Florida was once at the bottom of an ocean. Our "Florida Native" plants came here by way of wind, birds, and other natural means. Plants that were here in the mid 1500's when Spanish settlers arrived are considered Florida native plants. "Exotics" are plants that have been introduced to our landscapes since then - brought in by nature or by man.
“Native Plants of Florida.” Guide to Florida Landscape Plants for the Southern Half of the Sunshine State, www.south-florida-plant-guide.com/native-plants-of-florida.html.
Pest control is a top priority in August. Look out for ants around your home, scale feeding on your plants, and aphids around your citrus trees. Making sure these pests get treated with the appropriate insecticides ensure that your plants and trees continue growing healthy.
You also want to be sure you continue fertilization because the sandy soils in Florida do not hold nutrients well and your plants and palms may begin to show signs of nutritional deficiencies. Check older palm fronds for yellowing as this may indicate a magnesium or potassium deficiency.
Remove spent blooms, cut back, and fertilize flowering annuals and perennials to extend the bloom season into the fall months.
floridagardener.com | https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/
"There is no season when such pleasant and sunny spots may be lighted on, and produce so pleasant an effect on the feelings, as now in October."
~ Nathaniel Hawthorne
With the cooler weather approaching comes a new planting season! If this past rainy season has washed away the vibrancy of your mulch, now is the time to thin out your faded mulch and replace it with a 1" layer of new mulch. Also, the Nitrogen Fertilizer Ban has been lifted, so October is a great time to fertilize your garden. Remember to use at least 50 percent slow-release nitrogen fertilizer.
Have you been thinking about starting a vegetable garden? Mid-October is the time! Easy crops include broccoli, carrots, green onions, peppers, and tomatoes. You can also begin replacing your Summer annuals with Fall annuals, such as Sunpatiens, Geraniums, Mums, and Begonias.
"In November, people are good to each other . . . They travel very far on a special November day just to share a meal with one another and to give thanks for their many blessings"
~Cynthia Rylant
What To Do In July For Your Garden
Lawn:
You will want to fertilize your lawns, palms, and ornamental shrubs. Adding fresh mulch is the best option to minimize weeds and to hold moisture during the intense heat of Florida summers.
Fertilizing:
If you have not done so already, fertilize, fertilize, fertilize! Fertilize plants and trees by spreading granular fertilizer around the soil and watering it in. We carry fertilizers for all different kinds of plants!
Pruning:
You'll want to prune your shrubs and trees after the last flowers fade as we approach the fall season.
Pests:
Be sure to monitor your plants for insects as they become more prevalent with warmer weather. Identifying damaging pests and spot treating early can help to prevent widespread damage. Be on the lookout for aphids on new growth. We carry praying mantis eggs and ladybugs as a form of organic and eco-friendly pest control.
floridagardener.com | https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/
What to Plant in April
Now is the best time to start replacing winter annuals with heat-tolerant plants such as caladiums, marigolds, vincas, salvias, cupheas, and salvia.
Larger perennials such as allamanda, brazilian red cloak, canna lilies, irises, begonias, fire bush, heliconia can also be planted this month.
floridagardener.com | https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/
"Spring makes its own statement, so loud and clear that the gardener seems to be only one of his instruments, not the composer."
~Geoffrey Charlesworth
Spring has sprung!
Butterflies and other pollinators are looking for tasty, early spring nectar. Planting flowers like Salvia, Coreopsis, and Milkweed, will help attract those hungry pollinators. Planting these kinds of flowers in groups will attract more pollinators rather than single plants scattered along your landscape.
Avoid using insecticides on these plants. Insecticides have the potential to poison or kill your pollinators.
Other pollinator attracting plants:
-Passion Flower -Pentas - Gaillardia - Walter's Viburnum-
The cooler temperatures that come with the month of January may call for your plants being covered! If the temperature dips below 45 degrees, cover your garden with tarp or sheets to trap in warmer air.
Be sure to water your plants! Due to limited rainfall during Florida winters, your plants should be watered regularly, and you may want to invest in a sprinkler system if you haven't already. Watering earlier in the day is key to allowing your plant enough daylight to soak in nutrients!
Here are some ideas for your winter garden:
Flowers: Petunias, Winter Jasmine, Snapdragons, Alyssum
Herbs & Vegetables
The cooler temperatures that come with the month of January may call for your plants being covered! If the temperature dips below 45 degrees, cover your garden with tarp or sheets to trap in warmer air.
Be sure to water your plants! Due to limited rainfall during Florida winters, your plants should be watered regularly, and you may want to invest in a sprinkler system if you haven't already. Watering earlier in the day is key to allowing your plant enough daylight to soak in nutrients!
Here are some ideas for your winter garden:
Flowers: Petunias, Winter Jasmine, Snapdragons, Alyssum
Herbs & Vegetables
The cooler temperatures and dry air that come along with the month of November help to lessen the insect populations. Insects will always be present here in Florida, but fleas, chinch bugs, and mosquitoes will be less noticeable. Aphids, beetles, cutworms, and leaf miners will still be around and can be harmful to your plants if you're not careful.
Also, do not forget to water your plants. Even though it is not as hot and your plants' water demands are not as great, sensible watering must still be done to ensure the health of your plants.
Here are some ideas for your fall garden:
Flowers: Allysum, Dianthus, Geraniums, Impatiens, Mums, Petunias, and Zinnia
Herbs & Vegetables
"Plant seeds of happiness, hope, success, and love; it will all come back to you in abundance.
This is the law of nature."
~ STEVE MARABOLI
"Say goodbye to your inner critic, and take this pledge to be kinder to yourself and others."
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~Oprah