I've discovered an interesting challenge to gardening in Florida. Up north, the main planting season is typically in the wettest part of the year and therefore little extra watering is needed for the young seedlings. By the time the rain tapers back, the plants are grown large enough that you can heavily mulch the beds without smothering them.
Not so in Florida -- spring planting time coincides with the heart of the dry season. By the time you can get your "Ruth Stout" mulching in place, monsoon season has started and you hardly need it anyway!
I guess there is the benefit in Florida of a winter growing season, but still -- blah! :)
