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Florida's combined newspaper circulation has dropped from 3.1 million to 2.9 million over the last 10 years, he said, while the adult population has grown 30%, from 10 million to 13 million. "We ought to ask ourselves 'What are we doing wrong?' or 'What are we not doing at all?' that keeps us and our circulation from keeping pace with Florida's growth." Said Neuharth the founder of USA Today.
Source: Harris Poll Our Town Sarasota readers average over 19 hours per week on the internet. (Source: AOL) Environmental Links:
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May Gardening Guide 2013 By Annemarie Post
Q: When should I apply fertilizer? A: Concern about the harmful environmental impact to both surface water and groundwater quality caused by leaching of nitrate and phosphorus dictates sound fertilization practices to ensure that the nitrogen and phosphorus applied is utilized by the plants and not lost below the root zone to pollute surface water and our bay. One of the best ways to prevent pollution is to use caution when applying fertilizers. Do not fertilize when heavy rain is expected and leave a “Ring of Responsibility” around or along water bodies. If a fertilizer spreader with a deflector shield is used, the “Ring of Responsibility” should be at least 10 feet from the edge of the water. Turfgrass should be fertilized with a granular controlled-release fertilizer. Iron can be applied to provide a dark green color in the summer without stimulating excessive growth. Controlled-release fertilizer (Sarasota County Fertilizer and Landscape Management Code (2007-062) requires 50% or more controlled-release), should be applied at the rate of one pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet. This is calculated by dividing the percentage of nitrogen into 100. (Example: If the ratio 15-0-15 is used, then 6.6 pounds of the fertilizer should be spread over 1,000 square feet of lawn area). The Sarasota County Fertilizer and Land Management Code also stipulates that no fertilizers containing Nitrogen may be used from June 1 through September 30. The ordinance applies to all “applicators” (any person who applies fertilizer on turf and or landscape plants in Sarasota County). Members of the landscape industry must obtain certification in the Florida Green Industries Best Management Practices for Protection of Water Resources (GI-BMPs) in Florida. Private homeowners are encouraged to utilize the recommendations of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program. Established trees and shrubs (over three years old) generally do not need supplemental fertilizer unless they are deficient in a specific nutrient. Over-fertilization encourages excessive growth that results in increased demand for pruning. During the establishment phase, shrubs, trees, and ground covers can be fertilized with a granular controlled-release fertilizer three times per year in March, May, and early October at the rate of one pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet of planting area. The fertilizer should contain both nitrogen and potassium in controlled-release form (such as sulfur-coated products. Phosphorous should be no more than 1/4 the percent of nitrogen as our soils already contain phosphorous. The fertilizer must also contain 3% - 5% Magnesium (Mg), 1% - 2% of iron and manganese, and should also contain sulfur. An acceptable formulation is 8-2-8 fertilizer. Fertilizer type depends on soil conditions. Nutritional deficiencies can develop due to soil conditions, such as high pH or compacted soils, or damaged and diseased root systems. Deficiencies of specific nutrients should be treated with applications of the lacking nutrient in accordance with UF/IFAS recommendations until the deficiencies are corrected. It is best to apply fertilizer by hand in a uniform manner, broadcast around the plants, but never in direct contact with stems and trunks. The fertilizer should be spread evenly from the tree’s outer edge (drip line) inward. Newly planted trees should receive one-half pound of fertilizer in controlled-release form per inch of trunk diameter. Palms should be fertilized with a granular controlled-release fertilizer three times per year. An acceptable formulation is 8-2-12-4 (N, P, K, Mg plus micro-elements). Palms have different nutritional requirements from other landscape plants. They suffer quickly and conspicuously from improper mineral nutrition, whether due to insufficient or incorrect fertilization. Deficiencies in potassium, magnesium, manganese, and boron are much more prevalent and serious than nitrogen deficiency. Potassium deficiency is perhaps the most widespread and serious of all disorders in Florida palms. Magnesium deficiency is also quite common in Florida palms, but especially in Phoenix species. Manganese deficiency or "frizzletop" is a common problem in palms growing in the alkaline soils that cover much of south Florida. For more information about fertilization, visit: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu. Electronic copies of the Florida Green Industries Best Management Practices for Protection of Water Resources in Florida can be downloaded at: http://www.dep.state.fl.us/central/Home/MeetingsTraining/FLGreen/FLGreenIndustries.htm
