In Florida, August is a hot and humid time for gardening. To make the most of the water, monitor your irrigation system’s zones and timings. Appreciate the cooling qualities of shade trees. Plant heat-tolerant plants and plan for the future.
WHAT TO PLANT
Annuals/Perennials/Wildflowers: The hottest days of summer limit planting to heat-tolerant vinca, coleus, pentas, salvia, and celosia. Remove spent blooms, cut back, and fertilize flowering plants to extend the bloom season. See
▪ Ask IFAS: Annuals: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topics/annuals
▪ Ask IFAS: Perennials: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topics/perennials
▪ Florida Wildflower Foundation https://www.flawildflowers.org/
Herbs: Herbs that are best started from plants (not seeds) include ginger, Mexican tarragon, turmeric, and rosemary. See
▪ Ask IFAS: Herbs: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topics/herbs
Vegetables: Start seeds of eggplant, okra, peppers, pumpkin, squashes, and tomatoes for the fall garden. See
▪ Ask IFAS: Vegetable Gardening in Florida: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topics/vegetable_gardening
WHAT TO DO
Palms: Check older fronds for yellowing, which may indicate a magnesium or potassium deficiency. Apply an appropriate palm fertilizer if fertilizer ordinances permit. See
▪ Ask IFAS: Palm Care: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topics/palm-care
▪ Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program Fertilizer Ordinances App: https://ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/resources/apps/fertilizer-ordinances/
Vegetables: Solarize the vegetable garden for 4–6 weeks in preparation for fall planting if not done in July. See
▪ Ask IFAS: Soil Solarization: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topics/soil_solarization
Ornamental plants: Rapid growth and leaching rain may result in nutrient deficiencies in some plants. Fertilize to correct if ordinances permit (see below). See
▪ Ask IFAS: Nutrient Deficiencies (Landscape Plants): https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topics/lawn-garden-nutrient-deficiencies
▪ Ask IFAS: Lawn & Garden Care: Fertilization: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topics/lawn-garden-fertilization
▪ Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program Fertilizer Ordinances App: https://ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/resources/apps/fertilizer-ordinances/
