[Cblueberry1]

Hello,

I am considering moving to Florida with the purpose of starting a farm to grow fruit trees and be self sufficient. I.e. Growing my own fruit and vegetables. I am afraid that a hurricane could destroy my farm, however. I don't know enough about hurricanes to know how much they affect farms in Florida and where, if anywhere, is protected enough to at least keep a farm intact. Which areas of Florida would be good to plant a fruit farm and keep it protected from hurricane damage? I know there are lots of orange and tropical fruit farmer day in Florida, so there must be a way around this problem. In addition to the farm issue, just looking for friendly places to live in Florida with a farming community. Thanks.

[kyle19125]

You want to be far enough south that frosts and freezes don't destroy your crops like they have in Central Florida over the years and is a far more consistently valid issue to consider. Hurricanes tend to wreak havoc most on the coasts and less inland so given your need for agricultural land would suggest something in the interior areas from US60 south toward Lake Okeechobee, along US27 between Frostproof and Labelle.

[Cblueberry1]

Ok thank you. Can you name a few towns between Frostproof and Labelle? Don't know florida at all. Anywhere where there is a hub of tropical fruit growing?

[gypsychic]

Originally Posted by kyle19125

You want to be far enough south that frosts and freezes don't destroy your crops like they have in Central Florida over the years and is a far more consistently valid issue to consider. Hurricanes tend to wreak havoc most on the coasts and less inland so given your need for agricultural land would suggest something in the interior areas from US60 south toward Lake Okeechobee, along US27 between Frostproof and Labelle.

Agree^^^. You have to be pretty far south in the state to avoid freezes, which are far more likely to harm crops than hurricane threat. Also, you need to be pretty knowledgeable about these crops (pests, fertilizer, etc) to have them thrive. It's not a matter of "stick 'em in the ground and let 'em do their thing" you know? This can be a big investment so be prepared.

Good luck to you!

[a person]

Yeah I'd worry more about frost. You'll need to be far enough south to where that isn't an issue, but that means down on the peninsula somewhere. I'd guess that SWFL is a tad less likely to be directly hit by a hurricane (I think the Keys and Miami are the most likely), but it's all a moot point since they can strike anywhere.

[Restrain]

Freezes and frosts are not a big issue. Example: north Texas has great peaches, melons, corn, etc, and has routine freezes. Actually helps all trees except for oranges due to growing periods. Also kills off some pests. Ocala and north because of the soils. Down here in SW FL the soils are sterile with no earthworms.

[kyle19125]

Originally Posted by Cblueberry1

Ok thank you. Can you name a few towns between Frostproof and Labelle? Don't know florida at all. Anywhere where there is a hub of tropical fruit growing?

Frostproof is probably your best bet and will be the most affordable with some "turn-key" groves already in place.

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[LKJ1988]

Forget oranges as greening sickness has about killed every tree. Hurricanes are very rare. Bugs and dry weather is what you need to worry about as our weather changes over the years. Much hotter weather and less rain will make it harder to grow anything here.