 days (3 months) from planting. If planted in July, they should be ready now. August would have been a late planting, and if planted then, check toward the end of the month.
Tomatoes Some fruit may be ripe. Our tomatoes started coming in two weeks ago.
Starts
Transitional Crops
For November, transitional crops are recommended, and first winter crops suggested.
Arugula– An excellent choice, especially if using FarmNet seeds. Will take a freeze. Keep planting though the fall.
Carots – Now is the time!
Collards, Sothern – Start now. We have started seedlings, which have germinated but are struggling. Others in Nursery Net have done quite well.
Collards, Asian Blue (“Peking Ta Ching Kou Pai Tsai”) – Our Asian Blue Collards are thriving – a fall success story. Those in the regenerative beds are springing up with vigor and interest in life. Good acclimation to the Florida Springs Coast climate and ecosystem. If using FarmNet seeds, these collards will likely outperform all other brassicas, in both speed of development and harvest volume.
Asian Blues are emerging as a preferred crop for the Springs Coast foodshed and among the most valuable food sovereignty crops for regenerative urban farming – certainly in and around New Port Richey.
Cucumbers – a tricky favorite. Reliable choice, if not too cold and not too hot. Will fail in a freeze. Watch for pickle worms.
Dragon Tongue Beans – a good bean for fall. May take a light frost.
Luffa/ Silk Melon – excellent as a nutritious addition to many recipes, raw, or juiced – or dry out as a sponge. Freezes are fatal. Can take lows in the 50s and maybe as low as 40. We are watching our large sample plantings.
Mustard Greens – Like our Asian Blue Collards, our mustard seeds are sprouting nicely and those in the regenerative beds are springing up with vigor and interest in life. It is early, but our seeds are revealing good acclimation to the Florida Springs Coast climate and ecosystem.
Mustards are right behind Asian Blues in the preferred crop listing for the Springs Coast foodshed. Like the Blues, they are a very valuable food sovereignty crops for regenerative urban farming – certainly in and around New Port Richey.
Of all the brassicas, Mustards are the most uncomfortable in higher temperatures. We are growing in shade and partial shade, where they are thriving. Try that strategy in your beds.
Pigeon Peas – good choice for fall and going forward, will survive for a year or more if no freezes
Peppers – Bell peppers are recommended., but a bit fussy. Slow to germinate. Does not like 90 degree temperatures on the one hand and does not it too cool, either. Freeze will kill.
Radishes – Good choci now .
Tomatoes – We recommend smaller varieties: cherry and plum sized. Try “Mexico Midgets.” Try our seedlings: Madison Minis – our multigenerational variation on Mexico Midgets. Freeze will kill.
Turnips – Same note as with radishes. Good choice now.
Winter crops
Note: All transitional crops noted above can be maintained into winter, although cucumbers, tomatoes, and peppers will do better if the winter is mild.
November is the earliest safe time to plant winter gardens.
Winter crops can be started inside in climatized cool space, with grow lights. You can also start them outside in cells or open sow. Be advised, it is very dry and still may get very hot. Will need daily irrigation – maybe twice a day.
Recommendations for late-fall and winter starts. Best Bets:
Arugula
Carrots
Any Brassicas, especially those noted here:
Broccoli
Collards
Kale
“Butterfly Weed” for Monarchs ~ A FarmNet Community Agroecological Initiative
Milkweed Regeneration & Monarch Restoration Project
Become a Milkweed Shepherd
Update: Seedlings have slowed in their growth, and some have withered or become dormant. We will continue to plant a sample every week, monitor germination and growth. So far, all seeds are germinating, but as noted, growth is slowing or ceasing entirely.
