As spring comes to an end and our dry season continues, preparations have been made to your sprinkler system functioning automatically with rain sensor working. Hopefully in another month or so with the addition of rain we won’t need it. As for this month we will go over the landscape check list of things we can do in our garden so happy gardening!
WHAT TO PLANT
Annuals: Plants that can take the summer heat and are heat tolerant include coleus, salvia, vinca, torenia, ornamental pepper, portulaca, and wax begonia.
Bulbs: Some lilies do better when their roots are crowded such as Amazon, Aztec & Clivia when left in their containers increase blooming. Cannas thrive in the heat of summer. Newer varieties have colorful leaves as well as flowers.
Herbs: Plant heat loving herbs such as Mexican tarragon, cumin, ginger, basil, summer savory, rosemary and nasturtiums add that fresh zest to your salads.
Vegetables: Warm-season southern favorites to plant now include sweet potato, okra, eggplant, southern pea, bush bean, summer squash.
Shrubs & Trees: Choose from a wide variety of shrubs & trees to add to your landscape right now. See Florida-Friendly Landscaping @ http://fyn.ifas.ufl.edu/
WHAT TO DO
Pests: Harmful insects become more active in warm weather. Keep an eye out for scale, thrips & mites on ornamental plants. When monitoring insects activity, know which bugs damage plants and which ones do not. Damaged flowers on gardenias & roses may indicate thrips are present. Chewed or ragged leaves on oleanders indicate oleander caterpillars at work.
Lawn insects: Watch out for damage to St. Augustine grass from chinch bugs as the weather warms and begin scouting for mole crickets in bahia lawns. Prevent or minimize disease by following proper cultural practices when caring for lawns.
Palms & Ornamentals: While some yellowing of older leaves is normal, yellowing of new growth usually indicates a micronutrient deficiency and application of fertilizer designed for that palm or ornamental shrub should be used.
Adjust irrigation based on rainfall.
Deadhead flowers to to encourage new growth & blooms.
Plant trees, shrubs, perennials & annuals and water until they are established.
Mow lawns at recommended heights: St. Augustine & Bahia”: 3″-4″, Dwarf St. Augustine 2.5″
If you need help regarding your landscaping, we at Garden Services are fully licensed & insured to handle all your irrigation, landscaping, lawn maintenance and tree service needs whether it’s a residential, commercial or homeowner association property. If you ever have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call or email me and I’ll be happy to answer any questions that you might have. Special thanks to UF/IFAS extension for some helpful information provided in this post.