WHAT TO PLANT Annuals: Plants that can take summer heat include salvia, torenia, wax begonia, coleus, and ornamental pepper. Bulbs: Some lilies do better when their roots are crowded. Try planting Amazon, Aztec, and Clivias in containers to increase blooming. Herbs: Plant heat loving herbs, including basil, Mexican tarragon, and rosemary. Vegetables: Southern favorites to plant now are okra, southern pea, and sweet potato. WHAT TO DO Pests: Harmful insects become more active as the weather warms. Watch for thrips, scale, and mites on ornamental plants. Gardenias: While some yellowing of older leaves is normal, yellowing of new growth usually indicates a micronutrient deficiency. Oleanders: Chewed or ragged leaves indicate oleander caterpillars at work. Lawn insects: Watch for damage from chinch bugs in St. Augustine and begin scouting for newly hatched mole crickets in Bahia lawns. Tomatoes: Watch for pests, disease, and nutritional disorders on tomato plants. Lawn nutrition: If Bahia lawns are yellowing, iron may correct the problem. Prevent lawn diseases: Prevent or minimize disease by following proper cultural practices when caring for lawns. Trees: Prepare for hurricane season by checking trees for damaged or weak branches and prune if needed. Hire an ISA certified arborist. WHAT TO DO EVERY MONTH • Adjust irrigation based on rainfall. • Deadhead flowers to encourage new blooms. • Monitor the garden for insects and disease. • Plant trees, shrubs, and perennials and water until established. • Mow lawns at recommended heights: • St. Augustine & Bahia: 3-4” • Centipede: 1.5-2.0” • Dwarf St. Augustine: 2.5”
UPCOMING EXTENSION EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS: Call 861-5000 or register on-line http://sarasota.ifas.ufl.edu · Organic Food Gardening: Container Growing, Phillippi Farmhouse Market, 11:00 a.m., May 8 · Spring Garden Tour of Florida-Friendly Landscapes, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Cost $10.00., May 12 · Sarasota Garden Club Series: Florida Snakes, Sarasota Garden Club, 10:00 a.m., May 15 · Irrigation 101, Twin Lakes Park, 2:00 p.m., May 15 · Irrigation 101, Shamrock Park, 2:00 p.m., May 16 · Canning Tomatoes, Twin Lakes Park, 9:00 a.m., May 17 · Rain Barrel Workshop, Twin Lakes Park, 10:00 a.m., May 18 · Organic Food Gardening: Summer Crops, Phillippi Farmhouse Market, 11:00 a.m., May 22 · Brown Bag Gardening Series: Container Gardening, Garden of the Five Senses 12:00 p.m., May 23 · Chickens 101, Twin Lakes Park, Canning Tomatoes, Twin Lakes Park, 8:30 a.m., May 25 · The Basics of Pressure Canning, Twin Lakes Park, 9:30 a.m., May 29
GETTING HELP There have been some changes to the Master Gardener Help Desk at Twin Lakes Park. It is now called the UF/IFAS Plant Clinic and it is available to answer your questions. Call 861-9807 or email at plantclinic@scgov.net Walk-ins are welcome Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m.-3 p.m. Satellite Plant Clinics are available weekly at library locations throughout Sarasota County. (Annemarie Post is an Environmental Horticulture Agent with University of Florida/IFAS Extension Sarasota County. Website: http://sarasota.ifas.ufl.edu)
Submitted April 30, 2013
April Gardening Guide 2013 By Annemarie Post
Q: What is the purpose of the stormwater pond in our subdivision? A: The purpose of the stormwater pond is to remove pollutants before they are transported to natural lakes, rivers and streams. They will never be pristine swimming or fishing lakes (i.e.) clear of vegetation or phytoplankton) because their purpose is to trap and transform pollutants before water is transported downstream. Some algae and plants that homeowners sometimes find objectionable help provide this pollution removal function.Stormwater ponds need to be cleaned out periodically (about every 25 years) to keep them functioning properly. However, some things can be done in the pond and the watershed to improve water quality and extend the periods between extensive maintenance efforts. An efficient functioning stormwater system takes as much time and effort as maintaining the rest of the landscape. In fact, highly maintained upland landscaping is a big part of the problem in keeping stormwater systems attractive. Many homeowners do not connect their landscape design and maintenance practices to the problem in their stormwater ponds. Highly maintained lawns and direct discharge of stormwater into ponds cause much of the weedy growth in stormwater ponds. One of the most important steps in having a more attractive stormwater pond is to form a partnership with all the people in the community and then learn as much as possible about your particular pond. If you use a company for pond maintenance, please make sure to include them. · Remove debris especially at the inflow and outflow of ponds and give special attention to drains and drop boxes. This will reduce the amount of pollutants that the pond will have to remove. · Inspect the entire stormwater system on an annual or semiannual basis and make brief inspection trips after each storm. Cleaning up debris is an important part of the inspection. Leaves, limbs and other debris should be removed from the conveyance system. Establishing a buffer or no-mow zone and making sure the exhaust of your mower is not directed towards the pond will help keep grass cuttings out of the pond. · Keep records of all maintenance needs plus work done on the pond. · A permanent open water pool that never goes dry helps in sedimentation of pollutants and mosquito control. The permanent pool water should contain adequate amounts of dissolved oxygen. If this is a particular problem then perhaps an aeration device can be added. Also, desirable aquatic plant species will help remove dissolved pollutants. For more information about littoral zones please find “Lakes and Ponds” in the A-Z listing on the Sarasota County www.scgov.net website. Removal of algae and nuisance plant species can be accomplished by rakes or hand pulling. If plant removal is part of the plan developed for your lake, obtain advice from your water management district (SWFWMD), Sarasota County Resource Protection department and your pond management company.