FarmNet is offering “Butterfly Weed” (Asclepias tuberosa) seeds to all who are willing to join this Ecological Project and inviting everyone to become Milkweed Shepherds. As many know, New Port Richey is recognized as a Monarch City, USA, and we are promoting the propagation and installation of native milkweed to support restoration of this imperiled creature. See this short clip on our commitment to the Monarchs: New Port Richey celebrating its role in protecting Monarch butterflies http//www.abcactionnews.com/news/local-news/new-port-richey-celebrating-its-role-in-protecting-monarch-butterflies
In conjunction with and to complement FarmNet’s Milkweed Regeneration and Monarch Restoration Project, here is a site with information about Florida milkweeds, which features our own Butterfly weed, Asclepias Tuberosa!
https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/ornamentals/milkweed/#:~:text=Butterflyweed%2C%20Asclepias%20tuberosa%2C%20is%20one,USDA%20Hardiness%20Zones%203%2D10a
Excerpt:
Asclepias Tuberosa sports attractive, bright blooms and is very hardy. For these reasons it is frequently stocked in nurseries around the state. Butterflyweed grows as a perennial in USDA Hardiness Zones 3-10a. From late summer through early fall it produces orange or yellow flowers. A. tuberosa’s vibrant colors make it attractive to a number of pollinators.
Milkweed Shepherds We are offering the seeds to any who are willing to join the project. We will share a small selection of seeds (about 10 or so), with anyone willing to plant them, monitor their growth, and report. We will also share planting cells and soil with folks who volunteer to be Milkweed Shepherds, with the provision that when seedlings are established, they are returned to FarmNet. The Milkweed Shepherd, when receives another set of seeds, cells, and soil, and begins the process again. If you would like to join this effort write to us for the gift and details on the project.
New Port Richey FarmNet together with the City’s Environmental Committee organizes the City’s Monarch Festival every spring. Our Milkweed Regeneration and Monarch Restoration Project will enhance the festival, adding more locally acclimated milkweed to the annual plants to the annual sharing feature of the festival – and further encouraging everyone in the community to plant more milkweed.
So far, our Milkweed Regeneration and Monarch Restoration Project has been successful – all seeds have all germinated. We have young plants from June, July, August, and September. So far, so good!
Here is some more good news on the project: Our first Milkweed Shepherds have returned nicely developed seedlings to our nursery. In return, the shepherds receive more seeds and planting cells, to start another family.
If you desire seeds and seedlings (including the milkweed seeds for our experiment), contact us through the FarmNet web site, and join our mailing list for the Seed & Seedling Project. Go to https://farmnetnpr.com/
Loquat Update and Festival: The loquats are budding and flowering; and first fruitlings are appearing now. The Loquat Festival is in the Spring. If you have Loquat trees, take time to observe the maturing process, from June through April: from bud to flower, to fruitling to green fruit, and finally ripe (orange and yellow) fruit as early as January, and in abundance by March.
FarmNet Food Sovereignty Program Loquats were the first fruit in FarmNet’s Food Sovereignty Program. We added mangos this year, but did not get any contributions. Although unsuccessful with Mangos, we will try again next year. So, stay tuned and tell others.
On the other hand, we were delighted to add avocados to Food Sovereignty Program this year, receiving over 100 to distribute. We’ll look for more fruits and vegetables as the seasons roll along and this good story continues to be told in the community.
Here’s how the Food Sovereignty Program works: FarmNet welcomes opportunity to harvest from trees in the community when given permission by property owners. Harvests are distributed in the FarmNet system: for donation at farmers’ markets, through our CSAs, as gifts and shares when requested from those with limited resources, and at market rates to retailers and restaurants.
FarmNet is a local resource to harvest, share, and distribute seasonal produce (especially fruit), which otherwise would be lost. So, if you or those in your circle have too much of any fruit or vegetable for personal use or simply want to share your abundance with others, we will pick up your offerings and even harvest for you. Please let us know of your interest in FarmNet Food Sovereignty Program and what produce you’d like to share. Fruit is probably the easiest to share for the program.
Currently we are on the watch for seasonal donations of loquats in the spring, mangos in the late summer, and avocados in late summer and early fall. We will also welcome conations of large quantities of seasonal vegetables.
Loquat harvests will begin as early as February and continue through early April. So, watch your trees in the coming months. Mango harvest begins in the summer – as early as June and definitely by July and August. Avocados follow mangos, moving into the late summer and early fall.
Nursery Notes
If you desire seeds and seedlings, contact us through FarmNet web site, and join our mailing list for the Seed & Seedling Project. Contact us if you are interested and to receive information on seeds and seedlings from our nursery: Zborek ajozborek@gmail.com deChant ddechant@tampabay.rr.com
Also, try https://farmnetnpr.com/
Contact FarmNetto Get those Asian Blue Collards and Mustard Greens noted in this week’s report.
