A gardening crash course: Yes, we do have seasons

By MARY COLLISTER

© St. Petersburg Times,
published August 10, 2001

I received an e-mail from a woman up North whose stepfather and mother recently moved to Sun City. She explained that her stepfather had been an avid gardener in Illinois and wondered what he should plant here. The answer, of course, fills volumes. But for all of those who are new to the area, here is a crash course on Florida gardening and where to go for information.

Gardening here is not much more difficult than gardening elsewhere, but the pests, diseases, timing, plant selections and methods are different. You moved here expecting sunny, hot days and you will not be disappointed, but there also are season changes. You just have to pay close attention!

Year-round gardening is a reality here. During this time of year -- the hot, humid summer -- concentrate on heat-loving plants. Annuals will include amaranthus, begonia, celosia, coleus, impatiens, marigolds, zinnias, portulaca, salvia and vinca. Perennials such as daisy bush, daylily, gerbera, pentas and verbena will bloom. There won't be much in the vegetable garden but you may still be harvesting okra, southern peas, sweet potatoes, cherry tomatoes (if the bugs have been quiet), eggplant and peppers.

Summer is a good time to prune and weed and repair any grassy areas that are worn. Take cuttings from your favorite plants. They will root quickly in this heat. Renew your mulch and work on your hardscape (paths, buildings, etc.).

Fall is the time to really jump into Florida gardening. Many things you did in the spring up North you will do in the fall in Florida. The milder temperatures allow you to plant many flowers. Use seeds or buy plants. An incomplete list of flowers to plant includes alyssum, calendula, dianthus, pansies, petunias, poppies and snapdragons. If you are new here, I recommend you try all your favorite flowers and see which flourish. Some may grow slowly through the fall and winter and then burst into abundant blooms come spring.

This is an important planting season for vegetables also. Most can be planted now. What you considered your cool-season vegetables up North will do well here in the fall. Plant cabbage, lettuce, carrots, onions, beets, celery, radishes and Swiss chard. You may have to start watering because the rainy days of summer are past, but with shorter days and cooler evenings the water is a minor chore.

Our winter, which may or may not exist, is short. January and February are the closet we come to a dormant period. Use this time as you did in late winter up North. Repair and replace tools, move plants, and prune. Keep planting flower seeds. They are inexpensive and most will survive a short cold period if one arrives. These seeds will help you make the most of spring. You'll be amazed at the profusion of flowers.

You have to be careful not to miss spring. Often it seems we go directly from winter to summer. If we're lucky we'll have warm daytime temperatures that cool down a little in the evenings without the soon-to-come summer humidity.

Almost any annual will grow in Florida's spring. What you remember as flowers in a Northern summer will be filling your landscape here in the spring. Late winter or early spring is planting time for your warm-season vegetables such as tomatoes, corn, beans and others.

Florida soil may be a surprise. It is sandy and basically infertile. Spend lots of time amending your soil. Add as much organic matter as you can get your hands on. Fertilizing and watering are done often.

Bugs, bugs and more bugs call Florida home. Good gardening habits go a long way in controlling bugs. I use few chemicals and still have all the flowers and vegetables I want.

If you're new to the area, there are lots of publications and people to help you get started gardening. If you see plants you like in a neighbor's house, ask. Most gardeners love to share, especially if you complimented their work. Talking to experienced Florida gardeners will save you many mistakes.

Look in bookstores or libraries for books written specifically about Florida gardening. A local author, Monica Moran Brandies, wrote Florida Gardening: The Newcomer's Survival Manual. It is inexpensive and will definitely get you started in the right direction. She has also written other books about Florida gardening.

Check out your local garden centers or nurseries. Seek out a knowledgeable clerk and ask for help. Your small neighborhood nursery (there are a few left!) is a wealth of information.

Contact your county's cooperative extension service. They can answer questions on the phone and also have piles of printed information. It is definitely worth a trip to gather information.

Look in locally published newspapers for a listing of garden clubs. Members can share years of experience with you, as well as cuttings.

Don't be intimidated by Florida weather. Do a little research and then jump in. Remember: There are no gardening failures, just learning experiences.

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