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Phone: 941-342-4347
info@BlueSkyLandscaping.com
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5-07-09 Blue Sky Landscaping
of Sarasota Environmental Links: Our Town Publications Group was founded in 1970. Views stated herein do no necessarily represent the publisher's views. Our Town, Our Town
Sarasota , OurTownSarasota | |
February Gardening Guide 2011
By Patricia Porchey
Q. My yard has so much cold damage; it looks terrible. What can
I do?
A. The best action is no action at this time. Following these
maintenance practices will minimize the damage that has already occurred
and prevent additional damage in the weeks ahead.
Don’t
- Prune those ugly brown leaves and branches. If you scratch the bark,
you will usually find it is still green which means it will leaf out
again as soon as the weather turns warm.
- Prune those ugly brown leaves and branches. Those unattractive
leaves are actually providing a protective covering for the lower parts
of the plant should we receive another cold blast.
- Prune those terminal branches that are no longer viable. Pruning
will encourage new flushes of growth that will be the most vulnerable
part of the plant should we encounter another cold spell.
- Prune those partially brown fronds on your palms. If there is still
green on any part of the leaf, that leaf is still producing energy for
the plant.
- Prune those brown fronds on your palms. Unlike our woody plants that
have their crown underground, growth on a palm initiates from the bud.
Exposing the bud to more cold air, especially for the more
cold-sensitive palms, increases the likelihood of their death.
- Water the grass more than it needs. In the winter when the grass
goes into dormancy, its water needs are reduced.
- Mow that brown lawn. If you look under the topmost layer, you will
still see green growth. That top layer is protecting the lower leaves.
Wait to mow until you see enough green growth to warrant it.
- Fertilize that brown lawn until the end of February.
- Reseed with Bahia or Bermuda grass seed now. Those grass seeds need
the warm soil of late March or early April to germinate. However, you
can plant ryegrass seed for a temporary green until your lawn recovers.
Do be patient. Spring will release the lush growth and flowers that
we’ve come to expect in Florida.
PLANTING GUIDE
Vegetables & herbs: Vegetables & Herbs: Anise, basil, beets, borage,
cantaloupe, carrots, catnip, celery, chervil, chives, collards, comfrey,
coriander, corn, cucumber, cumin, dill, eggplant, endive, garlic, green
beans, kohlrabi, leek, lemon balm, lettuce, marjoram, mint, mustard,
onion, oregano, parsley, peas, pepper, potato, pumpkin, radish, rosemary,
sage, sweet potato, tarragon, tomato, turnip, and watermelon.
Annuals: Ageratum, alyssum, Amaranth, Begonia, browallia, Calendula,
Cosmos, dusty miller, Gazania, geranium, Lobelia, marigold, nasturtium,
pansy, Petunia, Phlox, Salvia, snapdragon, Statice, stock, strawflower,
and Verbena.
Perennials: African iris, Agapanthus, Amaryllis, Amazon lily, aster,
Aztec lily, Caladium, Cannas, calla lily, Clivia, Crinum lily, Dianthus,
foxglove, Gerbera, hollyhock, Shasta daisy, society garlic, spider lily,
Tithonia, and Viola.
Fruits in Season: Banana, black sapote, carambola, cherimoya, citrus (calamondin,
grapefruit, key lime, lemon, lime, orange, and tangerine), Indian jujube,
kumquat, loquat, Mysore raspberry, papaya, and strawberry.
Blooming plants: Bush daisy, Bottlebrush, Bougainvillea, Carolina
yellow Jessamine, fuchsia skullcap, Kalanchoe, lion’s ear, orchid tree,
Poinsettia, powder-puff plant, purple Tabebuia, silver trumpet Tabebuia,
trumpet vine, Turk’s cap and Walter’s Viburnum.
Upcoming educational classes:
Register online
http://sarasota.ifas.ufl.edu or call 861-9900.
- Organic Vegetable Gardening, Orange Blossom Community Garden, 18th
& Orange, 1:00 p.m. February 5
- Composting Workshop, Phillippi Estate Park, 12:00 p.m. February 9
- Household Pests, Twin Lakes Park, 1:00 p.m. February 9
- Florida Yards & Neighborhoods: Creating Your Florida Yard, Longwood
Park, 10:30 a.m. February 12
- Chinch Bugs & White Grubs, Shamrock Park, 2:00 p.m. February 17
- Rain Barrel Workshop, Woodmere Park, 10:00 a.m. February 19
- Starting Plants from Seeds, Laurel Community Garden, 10:30 a.m.
