Florida is a state with a long agricultural history.
Today, Florida is one of the leading agricultural states in the country, with a diverse array of crops and livestock.
Oranges are one of Florida’s most well-known agricultural products. The state is the largest producer of oranges in the US, and citrus is one of Florida’s signature crops.
Greenhouse and nursery products are another important part of Florida’s agriculture.
The state is a leading producer of flowers, plants, and trees. Greenhouse and nursery products are grown in all parts of Florida, but the majority come from the central and southern parts of the state.
Cane for sugar is another significant agricultural product in Florida. Sugar cane is grown in many parts of the state, but the majority of it comes from South Florida.
Plant Hardiness Map for Florida
Let us begin by taking a glimpse of the US Plant Hardiness Map.
Plant Hardiness Zone Map for Florida
Climate
Mean temperatures during Florida’s coldest month range from the lower 50s (in ˚F) in the north to the upper 60s (in ˚F) in the south.
In the hottest month, it is almost the same throughout the entire State, between 81˚F and 83˚F.
According to the zone map, the state of Florida belongs to zone 8-11a, i.e., the minimum temperatures range from 10-45 ˚F.
Precipitation
The state of Florida experiences rainfall predominantly from June to October. The annual rainfall ranges from 40-60inches depending on the location.
Florida has experienced below-average precipitation in the last decade.
The 5-year period (2006–2010) was the driest on record, with less than 48 inches of rainfall per year, while 1945–1949 was the wettest, with more than 60 inches per year.
Soil Type
The below map shows the ecoregions in the state of Florida.
Let us give this map more insights using a table.
Soil Order Of Florida
| Ecoregion/Location | Soil Type | Characterstics |
|---|---|---|
| Southeastern Plains/Northwest | Ultisols and Entisols | 1. While the Ultisols are well-drained loamy soils and sandy soils with loamy subsoils, the Entisols are excessively thick sandy soils 2. its sandy soils are relatively infertile, or low in nutrients, so it does not have as much agricultural productivity as other parts of the state |
| Southern Coastal Plain/Central part of the state | Entisols, Alfisols, Ultisols, Spodosols, and Histosols | 1. Consists of flat plains with numerous swamps, marshes, and lakes Comprises mostly of sandy soils |
| Southern Florida Coastal Plain/Southernmost | Histosols and Entisols | 1. characterized by flat plains with wet soils, marshland, and swamp 2. It is the home of the Florida Everglades, a large area of tropical wetlands that are home to abundant wildlife |
