Wholly Water Farms
From Our Farm to Your Table
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ISSUE #9 • SEPTEMBER 2025
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A Note from Sara
Dear friends,
There is a shift that happens in September in Florida that you can almost feel in the soil. The days are still hot, but the light starts to soften, and the worst of the summer humidity finally begins to break. It is a signal that fall planting season has arrived, and I cannot overstate how exciting that is after months of managing the heat.
This month I have been diving deep into two topics that overlap in interesting ways: the health benefits of anthocyanins, those brilliant purple pigments found in so many of our favorite crops, and the ancient grain amaranth, which produces some of the most stunning and nutritious microgreens we grow. I am also sharing our complete September planting guide because the next few weeks are critical for getting cool-season crops established before the real growing weather arrives in October.
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What We Have Been Writing About
September marks the true start of Florida's productive growing season. This guide covers what to plant now, how to prepare beds that have sat through summer, and the specific timing windows for crops like broccoli, kale, and collards that need to get started this month to produce well through winter. We also address the tricky transition from summer to fall watering schedules.
Read the full guide
Ever wonder why nutritionists keep telling us to eat more purple and red foods? Anthocyanins are a class of flavonoid compounds responsible for those deep colors, and the research on their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties is compelling. This article breaks down the science in plain language and highlights which crops and microgreen varieties pack the biggest anthocyanin punch.
Read the full article
Amaranth microgreens are among the most visually striking things you can grow. With their vivid magenta stems and delicate leaves, they turn any dish into something special. But they are more than just pretty. Amaranth is packed with protein, iron, and those anthocyanins I mentioned. This guide covers everything from seed selection and soaking to harvest timing and storage.
Read the full guide
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Seasonal Growing Tip
Starting Cool-Season Seedlings Indoors
Even though it is still warm outside, September is the month to start cool-season seedlings indoors so they are ready to transplant when temperatures drop. Broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and kale all benefit from being started in a controlled environment where you can keep temperatures closer to 75 degrees rather than the 90-plus outside.
Use a quality seed starting mix, keep it consistently moist but not soggy, and provide good light. A simple shop light positioned a few inches above the trays works well. Seedlings started now will be ready to transplant in three to four weeks, which puts them in the ground just as October brings more hospitable conditions. Label everything. Trust me on that one.
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Florida Agriculture Spotlight
Florida Farm Bureau Annual Meeting
Each fall the Florida Farm Bureau Federation holds its annual meeting, bringing together farmers, ranchers, and agricultural advocates from across the state. It is one of the most important gatherings in Florida agriculture because it is where policy positions are debated and adopted, leadership transitions happen, and growers from every sector of the industry exchange ideas. Whether you are a large-scale citrus producer or a small microgreen farm like ours, the Farm Bureau represents your interests at the state and national level. If you have not attended before, I encourage you to look into your county Farm Bureau chapter. Being part of the broader agricultural community has been one of the most valuable things I have done since starting Wholly Water Farms. The connections and the shared knowledge are irreplaceable.
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Quick FAQ
Q: When can I plant lettuce again in Florida?
A: In most of Central and South Florida, you can start planting lettuce outdoors in late September through October, once nighttime temperatures begin consistently dipping below 75 degrees. For North Florida, mid-September is often fine. Lettuce bolts quickly in heat, so timing matters. If you are eager to get started sooner, try heat-tolerant varieties like Jericho or Muir, or start seeds in a shaded area. Of course, lettuce microgreens can be grown indoors any time of year, and they are ready to harvest in just ten to twelve days.
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Fall is coming, and with it the best growing season in the country. Let us make the most of it together.
With gratitude,
Sara Johnson
President, Wholly Water Farms, Inc.
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Wholly Water Farms, Inc. • Florida
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