WHAT TO PLANT Annuals: Plant heat-tolerant annuals, such as coleus, vinca, and portulaca. Bulbs: Cannas thrive in the heat of summer. New varieties have colorful leaves as well as flowers. Herbs: Add nasturtiums to your herb garden. The leaves and flowers add a peppery zest to salads. Vegetables: Continue planting warm-season vegetables such as eggplant, southern pea, bush bean, sweet potato, and summer squash. Watch irrigation if the weather is dry. WHAT TO DO Pests: When monitoring insect activity, know which bugs damage plants and which do not. Some insects, such as ladybeetles should be encouraged in your yard! Contact the Master Gardener Help Desk (see contact information below under “Getting Help”) for help with insect identification. Flowering Plants: Damaged flowers on gardenias and roses may indicate thrips are present. Tomatoes: Watch for pests, disease, and nutritional disorders on developing tomato plants. Palms: Identify and treat environmental and nutritional disorders in palm trees. Oleanders: Chewed or ragged leaves indicate oleander caterpillars at work. Divide perennials and bulbs: Divide clumps of bulbs, ornamental grasses, and herbaceous perennials to expand garden beds or to pass along to friends. Shrubs: Choose from a wide variety of shrubs to add to the landscape now. WHAT TO DO EVERY MONTH • Adjust irrigation based on rainfall. • Deadhead flowers to encourage new blooms. • Monitor the garden for insects and disease. • Plant trees, shrubs, and perennials and water until established. • Mow lawns at recommended heights:• St. Augustine & Bahia: 3-4” • Centipede: 1.5-2.0” • Dwarf St. Augustine: 2.5”
UPCOMING EXTENSION EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS: Call 861-5000 or register on-line http://sarasota.ifas.ufl.edu · Organic Food Gardening: Soil Management, Phillippi Farmhouse Market, 11:00 a.m., April 10 · Summer Cover Crops, North Sarasota Library, 10:00 a.m., April 13 · Sarasota Garden Club Series: Stormwater Ponds as Wildlife Habitat, Sarasota Garden Club, 10:00 a.m., April 17 · Plant Propagation, North Port Library, 6:30 p.m., March 12 · Worm Composting, Shamrock Park, 2:00 p.m., April 18 · Summer Cover Crops, Warm Mineral Springs, North Port, 10:00 a.m., April 19 · Summer Cover Crops, Nokomis Community Center, 3:00 p.m., April19 · Rain Barrel Workshop, Woodmere Park, 10:00 a.m., April 20 · Organic Food Gardening: Fruit Trees, Phillippi Farmhouse Market, 6:00 p.m.., April 24 · Irrigation 101, Twin Lakes Park, 2:00 p.m., April 24 · Market Gardening of Local Foods, Colonial Oaks Parks Park, multiple dates, first session: 6:00 p.m., April 24 · Brown Bag Gardening Series: Annuals and Perennials, Garden of the Five Senses 12:00 p.m., April 25 · Canning Tomatoes, Twin Lakes Park, 9:00 a.m., April 26 · Pruning for Tree Health, Twin Lakes Park, 10:00 a.m., April 27 · Introduction to Honey Bee Keeping, Gulf Gate Library, 2:00 p.m., April 30
GETTING HELP The Master Gardener Help Desk at Twin Lakes Park is available to answer your questions. Call 861-9807 or email at mghelpdesk@scgov.net. Walk-ins are welcome Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m.-4 p.m., closed from noon-1 p.m. Satellite Help Desks are available weekly at library locations throughout Sarasota County. (Annemarie Post is an Environmental Horticulture Agent with University of Florida/IFAS Extension Sarasota County. Website: http://sarasota.ifas.ufl.edu
Submitted March 31, 2013
March Gardening Guide 2013 By Annemarie Post
Q: How can I make my landscape more environmentally friendly?
A: Although the plants and designs may differ, all landscapes perform the same important functions. A well-planned landscape enhances the beauty of a home and moderates the climate around it by protecting it from extreme wind, heat, cold and glare. Furthermore, landscaping can increase a home’s value and reduce home cooling cost. The way we design and manage our landscapes has a significant impact on the fragile environment of our state.
An environmentally friendly landscape begins with a good design based on a solid assessment of the site. No matter how attractive the plants chosen, or how well tended once they are in the ground, if they are not suited to the site, they may be disappointing. Among the factors to be taken into account are the planting site’s climate, the amounts of direct and indirect sunlight received during the day, exposure to wind, salt, various characteristics of the soil, and of course manmade components such as utility lines, signs, fences and buildings.
Whether you are designing a new landscape or renovating an old one, low maintenance should be a primary concern. A low maintenance landscape not only saves time and money, but also conserves water and energy. Such a design can be achieved through proper plant selection and the arrangement of plants on the site. For instance, placing plants together in beds, instead of scattering them throughout the lawn, greatly reduces the time required for mowing and watering. By grouping plants with similar water requirements together, water will not be wasted on plants that do not need it. Moderately large beds in regular shapes are more efficiently irrigated than a larger number of small, narrow or irregularly shaped beds. Mulches in the beds will keep moisture in the soil and also provide a nice dark background for flowering plants. Plants with high water requirements, such as annuals, can be located near a water source so they can be watered by hand. Large lawn areas are maintenance intensive, a small area of turfgrass combined with ground covers can be equally or more attractive and is generally a more environmentally friendly choice.
