WHAT TO PLANT
Annuals/Perennials/Wildflowers: Plants that can take summer heat include coleus, salvia, torenia, wax begonia, vinca, crossandra, ornamental pepper.
• Annuals: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topics/annuals
• Perennials: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topics/perennials
• Florida Wildflower Foundation: https://www.flawildflowers.org/
Herbs: Plant heat-loving herbs, including basil, Mexican tarragon, ginger, summer savory, and rosemary.
• Herbs: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topics/herbs
Vegetables: Sweet potatoes, boniato, hot peppers, and tropical “spinach” such as Sisso, Malabar, and New Zealand can be planted now.
• Vegetable Gardening in Florida: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topics/vegetable_gardening
WHAT TO DO
Pests: Watch for thrips, scale, and mites on ornamental plants because they become more active in warm weather.
• Lawn and Garden Care: Pest Management: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topics/lawn-garden-pest-management
Gardenias and ixora: Distinguish between the normal yellowing of older leaves and the yellowing of new growth, which usually indicates a micronutrient deficiency.
Cir1098/EP338: Gardenias at a Glance: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep338
Oleanders: Inspect chewed or ragged leaves for oleander caterpillars at work.
• Oleander Pest Management: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topics/oleander-pest-management
Lawns: Mow at the recommended height; mowing too short encourages weeds. Watch for damage from chinch bugs in St. Augustine grass and begin scouting for newly hatched mole crickets in Bahia grass lawns. Prevent or minimize disease by following proper cultural practices when caring for lawns.
• Turfgrass Diseases: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topics/turfgrass-diseases
• Insect Management in Your Florida Lawn: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topics/insect_management_in_your_florida_lawn
Tomatoes: Watch for pests, disease, and nutritional disorders on tomato plants.
• Home Tomato Gardening: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topics/tomato-gardening
Trees: Prepare for hurricane season by checking trees for damaged or weak branches and pruning if needed. Hire an ISA-certified arborist.
• International Society of Arboriculture: International Society of Arboriculture > For the Public (isa-arbor.com)
• Lawn and Garden Care: Pruning: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topics/lawn-and-garden-care-pruning
