The Florida Department of Health reports 94 confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis across the state, including two in St. Lucie County, two in Palm Beach County and one in Martin County. Growing outbreaks linked to bacteria and parasites on produce continue making headlines, prompting many South Floridians to rethink what they put on their plates, especially when it comes to greens and berries.
Ryan Boylston of Delray Beach started growing his own food about three years ago after struggling to find produce he felt was healthy and free of chemicals or contaminants. Boylston says there is nothing being sprayed on his plants except water. He and his family eat food from their yard every day, including spinach, lettuce, arugula, star fruit, bananas, peppers, pineapple and herbs. Boylston says because they get all their greens from their yard, they haven't had to worry about the outbreak.
What began as a personal solution has since turned into a business. Through his company, Urban Abundance, Boylston now helps others install gardens in their own yards. For beginners interested in starting their own garden, Boylston recommends growing crops that can handle Florida's intense summer heat, including spinach, sweet potatoes and yardlong beans.
He says lettuce and tomatoes do much better during the winter months. Pineapples and mangos are also among the hardier Florida-friendly plants in his garden.