Southeast Florida has a moderate, semi-tropical climate with 50-60 inches of rainfall annually. The heaviest rainfall is in the spring through fall months with the dry season usually in the winter. We benefit from a warm winter growing environment but do experience occasional freezing winter temperatures. Our unique climate also reverses the vegetable growing season found in much of the rest of the United States, with most temperate climate vegetables grown during the fall, winter and spring months.
A large local population of almost 1.3 million people along with many seasonal visitors has created the need for substantial wholesale and retail nursery, landscape, and golf course industries. Latest figures (2010) for these industries, not including golf courses are $1.187 billion in annual sales, 18,500 jobs and almost $500 million in labor income. The county's nursery and landscape industry is the third largest in the state for annual sales and employment, and top ten in the country.
The abundant horticultural possibilities in Palm Beach County also gives rise to many challenges that include environmental risks, landscape maintenance, plant and structural pests, plant diseases and invasive plants. University of Florida / IFAS Palm Beach County Extension Environmental Horticulture Program Staff deliver the most current, research-backed information to help residents and businesses meet horticultural related education and informational needs.
OTHER LANGUAGES