WHAT TO PLANT
Annuals/Perennials/Wildflowers: Even though temperatures are still warm, begin planting for the cooler months ahead. Impatiens, alyssum, and dianthus are good choices for the fall/winter garden. See:
▪ Annuals: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topics/annuals
▪ Perennials: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topics/perennials
▪ Florida Wildflower Foundation: https://www.flawildflowers.org/
Herbs: A wide range of herbs can be planted from seed or transplants this month. Some to try are dill, fennel, parsley, and cilantro. See
▪ Herbs: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topics/herbs
Vegetables: Easy crops that can be grown now include beans, broccoli, carrots, collards, lettuce, green onions, peppers, radishes, spinach, and tomatoes. See
▪ 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.
Lawns: Control winter weeds in lawns before they appear. Preemergence herbicides must be applied at the right time to be effective. Apply when nighttime temperatures are 55°F to 60°F for 4 to 5 days. Mow lawn grass at the recommended height; mowing too short encourages weeds and stresses the turf. See
▪ Lawn and Garden Care: Weed Management: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topics/lawn-garden-weed-management
Ornamental trees and shrubs: Under-performing plants might need fertilizer. This is the last month of the year to fertilize shrubs and trees. Controlled-release fertilizer provides nutrients over a longer period. See
▪ Lawn & Garden Care: Fertilization: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topics/lawn-garden-fertilization
Lawn fertilization: Fertilize lawns if needed and permitted by local ordinances. See
▪ 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/
Strawberries: Prepare beds and set strawberry plants this month. Strawberries also make a colorful and tasty container planting. Either way, water daily until plants are established. See
▪ HS1154/HS403: Growing Strawberries in the Florida Home Garden: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/HS403
Palms: Palms have unique nutritional needs. Select a fertilizer that contains controlled-release nitrogen, potassium, and magnesium. See
▪ Palm Care: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topics/palm-care
Oleanders: Control oleander caterpillars by pruning off infested leaves or spraying with BT (Bacillus thuringiensis). See
▪ Oleander Pest Management: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topics/oleander-pest-management
MASTER GARDENER VOLUNTEERS CAN HELP
Trained master gardener volunteers are available to help people with gardening and landscape problems at their office in the Centennial Park Recreation Center, 1120 Centennial Blvd., Port Charlotte. The office is staffed with University of Florida, IFAS trained master gardener volunteers from 1 to 4 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. For more information, visit them in person, call (941) 764-4340 or email [email protected].
