Question
Im attempting my FIRST fall/winter garden--I live in Florida. Could you please tell me the EASIEST and low maintenance veggies to grow--and the how to's--I would also like to plant a few fruit trees--as I have several acres to work with--which ones produce the most rapidly?? Thanks

Answer
Dear Beth,
The quickest veges are the leafing lettuces, spinach, etc. and radishes that grow beneath the surface.  It seems the quicker a plant matures, the fewer things that can go wrong, if you know what I mean.  My honest recommendation to you is to simply plant what you like to eat.  I personally love to raise dill and cilantro because they just "jazz up" everything you add them to.  Seed packages are pretty self explanatory as to depth and sunlight.  Tomatoes and peppers should do well, also, although; they are easier to raise when you get a plant rather than starting from seeds.  As far as fruit trees, I think Florida has more options than my region of the country.  We have peach, apple, plum, and pear trees.  All of which are pretty easy and produce within 3 years.  I don't recommend cherry trees, as the fruit is small and a lot of work and the birds just love them.  It seems there is a window of a day inwhich they can be picked or the birds beat me to them.  I recommend that you ask at a local nursery.  I think if I lived in Florida, I would plant a lemon and a lime tree, but I don't know your specific area.
I wish you well in your gardening endeavor.  I think you will enjoy it.
Kind Regards,
Kindred