Trees can be placed to shade windows on the south and west sides of the house. Deciduous trees (trees that shed their leaves in winter) can be used effectively to shade the house in summer and let the sun warm the house in winter. The outdoor unit of the air-conditioning system will use less energy if it is shaded from direct sun.
How plants are cared for not only determines how they grow, but also has an impact on energy and water consumption and, thus, the environment. Apply enough water and fertilizer to keep the plants growing and healthy, but do not waste water, encourage excessive growth, and pollute lakes and waterways with fertilizer-contaminated run-off. Research has shown that several pest problems are increased when plants are over-stimulated with fertilizer. When you purchase fertilizers, look for those that have at least 50% of the nitrogen in a water-insoluble form. These fertilizers provide nitrogen to the roots of plants for a long time, and less escapes to pollute run-off water. Established landscape plants may not need regular fertilization. Millions of pounds of pesticides are used each year on landscape plants. Widespread use of chemicals to control pests is not without risks. There is always a chance of contamination, destruction of beneficial organisms, pest resistance and outbreaks of secondary pests. Dealing with plant pests begins with selecting plants that have no or few pest problems. Avoid cultural practices that make lawns and landscape plants susceptible to pests, such as over-watering and over-fertilizing. Frequently monitor your landscape for pests and learn the difference between harmful and beneficial insects. If a pest problem is detected, treat only the affected plants.
Leaves and pruning clippings contain valuable nutrients and should be recycled back into the landscape, either as mulch or as compost. Grass clippings are generally best left on the lawn where they will quickly decompose and provide nutrients to the lawn.
The environmentally friendly landscape is a common sense approach to landscape design and maintenance and helps preserve Florida’s natural beauty. The Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program from the University of Florida/IFAS Extension was developed to help residents create and maintain environmentally friendly landscapes. The “Florida Yards & Neighborhoods Handbook” was created to help you get started. It can be downloaded from http://fyn/ifas.ufl.eduThe characteristics and requirements of many common Florida plants can be found in the “Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Guide to Plant Selection & Landscape Design,” a 110 page illustrated plant list. This publication also includes information on landscape design and tips on how to solve landscape design problems. It can be downloaded from the website of the Southwest Florida Water Management District at http://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us
WHAT TO PLANT Annuals: Replace declining winter annuals with varieties such as angelonia, gazania, and salvia that will provide color now and into the summer months. Bulbs: Plant caladium for a showy tropical display all summer. Herbs: In addition to their culinary value, many herbs are ornamental and attract butterflies to the garden. WHAT TO DO Azaleas: If azaleas need pruning to shape or produce a fuller plant, do it just after plants finish blooming. Prune spring flowering trees and shrubs after blooming: Prune after the last flowers fade but before new buds set in mid to late summer. Prune shrubs and trees when new growth begins: The end of the dormant season is a good time to prune many trees and shrubs. Cold damaged shrubs can be pruned back to where new growth appears. Fertilize: palms and any other ornamentals not fertilized last month. Irrigation: Now that dry weather is here, check sprinkler systems for efficient use of water. Consider participating in the free homeowner irrigation evaluation program by calling 861-5000 or signing up online at http://sarasota.ifas.ufl.edu/FYN/irrigation.shtml Identify and conserve beneficial insects: Some insects should be encouraged in your yard! Mulch: Mulch conserves moisture during dry weather and minimizes weeds in landscape beds. Organic mulches add nutrients to the soil. WHAT TO DO EVERY MONTH • Adjust irrigation based on rainfall. • Deadhead flowers to encourage new blooms. • Monitor the garden for insects and disease. • Plant trees, shrubs, and perennials and water until established. • Mow lawns at recommended heights: • St. Augustine & Bahia: 3-4” • Centipede: 1.5-2.0” • Dwarf St. Augustine: 2.5”
UPCOMING EXTENSION EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS: Call 861-5000 or register on-line http://sarasota.ifas.ufl.edu · Florida-Friendly Landscaping: Nine Landscape Principles, North Port Library, 6:30 p.m., March 5 · Horse Health and Safety Workshop, Twin Lakes Park, 6:30 – 9:30 p.m., March 7 · Plant Propagation, North Port Library, 6:30 p.m., March 12 · Organic Food Gardening: Irrigation Management, Phillippi Farmhouse Market, 11:00 a.m., March 13 · Butterfly Gardening, Englewood Community Garden, 1:00 p.m., March 13 · Rain Barrel Workshop, Twin Lakes Park, 10:00 a.m., March 16 · Irrigation 101, Twin Lakes Park, 10:00 a.m., March 19 · Closing Your Home, Twin Lakes Park, 11:30 a.m., March 19 · Canning jam with Fresh Strawberries, Twin Lakes Park, 9:00 a.m., February 14 · Rain Gardensa, Shamrock Park, 2:00 p.m., March 21 · Palms for the Suncoast, Twin Lakes Park, 10:00 a.m., March 27 · Sarasota Garden Club Series: Rain Gardens, Sarasota Garden Club, 10:00 a.m., March27 · Organic Food Gardening: Attracting Beneficial Insects, Phillippi Farmhouse Market, 11:00 a.m., March 27
GETTING HELP The Master Gardener Help Desk at Twin Lakes Park is available to answer your questions. Call 861-9807 or email at mghelpdesk@scgov.net. Walk-ins are welcome Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m.-4 p.m., closed from noon-1 p.m. Satellite Help Desks are available weekly at library locations throughout Sarasota County. (Annemarie Post is an Environmental Horticulture Agent with University of Florida/IFAS Extension Sarasota County. Website: http://sarasota.ifas.ufl.edu
Submitted February 25, 2013
December Gardening Guide 2012 By Patricia Porchey
Q: I’m thinking about purchasing a cut tree for decorating this Christmas. Is there anything I should know? A: When purchasing a cut tree, one should always look for a tree that has fresh green needles. Tamp the tree a few inches above the ground to see if the needles hold on. Only a few inner needles should fall off. You can also run your hand over some needles. They should be flexible with few falling off.
