Solar Success Story

Imagine walking into a solar company's office with 50 or 100 of your neighbors and saying, "we all want to go solar, what kind of deal can you give us?" That's a solar Co-op!
431 Brevard County residents have participated in a Solar co-op with Solar United Neighbors in the past, and 114 have gone on to install solar, including Bill Geiger of Cocoa Beach.
Bill has been a resident of Cocoa Beach for 50+ years and heard about the solar co-op through a friend. Bill says that going solar "made long term financial sense to me. I am not a tree hugger, but I like saving money, and the lighter carbon footprint is a bonus! I anticipate a payback term of about 7 years and from there it is gravy!" Bill installed solar three years ago and generates enough energy to cover all of his household electric needs including his pool pump, three refrigerators, and A/c at 73 degrees. Bill likes "The simplicity" of the system and says that "Many people are concerned about maintenance. There is no maintenance. I have not touched my system in three years, and do not anticipate doing so." Bill's biggest piece of advice for those thinking about going solar is to "Shop! I have seen many systems installed at twice the cost of mine." Bill also mentioned that he may be adding more panels in the future for needs such as charging an electric car.

The Space Coast Solar Co-op is now open and accepting new members through January 8, 2021! It is free to join and there is no obligation to install. For more information, attend the Space Coast Solar Co-op virtual information session on November 19th at 6pm. Pre-registration for the virtual event is required at solarunitedneighbors.org/spacecoast

Fall Gardening

Tips from a local gardener at the Pathos Community Garden

"Hello, my name is Robin Turner and I have been gardening with the community garden for 2 years. A successful garden starts with good soil! This year at the community garden we are using class AA finished compost that provides beneficial bacteria to improve soil structure and water holding capacity. Class AA is a high quality mark for compost from the EPA indicating the compost is pathogen free. I also like to use organic fertilizer such as Jobe's Organic Fertilizer that is environmentally friendly. Lastly, I use hay from my pet ducks' house to act as mulch on top of the garden.
I just finished growing okra this summer and planted broccoli, watermelon, tomatoes, brussel sprouts and green beans for the fall. Between my home garden and my space at the community garden, I grow about 10% of my own food."

For more information on what veggies to plant this season check out the Florida Vegetable Gardening Guide from the University of Florida.

The Pathos Community Garden has 14 garden beds that are rented out annually on a first come, first serve basis. The Community Garden will begin accepting applications for the next growing season in June 2021.

Want to start gardening now? Build your own raised vegetable garden bed at home!

flyer for minutemen causeway invasive plant workday November 14 at 9am

Learn more about invasive plants at the Minutemen Cswy Invasive Plant Workday on November 14th at 9am

Do you have invasive plants in your yard?

Invasive plants are "...an alien species whose introduction does or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health" - UF IFAS

When planning your landscaping, consider using plants that are native to Florida such as firebush, live oak, or a native wildflower! Be careful when plant shopping, some invasive plants are still available for sale in Florida nurseries. The Florida Native Plant Society's Florida plant and landscaping guide is a good tool to use when picking plants for your yard.

See the full list of Florida Exotic Pest Plants from the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council.

Common Invasive Plants of East Central Florida