February 19
- Florida Yards & Neighborhoods: Nine Landscape Principles, Elsie
Quirk Library, 10:00 a.m. February 22
- Invasive Insects, Twin Lakes Park, 1:00 p.m. February 23
- Florida Yards & Neighborhoods: Nine Landscape Principles, North Port
Library, 6:30 p.m. March 1
- Composts: Preparation & Uses, Phillippi Estate Park, 12:00 p.m.
March 2
- Good Bugs in the Garden, Twin Lakes Park, 1:00 p.m. March 2
- Creating Rain Gardens, Shamrock Park, 2:00 p.m. March 3
- Florida Yards & Neighborhoods: Creating Your Florida Yard, Gulf Gate
Library, 1:30 p.m. March 4
For information
The Master Gardener Help Desk now has an email address:
mghelpdesk@scgov.net to answer
questions. It is open Monday-Friday from 9:00 a.m.-Noon and 1:00-4:00 p.m.
You can call (941-861-9807) or visit our office at Twin Lakes Park on
Clark Road east of I-75 with landscape questions. We also have weekly
satellite help desks at the four south county libraries, Gulf Gate Library
and Phillippi Farmhouse Market.
(Patricia Porchey is an Urban Horticulture Agent with University of
Florida/IFAS Sarasota County Extension. Website:
http://sarasota.ifas.ufl.edu)
Submitted: February 1, 2011
January Gardening Guide 2011
By Patricia Porchey
Q. Finally my crabgrass is dying, but what can I do to prevent
it from taking over my lawn again next year?
A.
There are several varieties of crabgrass that grow here. One is
commonly referred to as "blanket" crabgrass because it feels like you
are walking on a mat when it is thriving. It is just one of many
grassy weeds that grow in lawns in addition to broadleaf weeds and
sedges.
Your crabgrass is dying because it is a summer annual and depends on
the warm weather to grow. The problem is that when it was thriving, it
produced many seed heads. These seeds are lying on or near the soil
surface waiting to germinate when the soil warms to 50-55 degrees. A
pre-emergent weed product can be applied to prevent this germination.
Between February 1 and 15 is the generally preferred application period
for this products. Remember to do all soil disturbances before applying
this product or the preventative barrier will be compromised.
Do read all the instructions on the pre-emergent label. Products will
have a residual effect for 6-12 weeks, but they are not as effective
towards the end of the cycle; therefore, an additional application may be
needed 6-9 weeks after that initial application for season-long control.
This product will have little or no effect on actively growing weeds. For
those weeds, a post-emergent herbicide will be needed.
Growing a healthy lawn is your first defense against weeds. This
entails proper fertilization, watering, mowing and pest control. A dense
turf prevents weed seeds from receiving the needed light to germinate.
Special Events:
Chickens 101 Workshop, Palmer Farms, 8336 Webber Road, 8:30 a.m.-noon,
January 8 ($15.00 registration fee)
Plant a tree on Florida Arbor Day, January 21, so you too can reap the
benefits of trees. The City of North Port will be celebrating Arbor Day at
Lamarque Elementary School.
PLANTING GUIDE
Vegetables & herbs: Beets, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower,
celery, Chinese cabbage, chives, collards, coriander, dill, eggplant,
endive, fennel, garlic, kale, kohlrabi, lettuce, mustard, onion, parsley,
peas, pepper, potatoes, radish, rosemary, sage, tomatoes, turnips, and
watermelon
Annuals: Alyssum, ageratum, Calendula, dusty miller, geranium, Lobelia,
nasturtium, pansy, ornamental cabbage and kale, petunia, phlox,
snapdragon, Statice and Verbena
Perennials: Agapanthus, Amaryllis, blue sage calla lily, Clivia, Crinum
lily, daylily, Dianella, Dianthus, geranium, society garlic, spider lily,
Tithonia, Viola, and walking iris
Fruits in Season: Avocado, banana, carambola, citrus (calamondin,
grapefruit, key lime, lemon, lime, orange, and tangerine), hog plum,
Indian jujube, kumquat, and papaya
Blooming plants: Bougainvillea, bromeliad, bush daisy, Chinese hat
plant, crown of thorns, desert rose, firebush, Kalanchoe, Lantana, lion’s
ear, loquat, mango, orchid tree, rose, Tabebuia, Thunbergia, and Turk’s
cap
Upcoming educational classes:
Register online
http://sarasota.ifas.ufl.edu or call 861-9900.