In addition to inspecting the tree for fresh needles, it’s prudent to monitor for insects. Movement of trees from one state to another provides possible entry of invasive insect species to our state. Look for anything unusual such as boring holes in the bark.
Once you get your tree home, you can place it in a tree stand after making a fresh cut at the base of the trunk. This will assure that water will be taken up to keep the tree fresh for weeks. You will need to replace the water frequently so that it never dries out. No additives are needed in the water. The tree can be placed in a pail of water for a few days in a shady spot outside if you’re not ready to bring it indoors.
Place the tree in a spot away from heat vents and sunny windows. Check that all of your electrical cords are in good condition. Always unplug your lights when leaving the home or going to bed.
Most of the tree lots are getting their trees from states such as North Carolina, Michigan and New York. There are Florida growers and you can find their location at the Florida Christmas Tree Association website http://www.flchristmastrees.com/Farms/Index.htm. Most of these will have a retail lot at their farm.
Additional note: Phillippi Farmhouse Market is open for the winter, 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
PLANTING GUIDE Vegetables & herbs: Vegetables & Herbs: Anise, beets, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrot, cauliflower, celery, chervil, collards, coriander, dill, eggplant, endive, fennel, garlic, kale, kohlrabi, leek, lettuce, mustard, onions, peas, parsley, pepper, radish, rutabaga, sage, spinach, squash, strawberries, Swiss chard, thyme, tomato and turnips. Annuals: Begonia, Calendula, foxglove, geranium, Impatiens, Lobelia, ornamental cabbage and kale, petunia, Phlox, Salvia, strawflower, and Verbena. Perennials: African iris, aster, blue daze, blue sage, Buddleia, bush daisy, candytuft, Dianthus, Gerbera daisy, Pentas, Salvia, Scabiosa, Shasta daisy, Verbena and Viola. Blooming plants: Bauhinia vine, bottlebrush, Cape honeysuckle, Cassia, Chinese hat, Jatropha, lion’s ear, Mexican flame vine, Mexican sunflower, orchid tree, Philippine violet, red and yellow shrimp plants, silk floss tree, Thunbergia, and Tibouchina. Fruits in Season: Avocado, banana, carambola, cherimoya, citrus (calamondin, grapefruit, key lime, lemon, lime, orange, tangelo and tangerine), hog plum, Indian jujube, kumquat, papaya, pecan, persimmon, pomegranate, and sea grape.
Upcoming educational classes: Call 861-5000 or register on-line http://sarasota.ifas.ufl.edu/ for the following classes. · Florida Yards & Neighborhoods-Creating your Florida Yard, North Port Library, 6:30 p.m. December 4 · Canning for the Holidays, Twin Lakes Park, 9:00 a.m. (3-hour class) December 5 · Plant Propagation, Englewood Community Garden, 1:00 p.m. December 12 · Florida Yards & Neighborhoods-Creating your Florida Yard, Gulf Gate Library, 1:30 p.m. December 14 · Rain Barrel Workshop, North Sarasota Library, 10:00 a.m. December 15 · Color in the Winter Landscape, Twin Lakes Park, 10:00 a.m. December 19 · Irrigation, Twin Lakes Park, 1:00 p.m. December 19 · Florida Snakes, Shamrock Park, 2:00 p.m. December 20
GETTING HELP The Master Gardener Help Desk at Twin Lakes Park is available to answer your questions. Call 861-9807 or email at mghelpdesk@scgov.net. Walk-ins are welcome Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m.-4 p.m., closed from noon-1 p.m. Satellite Help Desks are available weekly at library locations throughout Sarasota County. (Patricia Porchey is an Urban Horticulture Agent with University of Florida/IFAS Sarasota County Extension. Website: http://sarasota.ifas.ufl.edu
June Gardening Guide 2012 By Patricia Porchey
Q: I’ve noticed some trees and palms have been severely pruned. Is this to get them ready for hurricane season?
