For homeowners, the heat & rain storms continue to put a damper on our outside activities but allow us the time to start planning our fall gardening. If your plan on a fall vegetable garden, think about what you like to eat when planning. A soil test is always a good idea prior to planting. There are several local laboratories that will perform this service at a minimal cost.
We’ve seen a number of mosquito-born diseases throughout South Florida this summer due to our wet weather. Wet weather & warm temperatures make these sucking bugs flourish where opportunities allow it. Vigilance in your landscapes can help to cut down on the places where mosquitoes breed. One of the best FDA approved insect repellants containing DEET is the best way to keep mosquitoes off you body.
What to plant this month
Annuals: The hottest days of summer limit us to only heat tolerant popular plants such as vinca, coleus, and salvia. Heat tolerant herbs should be planted from plants and NOT seed, these should include: ginger, bay laurel, rosemary & mexican tarragon. Warm season vegetable crop of peppers & tomatoes can be planted now.
What to do this month
Bedding Plants: All annuals & perennials should have there spent blooms removed, cut back & fertilized to extend the bloom season into the fall months.
Irrigation: Automatic timers should have there rain sensors turned on and activated to prevent excess watering which could result in a fungus or disease in your grass.
Lawns: A controlled-released nitrogen should be applied this month. A weed & feed should not be used.
Ornamentals: Leaching rains and rapid growth may result in nutrient deficiencies in some plants. A time release granular fertilizer with minor elements should resolve this problem.
Palms: Check older fronds of your palms for yellowing, this may indicate a magnesium or potassium deficiency. If they have a deficiency, apply a appropriate palm fertilizer with minor elements.
Poinsettias: Pinch back your poinsettias & chrysanthemums before the end of the month to allow time for buds to grow for a winter bloom.
Newly planted grass, trees, shrubs and perennials should be watered daily until their root system has been established.
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 landscaping 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. Until next month, Happy Gardening!