- Florida Yards & Neighborhoods: Nine Landscape Principles, North Port
Library, 6:30 p.m. January 4; Gulf Gate Library, 1:30 p.m. January 7;
Longwood Park, 5:30 p.m. January 10
- Organic Vegetable Gardening-Water Management & Frost Protection,
Warm Mineral Springs Spa, North Port, 8:30 a.m. January 11
- Butterfly Gardening, St. Wilfred Episcopal Church, 4:00 p.m. January
11
- Rain Barrel Workshops, Phillippi Farmhouse Market, noon January 12;
Twin Lakes Park, 10:00 a.m. January 15
- Florida’s Buggy Critters-The Good, Bad & Harmless, Twin Lakes Park,
1:00 p.m. January 12
- Sarasota County Local Foodsheds, Twin Lakes Park, 4:00 p.m. January
12
- Organic Vegetable Gardening-Frost Protection, Laurel Community
Garden, 10:30 a.m. January 15
- Container Gardening, Phillippi Farmhouse Market, noon January 19
- Rodent & Mole Management, Shamrock Park, 2:00 p.m. January 20
- Florida Snakes, Twin Lakes Park, 10:00 a.m. January 26; Gulf Gate
Library, 1:30 p.m. February 4
- Is this Spider Dangerous? Twin Lakes Park, 1:00 p.m. January 26
- Organic Vegetable Gardening-Pest Management, Warm Mineral Springs
Spa, North Port, 8:30 a.m. February 1
- Florida Yards & Neighborhoods: Creating Your Florida Yard, North
Port Library, 6:30 p.m. February 1
- Attracting Beneficial Insects to your Garden, Phillippi Farmhouse
Market, noon February 2
- Introduction to Insects, Twin Lakes Park, 1:00 p.m. February 2
- Creating Wildlife Habitat in & around Stormwater Ponds, Shamrock
Park, 2:00 p.m. February 3
- Organic Vegetable Gardening, Orange Blossom Community Garden, 18th
& Orange, 1:00 p.m. February 5
For information
The Master Gardener Help Desk now has an email address:
mghelpdesk@scgov.net to answer
questions. It is open Monday-Friday from 9:00 a.m.-Noon and 1:00-4:00 p.m.
You can call (941-861-9807) or visit our office at Twin Lakes Park on
Clark Road east of I-75 with landscape questions. We also have weekly
satellite help desks at the four south county libraries, Gulf Gate Library
and Phillippi Farmhouse Market.
(Patricia Porchey is an Urban Horticulture Agent with University of
Florida/IFAS Sarasota County Extension. Website:
http://sarasota.ifas.ufl.edu)
Submitted: December 27, 2010
|
November Gardening Guide 2010
By Patricia Porchey
Q. Last year there were lots of blemishes on my citrus fruit.
What can I do to make them look like the ones in the supermarket?
A. The "perfect" fruit sold in supermarkets and gift baskets is not
generally found in dooryard gardens. Instead, it’s common to see
citrus fruit with blemishes on the rind.
In the late summer and early fall it’s common to see fruit that is
brown and sometimes even black with a hardened rind. There is no
remedy for this because the damage was done at the onset of hot
weather by citrus rust mites. You can however, prevent this
discoloration next year by spraying the tree with horticultural oil in
June before temperatures reach 94 degrees.
Blotches on the rind with corresponding grease-like spots on the
lower surface of leaves are a disease called Greasy Spot. An oil or
copper spray in June or July will alleviate this problem.
Other superficial blemishes observed are pock marks caused by the
wind repeatedly whipping branches and thorns into the fruit. In these
instances, as with all of the above, the pulp is usually unaffected
and remains delicious.
Special Event:
Master Gardener Help Desk, Phillippi Farmhouse Market, 9:00
a.m.-2:00 p.m. every Wednesday.
PLANTING GUIDE
Vegetables & herbs: Basil, beans, beets, Borage, broccoli, Brussels
sprouts, carrot, cauliflower, celery, chervil, collards, coriander,
dill, fennel, garlic, leek, mustard, onions, parsley, peas, rutabaga,
sage, spinach, strawberries, Swiss chard, thyme, tomato, and turnips.