A: Unfortunately, these over-pruned palms have been given the name “hurricane cut.” This would lead one to believe that this is really for the plant’s benefit in case we are hit by a storm. However, the opposite is true.
For woody trees and palms, it’s important to have healthy trees because they will withstand wind damage better than stressed trees. Removing palm fronds that are not brown reduces the palm’s ability to provide itself the energy to remain strong.
Well pruned woody trees survive better than unpruned trees. Before you prune, however, know why you are pruning a branch and the proper way to prune that branch. Otherwise, you can do more damage than good.
For example, lion’s tailing is where inner branches are removed and the remaining foliage is concentrated on the tips of branches. Someone may misinterpret this as thinning when it is not and it actually makes that tree more susceptible to hurricane damage.
It is important to regularly prune your woody trees as they mature to create a sturdy, well-spaced framework of limbs that will provide good air flow when those hurricane-force winds arrive. Your tree will survive with less damage.
For more information on pruning trees, go to http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/MG/MG08700.pdf or attend the class on pruning offered in North Port on June 28. For more information on pruning palms, go to http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/EP/EP44300.pdf.
If you need to hire an expert to prune your trees, a good starting point is the International Society of Arborists website where they list those arborists in your area who receive annual recertification training in pruning, http://www.isa-arbor.com/faca/findArborist.aspx.
Research has been done to determine which trees and palms have the most wind resistance. Here are some that do well in our area: bald cypress, buttonwood, cocoplum, crape myrtle, dahoon holly, gumbo limbo, live oak, Podocarpus, scrub hickory, southern Magnolia, white stopper, areca palm, cabbage palm, Canary Island date palm, Chinese fan palm, pindo palm, and pygmy date palm.
If you are interested in more information on hurricane readiness, check out the “Set for Storm Season” lunchtime class series Wednesdays at Phillippi Estates Park, as well as at the Twin Lakes Park location listed below.
Special Notice: · June 15 is the deadline for applications for the 2012 Master Gardener Training Program which starts in September.
PLANTING GUIDE Vegetables & Herbs: (plant herbs from transplants and vegetables from seeds or transplants): Basil, borage, catnip, collard and mustard greens, eggplant, lemon balm, marjoram, mint, okra, oregano, rosemary, southern peas, summer savory, sweet potatoes, thyme and turnip. Annuals: Begonia Celosia, Coleus, Crossandra, Gazania, Gerbera daisy, Gomphrena, marigold, Melampodium, Nicotiana, periwinkle, Portulaca, Salvia, Torenia, and Zinnia. Perennials: Blue daze, Gaillardia, Coreopsis, daylily, Pentas, Ruellia caroliniensis (native), Salvia, Shasta daisy, society garlic, Stokes aster and Verbena. Fruits in season: Banana, blueberry, Carambola, guava, citrus (calamondin, key lime, lemon and lime), Jackfruit, fig, kumquat, lychee, macadamia, mango, papaya and pineapple. Blooming plants: African tulip tree, Allamanda, beautyberry, bird of paradise, Canna, crape jasmine, crape myrtle, dwarf Poinciana, Gardenia, Gloriosa lily, Jerusalem thorn, Ligustrum, Magnolia, Mexican flame vine, ponytail palm, Plumbago, Plumeria, royal Poinciana, thryallis, and Yucca.
Upcoming educational classes: Call 861-5000 or register on-line at http://sarasota.ifas.ufl.edu/ for the following classes: · Set for Storm Season: Preparing Your Home and Family, Phillippi Estates Park, 1:00 p.m. June 6 · Poisonous Plants in the Home & Landscape, Twin Lakes Park, 10:00 a.m. June 13 · Organic Backyard Fruits-Part 1, Phillippi Estates Park, Noon June 13 · Rain Barrel Workshop, North Sarasota Library, 10:00 a.m. June 16 · Set for Storm Season: Preparing Your Home and Family, Twin Lakes Park, 9:00 a.m. June 20 · Set for Storm Season: Protecting Your Homestead from Wildlife Risk, Twin Lakes Park, 10:30 a.m. June 20 · Set for Storm Season: Caring for Storm-damaged Plants, Phillippi Estates Park, Noon June 20 · Composting 101, Twin Lakes Park, 1:00 p.m. June 20 · Set for Storm Season: Caring for Storm-damaged Plants, Phillippi Estates Park, Noon June 21 · Why Landscapes Fail, Twin Lakes Park, 10:00 a.m. June 27 · Organic Backyard Fruits-Part 2, Phillippi Estates Park, Noon June 27 · Brown Bag Garden Series: Pruning-How & Why, Garden of the Five Senses, North Port, Noon June 28
GETTING HELP The Master Gardener Help Desk at Twin Lakes Park is available to answer your questions. Call 861-9807 or email at mghelpdesk@scgov.net. Walk-ins are welcome Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., closed from noon to 1 p.m. Satellite Help Desks are available at these locations throughout Sarasota County: weekly at four South County libraries, every first and third Monday at Gulf Gate Library, every fourth Saturday at Fruitville Library, every Wednesday at Phillippi Farmhouse Market, and every third Saturday at the Sarasota Farmers’ Market.
