WHAT TO PLANT
Annuals/Perennials/Wildflowers: To add color to the winter garden, plant masses of begonia, impatiens, petunias, alyssum, and geranium.
▪ Annuals: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topics/annuals
▪ Perennials: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topics/perennials
▪ Florida Wildflower Foundation: https://www.flawildflowers.org/
Bulbs: Amaryllis is a popular plant for the holiday season. It can be forced to bloom now or planted outdoors for spring blooms.
▪ Amaryllis: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topics/amaryllis
▪ Bulbs for Florida: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topics/bulbous_flowers
Herbs: Plant herbs that thrive in cool weather. Some examples include parsley, thyme, sage, dill, fennel, and cilantro.
▪ Herbs: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topics/herbs
Vegetables: Reliable cool-season vegetables to plant this month include broccoli, carrots, kale, green onions, and others.
▪ Vegetable Gardening in Florida: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topics/vegetable_gardening
WHAT TO DO
Frangipani/Plumeria Rust: This disease causes yellow spots and premature leaf drop but does not affect the long-term health of the plant. Removing, raking, and disposing of infected leaves may slow the infection.
Irrigation: Irrigate if the weather has been warm and dry. Monitor plants for signs of stress and water only as needed.
▪ Lawn and Garden Care: Irrigation: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topics/lawn_and_garden_care_irrigation
Lawn Disease: Continue monitoring for Lethal Viral Necrosis (LVN) and Large Patch fungal disease until May. Proper cultural practices are key for control.
▪ Lethal Viral Necrosis of St. Augustine grass: UF/IFAS Extension Palm Beach County: https://discover.pbc.gov/coextension/horticulture/Pages/Lethal-Necrosis.aspx
Houseplants: Inspect regularly for pests on indoor plants. Keep in mind that plant-specific temperature, light, and humidity are key to ensuring that indoor plants thrive.
▪ House Plants: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topics/house_plants
▪ Solutions for Your Life: Florida House Plants: https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/lawn-and-garden/florida-house-plants/
Soil test: Consider performing a soil test if plants do not perform as desired or if new plantings are planned.
▪ SL 281/SS494: Soil Sampling and Testing for the Home Landscape or Vegetable Garden: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/SS494
Compost/mulch: Use fallen leaves and other plant debris as mulch and/or as the carbon ingredient needed for successful composting.
▪ Composting: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topics/composting
▪ Lawn and Garden: Mulches: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topics/lawn-garden-mulches
Landscape and garden pests: Continue monitoring and treat as needed. While cooler weather means fewer pests, some populations increase at this time of year.
▪ Lawn and Garden Care: Pest Management: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topics/lawn-garden-pest-management
Holiday trees: Consider enjoying a live southern red cedar and then plant it in the landscape when the holidays are over.
▪ ENH-485/ST326:Juniperus silicicola: Southern Redcedar: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/ST326