Annuals: Ageratum, Alyssum, Begonia, Calendula, Celosia, Coleus,
cosmos, dusty miller, foxglove, geranium, Impatiens, Lobelia,
marigold, Melampodium, nasturtium, pansy, Pentas, petunia, Salvia,
snapdragon, and statice.
Perennials: African iris, aster, blue daze, bush daisy,
Chrysanthemum, cigar plant, Coreopsis, Dianthus, Gaillardia, Gerbera
daisy, native Mexican petunia, Salvia, Scabiosa, Shasta daisy, society
garlic, and Verbena.
Fruits in Season: Atemoya, avocado, banana, carambola, citrus (calamondin,
grapefruit, key lime, lemon, lime, orange, tangelo and tangerine),
kumquat, papaya, pecan, persimmon, pomegranate, sea grape, and sugar
apple.
Blooming plants: Allamanda, bottlebrush, Bougainvillea, Cassia,
Cordia, firecracker plant, firespike, goldenrod, Liatris, lion’s ear,
oleander, Philippine violet, red and yellow shrimp plants, Salvia,
thryallis, Turk’s cap, Thunbergia, and yellow elder.
Upcoming educational classes:
Call 861-9900 to register for the following classes.
- Organic Vegetable Gardening, Orange Blossom Community Garden, 18th
& Orange, 1:00 p.m. November 6
- Rain Barrel Workshop, St. Wilfred Episcopal Church, 3773
Wilkinson Rd, 4:00 p.m. November 9
- Florida Yards & Neighborhoods: Nine Landscape Principles,
Fruitville Library, 2:00 p.m. November 15
- Partnering with Pollinators, Twin Lakes Park, 10:00 a.m.
November 16
- Holiday Plants, Twin Lakes Park, 10:00 a.m. November 17
- Landscaping to Attract Birds, Shamrock Park, 2:00 p.m. November
18
- Rain Barrel Workshop, Twin Lakes Park, 10:00 a.m. November 20
- Organic Vegetable Gardening-Composting for Beginners, Laurel
Community Garden, Forest & Collins, Laurel, 10:30a.m. November 20
- Cold Protection for your Plants, Twin Lakes Park, 10:00 a.m.
December 1
- Termites in the Home, Twin Lakes Park, 1:00 p.m. December 1
- Florida Yards & Neighborhoods: Nine Landscape Principles, Venice
Library, 10:00 a.m. December 2
- Stinging Insects, Shamrock Park, 2:00 p.m. December 2
- Florida Yards & Neighborhoods: Nine Landscape Principles, Gulf
Gate Library, 2:00 p.m. December 3
For information
The Master Gardener Help Desk now has an email address:
mghelpdesk@scgov.net to
answer questions. It is open Monday-Friday from 9:00 a.m.-Noon and
1:00-4:00 p.m. You can call (941-861-9807) or visit our office at Twin
Lakes Park on Clark Road east of I-75 with landscape questions. We
also have weekly satellite help desks at the four south county
libraries and every Monday at Gulf Gate Library.
(Patricia Porchey is an Urban Horticulture Agent with University of
Florida/IFAS Sarasota County Extension. Website:
http://sarasota.ifas.ufl.edu)
Submitted: October 26, 2010
October Gardening Guide 2010
By Patricia Porchey
Q: Water is more expensive here than it was up north. How can I
use less water outside without growing a cactus garden?
A: There are many things you can do to conserve water in your
landscape.
- Turn off your automatic sprinkler system and manually run it
only when your plants need it.
- Test your sprinkler system routinely to make sure it is
operating properly.
- Make sure your rain shut-off device is properly working (all
automatic irrigation systems are required to have a rain shut-off
device and backflow device).
- Install micro-irrigation in shrub and perennial beds.
- Water in the morning before 8:00 a.m.
- Plant drought-tolerant plants.
- Avoid watering plants frequently; instead make your plants more
drought tolerant by increasing the days between watering.
- Decrease the amount of grass in your landscape that serves no
practical purpose such as play areas for children and/or pets.
- Accept grass that is not picture perfect.
- Prevent erosion and stormwater runoff and at the same time keep
water on site by decreasing hard surfaces and increasing plants,
including grass.
