Gardening
What is Soil Solarization?
Soil solarization uses sunlight and heat conduction to raise soil temperatures and eliminate unwanted pests, weeds, and diseases. This method effectively utilizes the scorching months of the year to prepare the land for a fall garden. Implement this method in your home garden this summer.
Landscape Plants That Love the Heat
Although the Florida summer may limit planting options, there are still a plethora of heat-loving plants that you can incorporate into your landscaping this month. Consider annuals for sunny and shady spots, and warm-weather bulbs that will offer stunning blooms throughout the summer season.
Heat-Loving Plants for Your Vegetable Garden
It’s not too late to add to your spring vegetable garden before summer hits. This month, plant okra, southern peas, and swiss chard in North and Central Florida and hot peppers and tropical spinach in South Florida. Sweet potatoes and herbs can be planted throughout the state.
Start a Pollinator Garden
Bees, butterflies, and other pollinators play a critical role in the production of fruits, vegetables, and nuts we eat on a daily basis. Provide shelter and food for these crucial insects and animals by creating a pollinator garden.
How to Care for Your Roses in April
Care for your roses in April with proper planting techniques, constant grooming, plenty of water, and regular fertilizing. Inspect your garden for pests and diseases and take appropriate steps to control these issues. Follow these guidelines to enjoy a thriving garden!
The Best Bulbs for Every Part of Your Landscaping
Most Florida homeowners have properties with a variety of sun and soil conditions. There are great bulb options for just about every area of your landscaping. Consider Amazon lilies for shade, cannas for perpetually moist soil, and amaryllis for drier spots.
It’s Time for Summer Bulb Planning and Planting
Now is the time to plan, prepare, and plant your warm-weather bulbs. Care for cold-damaged bulbs and choose the right ones for difficult growing conditions. Abide by depth and spacing recommendations, water regularly, and begin a spring fertilizing program.
Feed Your Soil and Your Plants Will Thank You
Florida soil varies from fine sand to dense clay, but most Florida gardeners need to amend their soil in order to provide plants with good nutrition. Add organic matter and mulch to help create healthy soil and choose native plants that are adapted to your region’s conditions.
Protect Plants from Freezing Temperatures
Parts of Florida are susceptible to overnight freezes during the winter season, which can damage or kill warm-weather plants. Group hanging and potted plants together or bring them indoors. Cover in-ground plants with sheets or blankets and protect them with added mulch or insulation barriers.
Safe Winter Outings: Visit Public Gardens (Part 2: South Florida Standouts)
Visiting one of Florida’s public gardens is a Covid-safe outdoor activity over the winter months. These gardens offer peace, beauty, and inspiration, and there is sure to be something for everyone in the family to enjoy. Consider visiting one of these standout gardens of South Florida.