Wholly Water Farms Newsletter

Issue #5 — May 2025

A Note from Sara

May in Florida is the hinge of the year. The afternoon thunderstorms start rolling in, the humidity climbs, and the garden enters a different kind of season altogether. Some growers slow down in summer. I lean in. This is when indoor growing really shines, when aquaponics systems hit their stride, and when the right lighting setup can keep your microgreen production steady no matter what the weather does outside.

I have also been thinking a lot about water this month, both the kind that falls from the sky and the kind we can capture and reuse. Read on for practical ideas you can put to work right now.

From the Blog

Florida May Growing Guide 2025

May marks the shift from spring to summer gardening in Florida. This guide covers what to plant now, including heat-loving crops like sweet potatoes, okra, and southern peas, along with strategies for managing the increased pest and disease pressure that comes with warmer, wetter weather.

LED Grow Lights Guide

If you are growing microgreens, starting seeds, or maintaining any kind of indoor garden, your lighting matters more than almost anything else. This guide explains the difference between light spectrums, how to choose the right wattage for your growing area, and which LED panels I actually use and recommend after years of testing.

Tilapia Aquaponics Guide

Tilapia are the workhorse fish of aquaponics, and for good reason. They are hardy, fast-growing, and tolerant of a wide range of water conditions. This guide walks through tank setup, stocking density, water quality management, and what to grow in the plant beds above. If you have been thinking about building an aquaponics system, this is your starting point.

Seasonal Growing Tip

Setting Up Rain Barrels for Florida's Summer Rainy Season

Florida's rainy season typically starts in late May and runs through October, delivering an enormous amount of free water. A single afternoon thunderstorm can yield hundreds of gallons from a standard roof. Setting up rain barrels now means you can capture that runoff and use it for garden irrigation during dry spells between storms. Position barrels under downspouts, use a screen to keep out debris and mosquitoes, and connect a spigot near the bottom for easy hose attachment. Even two or three barrels can make a real difference in your water usage.

Florida Agriculture Spotlight

May brings awareness to microgreens nationally, and right here in Florida we are proud to be part of a growing community of small-scale microgreen producers. From backyard growers selling at local markets to commercial operations supplying restaurants and grocery stores, the microgreen movement in Florida is expanding every year. If you have been curious about turning your hobby into a side business, there has never been a better time to explore it.

Quick FAQ

Q: Do microgreens need special fertilizer?

A: Most microgreens do not need any fertilizer at all. The seed itself contains enough energy to fuel the plant through the short growing cycle of seven to fourteen days. If you are growing in a soilless medium, a very light application of liquid kelp or fish emulsion can help, but it is usually unnecessary. Keep it simple.

Summer is not a reason to stop growing. It is a reason to grow differently. I hope these resources help you make the most of the season ahead.

Keep growing,
Sara Johnson
President, Wholly Water Farms, Inc.

Wholly Water Farms, Inc. • Florida

whollywaterfarms.com

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