- Minimize hard surfaces that are not porous and don’t allow water
to percolate through to the soil below.
- Keep rain water on site by diverting your gutters away from
driveways and other hard surfaces.
- Create rain gardens and/or swales to collect water during heavy
downpours and keep it onsite.
- Catch rain water in rain barrels and cisterns.
- Attend rain barrel class offered by the Extension Service to
learn more and purchase your own rain barrel (see upcoming
educational classes below).
- Attend Water Opportunities Week event at Florida House on
October 23 to learn more about cisterns and the importance of
protecting our watershed.
- For more information, visit Florida-Friendly Landscaping™
website at the University of Florida
http://fyn.ifas.ufl.edu/.
- Cactus and succulent gardens can be beautiful too! Visit
Sarasota’s succulent garden for ideas.
Special Events:
Master Gardener Plant Sale, Bee Ridge Park, 8:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
October 9.
Water Opportunities Week event, Florida House, 4454 Beneva Road,
10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. October 23. Fun activities for the whole family.
Free admission.
PLANTING GUIDE
Vegetables & herbs: Basil, beans, beets, Borage, broccoli, Brussels
sprouts, cabbage, carrot, cauliflower, celery, chervil, collards,
coriander, cucumber, cumin, garlic, leek, lettuce, mustard, onions,
parsley, peas, radish, rutabaga, spinach, strawberries, thyme, tomato,
and turnips.
Annuals: Ageratum, Alyssum, Begonia, calendula, Celosia, Coleus,
dusty miller, geranium, Impatiens, Lobelia, marigold, Melampodium,
nasturtium, pansy, petunia, Salvia, snapdragon, and Zinnia.
Perennials: Agapanthus, beach buttercup, blue daze, calla lily,
Chrysanthemum, cigar plant, Coreopsis, Crinum lily, Dianthus, elephant
ears, Gaillardia, Gerbera daisy, iris, Liatris, Pentas, Salvia, Shasta
daisy, society garlic, and Verbena.
Fruits in season: Atemoya, avocado, banana, carambola, citrus (calamondin,
lemon, and lime), fig, guava, hog plum, kumquat, muscadine grape,
papaya, pecan, persimmon, pomegranate, sea grape, sugar apple, and
tamarind.
Blooming plants: Allamanda, bird-of-paradise, bottlebrush, Cassia,
Cordia, Duranta, dwarf Poinciana, false dragonhead, firecracker plant,
firespike, goldenrain tree, oleander, Philippine violet, red and
yellow shrimp plants, rouge plant, Plumbago, Salvia, thryallis, Turk’s
cap, Thunbergia, and Tibouchina.
Upcoming educational classes:
Call 861-9900 to register for the following classes.
- Landscaping for Birds, Gulf Gate Library, 2:00 p.m. October 1
- Organic Vegetable Gardening, Orange Blossom Community Garden, 18th
& Orange, 1:00 p.m. October 2
- Florida Yards & Neighborhoods: Creating Your Florida Yard, North
Port Library, 6:30 p.m. October 5
- Florida Yards & Neighborhoods: Nine Landscape Principles, Venice
Library, 10:00 a.m. October 7
- Bed Bug Resurgence, Shamrock Park, 2:00 p.m. October 7
- Florida Yards & Neighborhoods: Nine Landscape Principles,
Longwood Park 10:30 a.m. October 9
- Butterfly Predators, Twin Lakes Park, 1:00 p.m. October 12
- Florida Yards & Neighborhoods: Nine Landscape Principles, St.
Wilfred Episcopal Church, 3773 Wilkinson Road, 4:00 a.m. October 12
- Irrigation 101, Twin Lakes Park, 1:00 p.m. October 13
- Rain Barrel Workshop, Twin Lakes Park, 10:00 a.m. October 16
- Organic Vegetable Gardening, Orange Blossom Community Garden, 18th
& Orange, 1:00 p.m. October 16
- Ants, Ants, Ants, Twin Lakes Park, 1:00 p.m. October 19
- Florida Yards & Neighborhoods: Nine Landscape Principles,
Shamrock Park, 2:00 p.m. October 21
- Bed Bug Resurgence, Twin Lakes Park, 1:00 p.m. October 27
- Why Landscapes Fail, Twin Lakes Park, 10:00 a.m. November 3
- Irrigation 101, Twin Lakes Park, 1:00 p.m. November 3
- Florida Yards & Neighborhoods: Nine Landscape Principles, North
Port Library, 6:30 p.m. November 3
For information
The Master Gardener Help Desk now has an email address:
mghelpdesk@scgov.net to
answer questions. It is open Monday-Friday from 9:00 a.m.-Noon and
1:00-4:00 p.m. You can call (941-861-9807) or visit our office at Twin
Lakes Park on Clark Road east of I-75 with landscape questions. We
also have weekly satellite help desks at the four south county
libraries and every Monday at Gulf Gate Library.