(Patricia Porchey is an Urban Horticulture Agent with University of Florida/IFAS Sarasota County Extension. Website: http://sarasota.ifas.ufl.edu)
Submitted May 23, 2012
March Gardening Guide 2012 By Patricia Porchey
Q: When can I prune my plants?
A: For the majority of your plants, now is the perfect time to prune. There was relatively little cold damage this winter compared to the two previous years, but there is some dead wood on the periphery of many plants. This warmer than normal winter has triggered lots of new growth, bursts of new foliage as well as early spring blooms.
In order not to stress your plants, remember these guidelines for pruning before you start: remove no more than 1/4th of a tree canopy or 1/3rd of a shrub mass when pruning. Start by removing those branches that are dead; however, just because a branch is leafless doesn’t necessarily mean it is dead. To determine if it is live wood, bend it to see if it is brittle or flexible and lightly scratch the surface to see if it is green inside.
Now is also the time to remove broken, crisscrossing, errant or diseased branches. If a spring-flowering shrub or tree has become too large, why not enjoy its flowers first before you prune it? Summer bloomers such as crape myrtle can be pruned now without interfering with its bloom set on new wood. If you would like to keep your fruit trees shorter so you can reach the fruit better, these can be pruned, even if they are blooming.
Palm fronds need to be removed only if they are totally brown. Partially green leaves are still providing energy to the plant. As we learned last year, it may take 6 months to determine if a palm has died as a result of the cold. You’ll need to wait for a new spear to emerge and open to tell you it’s alive.
For more information on proper pruning methods, see UF publications http://hort.ifas.ufl.edu/woody/pruning.shtml
PLANTING GUIDE Vegetables & Herbs: Anise, basil, beans, beets, borage, cantaloupe, chervil, comfrey, corn, cucumber, cumin, kohlrabi, lemon balm, lettuce, marjoram, mustard, okra, oregano, peas, summer savory, sweet peppers, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, radish, summer squash, tarragon, thyme, tomatoes, and watermelon. Annuals: Ageratum, alyssum, Angelonia, Begonia, Browallia, Celosia, coleus, Cosmos, Dahlberg daisy, dusty miller, Gazania, geranium, Impatiens, Lobelia, marigold, Nicotiana, Petunia, Phlox, Portulaca, Salvia, Torenia, Verbena, and Zinnia. Perennials: African iris, Amazon lily, blood lily, blue daze, Caladium, Canna, Coreopsis, Crinum lily, daylily, Gaillardia, Gerbera daisy, Gaura, gloriosa lily, Mexican heather, milkweed, Pentas, Salvia, Shasta daisy, and society garlic. Fruits in Season: Banana, carambola, citrus (calamondin, grapefruit, key lime, lemon, lime, orange, and tangerine), jaboticaba, kumquat, loquat, strawberry, and papaya. Blooming plants: Angel’s trumpet, azalea, blue flag iris, blue sage, bottlebrush, Bougainvillea, cape honeysuckle, Carolina Jessamine, citrus, dwarf Indian hawthorn, flame vine, skullcap,
September Gardening Guide 2011 By Patricia Porchey Q: My navel orange tree was loaded with fruit, but now much of the fruit is falling off and some are even split. What’s wrong with my tree? A: There are many factors that can affect fruit drop. The fruit drop occurring soon after the fruit is set is usually attributed to a problem with the secondary fruit embedded in the primary fruit (the navel). However, the abundant fruit drop you’re experiencing now is more prevalent when hot rainy summer and fall weather conditions prevail. Navel oranges especially suffer when there is inadequate fruit set and heavy losses. Contributing to the losses may be poor drainage resulting in root rot; citrus don’t tolerate wet feet. Other factors such as potassium deficiency and inadequate sun can also cause fruit drop. Navel oranges along with Valencia and Hamlin oranges and Murcott tangerine are especially susceptible to fruit splitting. This occurs most often during periods of high temperature and heavy rainfall after a drought. Trees take up excessive water and the fruit expands, bursting the peel in a crack across the bottom. It seems to appear most often during seasons when the fruit set is high. Thin-peeled fruit is more apt to split and is usually the result of a lack of nutrition, especially potassium, early in its development. For more information on this and other problems growing citrus, download the following fact sheet http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/HS/HS14100.pdf. See below for the upcoming class on citrus. Timely reminder: The Master Gardener plant sale is at Bee Ridge Park, 8:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. October 8. PLANTING GUIDE Vegetables & Herbs: Basil, beans, Borage, broccoli, cabbage, celery, chervil, collards, coriander, corn, cucumber, cumin, eggplant, fennel, leek, lettuce, marjoram, mint, mustard, onions, peas, pepper, radish, rosemary, sage, squash (summer & winter), thyme, tomato, and watermelon. Annuals: Ageratum, Alyssum, Begonia, calendula, Celosia, Coleus, Cosmos, dusty miller, marigold, Melampodium, periwinkle, Portulaca, Salvia, and Zinnia. Perennials: African iris, Amaryllis, beach buttercup, blue daze, bush daisy, calla lily, cigar plant, Coreopsis, elephant ears, Gaillardia, Gerbera daisy, gloriosa lily, goldenrod, iris, Kalanchoe, Liatris, Mexican petunia, milkweed, Pentas, Salvia, society garlic, Verbena, whirling butterflies. Fruits in Season: Atemoya, avocado, banana, carambola, citrus (calamondin, lemon, and lime), fig, guava, kumquat, mango, monstera, muscadine grape, papaya, pomegranate, sea grape, and sugar apple. Blooming plants: Allamanda, bird-of-paradise, blackberry lily, bottlebrush, Cassia, Cordia, crape myrtle, dwarf Poinciana, false dragonhead, firespike, golden raintree, Lantana, marlberry, red and yellow shrimp plants, rouge plant, Plumbago, rose, Salvia, thryallis and Tibouchina. Upcoming educational classes: Call 861-9900 or register on-line http://sarasota.ifas.ufl.edu/ for the following classes.
