CALADIUM. CREDIT: TYLER JONES, UF/IFAS
WHAT TO PLANT
Annuals/Perennials/Wildflowers: Plant heat-tolerant flowering plants such as pentas, coleus, crossandra, gazania, vinca, gaillardia, caladiums, and zinnia that will last into fall.
Annuals: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topics/annuals
Perennials: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topics/perennials
Florida Wildflower Foundation: https://www.flawildflowers.org/
Herbs: In addition to their culinary value, many herbs are ornamental and attract butterflies to the garden.
Herbs: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topics/herbs
Vegetables: This is the last month to plant arugula, beans, cantaloupe, carrots, celery, sweet corn, endive, okra, radish, squashes, Swiss chard, and watermelon.
Vegetable Gardening in Florida: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topics/vegetable_gardening
WHAT TO DO
Shrubs and trees: Prune when new growth begins after the end of the dormant season. Prune after the last flowers fade but before new flower buds set.
Mulch: Add mulch to plant beds to minimize weeds and conserve moisture during dry weather. A ring of mulch around trees will protect them from damage by lawnmowers and line trimmers.
Lawn and Garden: Mulches: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topics/lawn-garden-mulches
Pests: Monitor landscape plants for insects, especially for the presence of aphids on tender new growth. Insects become more active during warm weather.
Landscape Integrated Pest Management: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IN109
Lawn and Garden Care: Pest Management: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topics/lawn-garden-pest-management
Aphids: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topics/aphids
Fertilize: Fertilize lawns, palms, and ornamental shrubs if not done last month, but only if local ordinances allow.
Palm Care: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topics/palm-care
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/
Lawns: Identify damaging insects and spot treat early to prevent widespread damage. Turfgrass Pest Insects: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topics/insect_management_in_your_florida_lawn. Apply a preemergence weed killer (not a “weed and feed”) to lawns to prevent germination of warm-season weed seeds. Apply when temperatures rise to 65°F for 4–5 days. Timing is important for good control.
Insect Management in Your Florida Lawn: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topics/insect_management_in_your_florida_lawn
Lawn and Garden Care: Weed Management: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topics/lawn-garden-weed-management
Tropical and subtropical fruits: Add variety and interest to the landscape and meals with exotic fruits.
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topics/lawn_and_garden_tropical_and_subtropical_fruit
Citrus: Squiggly lines in the younger leaves of citrus trees indicate Citrus Leaf Miner (CLM) insects, but there is seldom a need to manage them. Natural enemies in Florida usually keep them in check.
Citrus Problems in the Home Landscape: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/HS141