If you are looking for seeds and seedlings for local growing, FarmNet is the place to go. FarmNet features organic heirloom seeds from Seed Savers Exchange, and the FarmNet seed bank. FarmNet’s seed bank has the largest collection of local seeds in Pasco County, with over 30 different seeds with local genealogies dating back at least 10 years and some as long as 25 years
Seedlings are also available. If you desire seeds and seedlings, contact us through FarmNet web site, and join our mailing list for the Seed & Seedling Project. Contact us if you are interested and to receive information on seeds and seedlings from our nursery: Zborek ajozborek@gmail.com deChant ddechant@tampabay.rr.com Also, try https://farmnetnpr.com/
Market News The next FarmNet Evening Market at Plants and Pints is November 18 (11/18).
Mark your calendar: FarmNet will have fresh local produce at Plants & Pints, at Ordinance One, in downtown New Port Richey, on Tuesday November 18, 5:30 to 7:30.
In the meantime, CSA shareholders can pick up shares at the homestead every Tuesday evening. If you are interested in acquiring a share contact us through the FarmNet website https://farmnetnpr.com/
Weekly shares and single items are also available.
FarmNet also has a table at Tasty Tuesday – Tuesday mornings at the New Port Richey Public Library. Look for Amanda Zborek.
Wright’s Famers’ Market has started. See FarmNet tent in front of Wright’s Market on Main Street in downtown New Port Richey: Every 2nd and 4th Sunday through May.
Event News 10th Anniversary of Grand Gardens and annual Sweet Potato Roundup.
Sweet Potato Roundup November 22, 2025, 11:00 a.m.
New Port Richey Public Library
The Sweet Potato Roundup features organic sweet potatoes, offered by New Port Richey FarmNet farmers and gardeners and other local growers. We will have tastings of sweet potato dishes and treats, including those available for sale by local chefs and home-kitchen artisans.
Special related events
Sweet Potato Walk, November 17, 10:00. New Port Richey Library
Grand Gardens 10th anniversary dinner and gala, November 20, 6:00 p.m.
Grand Gardens 10th anniversary celebration & rededication, November 23, 11:00 a.m.
Join our CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) Program
If you are interested in acquiring a CSA share, contact us at https://farmnetnpr.com/ We’ll give you a day and time to pick them up.
Costs of annual shares are very modest compared with other CSAs.
Weekly, monthly, and quarterly shares are also available. Suggested donations:
Weekly $10 one item, $20 any four, $30 five or more.
Monthly (full share, 4 weeks): $70
Quarterly (full share): $180
Half Year (5 months) $250
Annual Share $400
If you would like to acquire local seeds and seedlings, send a message to New Port Richey FarmNet on Facebook and ask to be added to our mailing list.
Our project is supported through donations. This report and all other FarmNet programs and publications are funded through good-will contributions shared by supporters and those who find benefit in regenerative, sustainable community-based initiatives such as these. Contributions are tax-deductible and most welcome.
Send check or money order to:
FarmNet
PO Box 596
New Port Richey
Florida 34656-0596
FarmNet has a table at Tasty Tuesday. Look for Amanda Zborek, who can share further details and information on the mission and vision of New Port Richey FarmNet mission, including our programs, events, and service opportunities.
To send a message to New Port Richey FarmNet, see FarmNet on Facebook or the “contact us” link on the webpage
https://farmnetnpr.com/contact-us
https://www.facebook.com/NPRFARMNET/about
FarmNet and Friendship Farms are registered branches of Ecology Florida, Inc., a not–for–profit organization, with 501(c)(3) designation. Contributions are tax deductible under section 107 of the Internal Revenue Code.
Ecology Florida is a registered charitable organization in the state of Florida. Registration number, CH 33333. A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REIGSTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE (800-435-7352) WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMEDNATION BY THE STATE.
New Port Richey FarmNet is dedicated to quickening the rise of a healthy and resilient community in the City of New Port Richey and surrounding areas based on agrarian principles and practices, and a commitment to food sovereignty.
This week’s image: Regenerating Collards and Mustard Greens in an East Madison Grardens residential bed.
Leave a Reply