GETTING HELP The Master Gardener Help Desk is available to answer your questions, 861-9807, mghelpdesk@scgov.net. Walk-ins are welcome Monday-Friday from 9-Noon and 1-4 p.m., Twin Lakes Park, Clark Road east of I-75. Satellite Help Desks: Weekly at four South County libraries, every 1st and 3rd Mondays at Gulf Gate Library, every 4th Saturday at Fruitville Library and every third Saturday at the Downtown Farmers’ Market, Sarasota. New locations: every first Saturday at Lowe’s Sarasota, 10:00 a.m.-noon and Lowe’s Venice, 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. and every third Saturday at Lowe’s North Port, 10:00 a.m.-noon. (Patricia Porchey is an Urban Horticulture Agent with University of Florida/IFAS Sarasota County Extension. Website: http://sarasota.ifas.ufl.edu)Submitted August 29, 2011
July Gardening Guide 2011 By: Patricia Porchey Q. My plants are wilting in this heat and we aren’t getting the typical afternoon rain showers. What can I do to save my plants? A. Unfortunately, we are about four inches below normal for June, and overall, about six inches below normal for the year. However, there are some things you can do to lessen the stress of the hot temperatures.
Visit our website http://sarasota.ifas.ufl.edu to get more information on drought-tolerant plants and other topics. Timely reminder: July - August is a great time to solarize your planting bed. First, remove all existing vegetation and till the soil to activate the nematode population. Rake the bed so it is slightly elevated in the middle, then moisten the soil to a depth of 8-12 inches. Cover the bed with 4-6 mil of clear plastic (NOT black plastic) and anchor it tightly on the edges. Nematodes and other soil pests such as fungi, insects, and weeds are killed by prolonged exposure, four to six weeks, to temperatures above 130 degrees. PLANTING GUIDE Vegetables & Herbs (plant herbs from transplants and vegetables from seeds or transplants): Basil, bay laurel, ginger, lemon balm, marjoram, mint, oregano, rosemary, thyme, okra, and southern peas. Annuals: Begonia Celosia, Coleus, Cosmos, Crossandra, Dahlberg daisy, Gomphrena, marigold, Melampodium, Nicotiana, periwinkle, Portulaca, Salvia, Torenia, and Zinnia. Perennials: Beach buttercup, beach sunflower, blue daze, Coreopsis, daylily, Gaillardia, Gaura, Mexican heather, Pentas, Salvia, shrimp plant, society garlic, and Verbena. Blooming plants: Allamanda, beautyberry, bird of paradise, blackberry lily, Canna, crape myrtle, Crinum lily, crossvine, dwarf Poinciana, fiddlewood, firespike, frangipani, gloriosa lily, golden dewdrop, horsemint, Jacquemontia, Loropetalum, Magnolia, Natal plum, rain lily, Vitex, and yellow Poinciana. Fruits in season: Avocado, banana, citrus (calamondin, key lime, lemon and lime), fig, guava, kumquat, longan, lychee, macadamia, mango, papaya, passion vine, pineapple, pomegranate, sapodilla, and sea grape. Upcoming classes Call 861-9900 or register on-line sarasota.ifas.ufl.edu for the following classes.
GETTING HELP The Master Gardener Help Desk is available to answer your questions, 861-9807, mghelpdesk@scgov.net. Walk-ins are welcome Monday-Friday from 9-Noon and 1-4 p.m., Twin Lakes Park, Clark Road east of I-75. Satellite Help Desks: Weekly at four South County libraries, every 1st and 3rd Mondays at Gulf Gate Library, every 4th Saturday at Fruitville Library and every third Saturday at the Downtown Farmers’ Market, Sarasota. New locations: every first Saturday at Lowe’s Sarasota, 10:00 a.m.-noon and Lowe’s Venice, 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. and every third Saturday at Lowe’s North Port, 10:00 a.m.-noon. (Patricia Porchey is an Urban Horticulture Agent with University of Florida/IFAS Sarasota County Extension. Website: http://sarasota.ifas.ufl.edu)Submitted June 23, 2011 April Gardening Guide (2011)
Adult Sri Lanka Weevil Feeding damage on leaves
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