(Patricia Porchey is an Urban Horticulture Agent with University of
Florida/IFAS Sarasota County Extension. Website:
http://sarasota.extension.ufl.edu)
Submitted: September 27, 2010
September Gardening Guide 2010
By Patricia Porchey
Q: The summer rains have made everything in my yard "grow like
weeds" and the weeds are everywhere – in my beds and lawn. What can I
do to stop the weeds?
A: There are selective and non-selective herbicides to kill weeds.
The selective product will control those weeds listed on the label as
well as some not listed. These products can safely be used only in
those areas listed on the label. Products listed for weed control in
Bahia grass are not always listed for use on St. Augustine grass and
vice versa. A weed such as Bermuda grass in a St. Augustine bed is not
really a "weed," but another type of turf grass. Therefore, there is
no selective herbicide that kills one turf grass without harming the
other.
For weeds in beds, there are some selective herbicides that are
tolerated by ornamentals and can be used without causing harm to some
shrubs and groundcovers. Read the label for a list of tolerant plants.
Sometimes there is a cautionary warning on the label for a maximum
temperature when the product can be applied; oftentimes, this is
eighty-five degrees.
Non-selective herbicides kill or damage whatever plants they touch
so must be used with care. These products can unintentionally harm
plants when used when wind causes them to drift. Also, they should not
be used when rain is in the immediate forecast. One should always read
the label thoroughly before applying any herbicide.
Q: I’ve just moved here and I want to plant a vegetable garden;
however, there’s no soil, just sand. What can I do besides grow
vegetables in containers?
A. Our native soil is predominantly sand, but oftentimes, clay fill
soil has been brought into new developments. The sandy soil is good
for drainage, but it doesn’t hold moisture and nutrients. For best
results, organic amendments such as composted manure, humus, peat or
cover crops are commonly added to improve the soil texture.
Making your own compost is a great way to recycle your kitchen
scraps and clippings and reduce trash going to the landfill. This is
an excellent source of organic materials to improve your sandy soil.
To learn how you can do this yourself, attend one of the organic
classes at the community gardens listed below. Information is also
available from Florida’s On-line Composting Center
http://www.compostinfo.com/.
Timely reminder: The Master Gardener plant sale is at Bee Ridge
Park, 8:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. on October 9.
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, monstera, muscadine grape,
papaya, pomegranate, sea grape, and sugar apple.
Blooming plants: Allamanda, bird-of-paradise, 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 to register for the following classes.
- Rodent & Mole Management, Twin Lakes Park, 10:00 a.m. September
7
- Trees & Shrubs for Sarasota, Twin Lakes Park, 10:00 a.m.
September 8
- Florida Yards & Neighborhoods: Creating Your Florida Yard,
Longwood Park, 10:30 a.m. September 11
- Household Pests, Shamrock Park, 2:00 p.m. September 16
- Rain Barrel Workshop, Twin Lakes Park, 10:00 a.m. September 18
- Organic Vegetable Gardening, Laurel Park Community Garden, 10:30
a.m. September 18
- Growing Citrus in the Home Landscape, Twin Lakes Park, 10:00
a.m. September 22
- Insect Pests of Woody Plants, Twin Lakes Park, 1:00 p.m.
September 22
- Florida Yards & Neighborhoods: Creating Your Florida Yard, Twin
Lakes Park, 4:00 p.m. September 22
- The Bed Bug Menace, Twin Lakes Park, 1:00 p.m. September 29
- Organic Vegetable Gardening, Orange Blossom Community Garden, 18th
& Orange, 1:00 p.m. October 2
For information
The Master Gardener Help Desk now has an email address:
mghelpdesk@scgov.net to answer questions. It is open
Monday-Friday from 9:00 a.m.-Noon and 1:00-4:00 p.m. You can call
(941-861-9807) or visit our office at Twin Lakes Park on Clark Road
east of I-75 with landscape questions. We also have weekly satellite
help desks at the four south county libraries and every Monday at Gulf
Gate Library.
