Thirty Five years ago I moved to South Florida with my wife Aly. She and I never had a garden. We decided that now in a home with a big yard we would plant some vegetable crops. We started planting in August.
The project was a total disaster. My tomatoes never flowered and basically withered away and died. The carrots rotted in the ground and the lettuce, well lets just say it looked like an alien life form barely alive.
So what does a rookie urban grower do when faced with a gardening disaster? Call a Guajiro from Miami. The word Guajiro refers to a Cuban agricultural worker and that described my Uncle.
Felipe was an amazing farmer and he was just 78 years young and strong as a bull. He had lived off the land in Cuba and he understood the climate here in Florida very well. He taught me what to grow, when and how to grow it. He knew how to graft and propagate plants like a master. The skills he had always amazed me. He also planted by the phases of the moon and we used to argue about that often. I knew he was right but loved to tease him. Miss you Felipe.
Several years later my two brothers Isaac, Nelson and my little sister Jill arrived in Florida and we all started different agricultural businesses.
By the late 1990's my family and I managed 7.5 acres of land with a wide assortment of tropical fruit trees and exotic palms. Our grove and nursery was located in Southwest Ranches near Griffin Road and 178 ave. We sold field grown palms and flowering trees retail and wholesale.
Besides the Southwest Ranches grove and nursery, my younger brother and I also operated a 5 acre farm in Princeton Florida and grew fruit trees like Soursop, Moringa and Miracle Fruit.
Ten years later my Father in Law arrived from New York and purchased a home in Jupiter on 2.5 acres He and I operated a wholesale orchid and herb nursery. Louie was 72 years of age and was a baker by trade but came from a farm in Hungary to the USA during the cold war. He knew a thing or two about farming and could fix anything mechanical too. That business was very successful and was sold with the land in 2012 when he retired. Louie is 83 years old and doing great by the way.
It was around this time that I took a serious look at edible landscaping, food gardens, fruit trees etc. Pepe's Fruit Trees was born and I was on my way to building a great business that I love so much. Along the way, my son Michael has been a big part of our growth and so has my wife Aly. In the early days we set up tents all around South Florida at Farmers markets from West Palm all the way South to the Florida Keys. We also operated the business for three years at the Yellow Green Market in Hollywood.
Over the years I have met many, amazing and talented people that gladly shared agricultural skills with me. To them I am grateful. It is because of their example that I am always pleased to share my knowledge with anyone who has an interest in edible gardening.
Visit me on YouTube to see regularly uploaded educational videos. My channel demonstrates various growing methods and features several step by step propagation and planting videos. I even have videos on growing coffee and cacao. Believe it or not, lots of people want to grow exotic edibles and I show you how.
In conclusion I ask that you consider growing edible plants in your backyard & on vacant lots, no matter how big or small. Urban farming started long ago and today more and more people are enjoying the benefits of having urban farms close to home and providing fresh fruits and vegetables. You can start anytime at any age.
Fruit trees are a great addition to your property. You can start small by ordering one of our fruit trees and other edibles on-line. We always ship USPS 2 day Priority mail so your plants arrive quickly with minimal shock if any.
Happy gardening 😊
Jason Pepe
The project was a total disaster. My tomatoes never flowered and basically withered away and died. The carrots rotted in the ground and the lettuce, well lets just say it looked like an alien life form barely alive.
So what does a rookie urban grower do when faced with a gardening disaster? Call a Guajiro from Miami. The word Guajiro refers to a Cuban agricultural worker and that described my Uncle.
Felipe was an amazing farmer and he was just 78 years young and strong as a bull. He had lived off the land in Cuba and he understood the climate here in Florida very well. He taught me what to grow, when and how to grow it. He knew how to graft and propagate plants like a master. The skills he had always amazed me. He also planted by the phases of the moon and we used to argue about that often. I knew he was right but loved to tease him. Miss you Felipe.
Several years later my two brothers Isaac, Nelson and my little sister Jill arrived in Florida and we all started different agricultural businesses.
By the late 1990's my family and I managed 7.5 acres of land with a wide assortment of tropical fruit trees and exotic palms. Our grove and nursery was located in Southwest Ranches near Griffin Road and 178 ave. We sold field grown palms and flowering trees retail and wholesale.
Besides the Southwest Ranches grove and nursery, my younger brother and I also operated a 5 acre farm in Princeton Florida and grew fruit trees like Soursop, Moringa and Miracle Fruit.
Ten years later my Father in Law arrived from New York and purchased a home in Jupiter on 2.5 acres He and I operated a wholesale orchid and herb nursery. Louie was 72 years of age and was a baker by trade but came from a farm in Hungary to the USA during the cold war. He knew a thing or two about farming and could fix anything mechanical too. That business was very successful and was sold with the land in 2012 when he retired. Louie is 83 years old and doing great by the way.
It was around this time that I took a serious look at edible landscaping, food gardens, fruit trees etc. Pepe's Fruit Trees was born and I was on my way to building a great business that I love so much. Along the way, my son Michael has been a big part of our growth and so has my wife Aly. In the early days we set up tents all around South Florida at Farmers markets from West Palm all the way South to the Florida Keys. We also operated the business for three years at the Yellow Green Market in Hollywood.
