Wholly Water Farms
From Our Farm to Your Table
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ISSUE #7 • JULY 2025
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A Note from Sara
Dear friends,
July in Florida is not for the faint of heart. The thermometer has been pushing past 95 degrees most afternoons, and by noon, the humidity feels like a warm, wet blanket draped over everything. But here at Wholly Water Farms, this is actually one of our most productive months indoors. While the outdoor garden takes a well-earned breather under shade cloth, our indoor growing systems are cranking out trays of vibrant microgreens that do not care one bit about the heat index.
This month I have been fascinated by two things: the remarkable world of mushroom cultivation and the broader promise of controlled environment agriculture. Both remind me that some of the most exciting farming happens when we stop fighting nature and start working with it in creative ways. I hope this issue inspires you to try something new, even if it is just tossing a shade cloth over your tomatoes.
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What We Have Been Writing About
Think nothing grows in Florida during July? Think again. This guide covers heat-tolerant varieties that actually thrive right now, from southern peas and sweet potatoes to Seminole pumpkins that laugh at the sun. We also cover timing strategies so you can get a jump on fall planting.
Read the full guide
From vertical farms in old warehouses to climate-controlled greenhouses that use a fraction of the water, CEA is reshaping how we think about food production. I dug into the numbers and the real-world applications that are making this approach viable for small growers, not just venture-backed startups.
Read the full article
Growing mushrooms at home is one of those projects that seems intimidating until you actually try it. This guide walks you through the basics of oyster mushroom cultivation using simple materials you probably already have. It is a perfect summer project because mushrooms prefer the same cool, dark spaces you might be retreating to yourself.
Read the full guide
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Seasonal Growing Tip
Using Shade Cloth to Save Your Summer Garden
If your garden looks like it is giving up, a simple shade cloth can make a dramatic difference. For most vegetable gardens in Florida, a 30 to 50 percent shade cloth is the sweet spot. The 30 percent rating works well for heat-loving crops like peppers and eggplant that just need the edge taken off. Go with 50 percent for leafy greens and herbs that wilt quickly in direct afternoon sun.
Drape it over a simple PVC frame or attach it to stakes about two feet above the canopy. Make sure there is airflow underneath. I have seen shade cloth drop soil surface temperatures by 10 to 15 degrees, which keeps roots happier and reduces watering frequency. It is one of the cheapest investments you can make in a Florida summer garden.
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Florida Agriculture Spotlight
Florida's Growing Mushroom Community
Something I did not expect when we started Wholly Water Farms was how many fellow Florida growers are cultivating mushrooms. From small operations in garages and shipping containers to established farms supplying restaurants across the state, Florida has a thriving and generous mushroom growing community. Groups like the Florida Mycological Society have been connecting growers for decades, and I have noticed a surge of interest from younger farmers who see mushrooms as a sustainable, low-water, high-value crop perfectly suited to our climate. The fact that mushrooms grow best in controlled indoor environments makes them a natural fit for Florida, where outdoor conditions can be unpredictable at best. If you are curious, look up a local mushroom growing workshop. You might be surprised how many are happening near you.
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Quick FAQ
Q: What vegetables grow in Florida during summer?
A: More than you might think. Southern peas, okra, sweet potatoes, Seminole pumpkins, Malabar spinach, and certain heat-tolerant pepper varieties all do well through July and August. Cherry tomatoes from heat-tolerant cultivars like Everglades and Solar Fire can also produce. The key is choosing varieties bred for heat and humidity, watering early in the morning, and using mulch to keep roots cool. And of course, microgreens grow indoors year-round regardless of outdoor conditions.
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Stay cool out there, and remember: even in the deepest heat of summer, something is always ready to grow.
With gratitude,
Sara Johnson
President, Wholly Water Farms, Inc.
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Wholly Water Farms, Inc. • Florida
whollywaterfarms.com
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