Over the years I have met many, amazing and talented people that gladly shared agricultural skills with me. To them I am grateful. It is because of their example that I am always pleased to share my knowledge with anyone who has an interest in edible gardening.
Visit me on YouTube to see regularly uploaded educational videos. My channel demonstrates various growing methods and features several step by step propagation and planting videos. I even have videos on growing coffee and cacao. Believe it or not, lots of people want to grow exotic edibles and I show you how.
In conclusion I ask that you consider growing edible plants in your backyard & on vacant lots, no matter how big or small. Urban farming started long ago and today more and more people are enjoying the benefits of having urban farms close to home and providing fresh fruits and vegetables. You can start anytime at any age.
Fruit trees are a great addition to your property. You can start small by ordering one of our fruit trees and other edibles on-line. We always ship USPS 2 day Priority mail so your plants arrive quickly with minimal shock if any.
Happy gardening 😊
Jason Pepe
Why we only ship to Florida.
Buying locally has been all the rage for a while now. Consumers love the idea of knowing where their products are coming from and supporting local businesses. But what does buying locally do for customers and the environment? Buying locally reduces large carbon footprints through long truck trips. This cuts down on fuel consumption and air pollution. In addition to helping the environment, you help reduce costs and benefit from faster service. We can also offer you free shipping and better quality.
Grow Your Own Chocolate:
The South Florida Handbook Grow Your Own Chocolate: The South Florida Handbook is the ultimate guide for anyone eager to cultivate cacao trees in South Florida’s subtropical climate. Cuban-American grower Jason Pepe shares his expertise from his Fort Lauderdale mini cacao grove, offering a complete roadmap for growing, nurturing, and harvesting cacao. From selecting the perfect tree to mastering soil health, pollination, pruning, cold protection, and fermentation, this comprehensive handbook equips you with step-by-step instructions to produce your own cacao and craft tree-to-bar chocolate—a pursuit that could shape Florida’s sweet future. Rooted in the Caribbean’s rich cacao traditions, Pepe connects South Florida’s groves to the vibrant heritage of Cuba, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, and Hispaniola. Elevate your harvest with authentic recipes like Cuban Chorote and Haitian Chocolate Beignets, blending cultivation with culinary delight. Whether you’re a novice gardener, seasoned grower, or chocolate visionary, this book is your key to building a thriving cacao legacy with Pepe as your guide. |
Growing Soursop - Guanabana Trees: Complete Step by Step Guide
Meet soursop, the Beyoncé of tropical fruits—spiky, elusive, and worth every ounce of effort. In this laugh-out-loud second edition, Cuban-American fruit guru Jason “Pepe” Tormo spills the juicy secrets to growing soursop (aka guanabana) in your own backyard, whether you’re in the Florida Keys or beyond. With his signature Cuban sass, Pepe guides you through every step—from picking the perfect tree to mastering hand-pollination hacks that’ll have your soursop tree pumping out fruit like a tropical slot machine. |
A Florida Geisha:
The Story Of La Esperanza A Florida Geisha: A Short Story (Seeds of Rebellion Book 1) Dive into the vibrant, rebellious world of A Florida Geisha, the thrilling kickoff to Jason Pepe’s Seeds of Rebellion series. Follow Pablo Alvarez, a gritty Cuban-American farmer, as he risks everything to revive his family’s lost coffee legacy on Florida’s Pine Island. Smuggling rare Geisha seeds with his chaotic family and a shady smuggler, Pablo battles USDA crackdowns, federal red tape, and his own doubts to grow a caffeinated revolution. Packed with Cuban humor, heart, and defiance, this tale of family, grit, and forbidden beans sets the stage for a high-stakes series launching in late 2025. Perfect for readers who love underdog stories with a shot of Miami spice! |
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The content here is based on the publishers personal experience in the green industries.
Although every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained on this site, absolute accuracy cannot be guaranteed. This site, and all information and materials appearing on it, are presented to the user "as is" without warranty of any kind, either express or implied
The products and statements made about specific plants or products on this web site have not been evaluated by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. All information provided on this web site or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other health care professional. You should not use the information on this web site for diagnosis or treatment of any health problem. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new vitamins, supplements, diet, or exercise program, before taking any medication, or if you have or suspect you might have a health problem.
Advertising Disclosure:
Pepesplants.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and also Googles affiliate advertising program. The programs provide a means for web sites to earn revenues from advertising and or sales.
Content Disclosure
Use all information on this site at your own risk.
The content here is based on the publishers personal experience in the green industries.
Although every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained on this site, absolute accuracy cannot be guaranteed. This site, and all information and materials appearing on it, are presented to the user "as is" without warranty of any kind, either express or implied
Site created and managed by Pepe's Fruit Trees. Copyright 2025 - All Right Reserved
Site created and managed by Pepe's Fruit Trees. Copyright 2025 - All Right Reserved