(Patricia Porchey is an Urban Horticulture Agent with University of
Florida/IFAS Sarasota County Extension. Website:
http://sarasota.extension.ufl.edu)
Submitted: August 30, 2010
August Gardening Guide 2010
By Patricia Porchey
Q: There is webbing on my branches and tiny insects underneath.
What should I do?
A: These silken webs are created by Psocids, bark lice,
Archipsocus nomas. From July through October, their colonies
increase in size and number and are more frequently observed. Psocids
secrete this protective silken covering on trunks and larger limbs
while they are "cleaning" the bark of dead insect and plant debris,
but mostly fungi and lichens. They most often appear on rough bark
trees such as oaks, silver trumpet trees and sea grape, but they have
been observed on hollies and citrus as well. These insects are not
harmful so no pesticide is recommended.
Q: There is a parasite on my tree trunk that is killing my tree.
A: Lichens are often mistaken for the culprit that is causing a
plant’s decline. However, lichens usually appear on plants that have
exposed branches – they only need a structure to support them. A
thinning canopy allows light to provide the right environment for
lichens to proliferate.
Lichens appear in varying shades of gray-green and can be flat or
raised, even lacey looking. They are both an algae and fungus. The
algae supplies the fungus with carbohydrates through photosynthesis
and the fungus protects the algae from drying out. They were placed
there by wind or rain.
Their presence does not always indicate the plant is stressed. They
often appear on crape myrtles in the winter after the plants have lost
their leaves. If a plant is stressed, it’s important to find out the
real reason – it’s not the lichens.
PLANTING GUIDE
Vegetables (seeds at end of month) & Herbs (plants): Basil,
broccoli, celery, collards, corn, eggplant, lemon balm, marjoram,
Mexican tarragon, mint, okra, onions, oregano, pole beans, pumpkin,
rosemary, southern peas, summer squash, thyme, and watermelon.
Annuals: Begonia, Celosia, Coleus, Cosmos, Dahlia, dusty miller,
marigold, Portulaca, periwinkle, Salvia, and Zinnia.
Perennials: African iris, beach buttercup, blackberry lily,
Caladium, Coreopsis, firespike, Gaillardia, Gaura, Iris, Jacobinia,
Kalanchoe, milkweed, Pentas, Salvia, society garlic, and Verbena.
Blooming plants: Cordia, crape myrtle, gingers, gloriosa lily,
goldenrod, Ixora, Lantana, Magnolia, Oleander, orange jasmine, yellow
Poinciana, red and yellow shrimp plants, rouge plant, Plumbago,
Thryallis, Tibouchina and Thunbergia.
Fruits in Season: Avocado, banana, Barbados cherry, blueberry,
carambola, citrus (calamondin, lemon, and lime), cocoplum, fig, guava,
jaboticaba, kumquat, longan, mango, Monstera, muscadine grape, papaya,
passionfruit, pineapple, and sea grape.
Upcoming educational classes:
For information
The Master Gardener Help Desk now has an email address:
mghelpdesk@scgov.net to
answer questions. It is open Monday-Friday from 9:00 a.m.-Noon and
1:00-4:00 p.m. You can call (941-861-9807) or visit our office at Twin
Lakes Park on Clark Road east of I-75 with landscape questions. We
also have weekly satellite help desks at the four south county
libraries and every Monday at Gulf Gate Library.
(Patricia Porchey is an Urban Horticulture Agent with University of
Florida/IFAS Sarasota County Extension. Website:
http://sarasota.extension.ufl.edu)
Submitted: August 26, 2010
June Gardening Guide 2010
By: Patricia Porchey
When do I know if my Christmas palm and coconut palm are actually
dead?
As the cold weather came to an end, the advice from the University
of Florida researchers was to be patient and give the palms six months
to determine their fate. Initial symptoms in Coconut palms included
the loss of lower leaves with the youngest leaves, including the
spear, remaining green as well as the trunk. However, over time, the
youngest leaves may wilt and die. In this case, the primary problem
was the cold, but the secondary problem, trunk rot caused the demise
of the palm.
In Christmas palms, new leaves may have emerged after the freeze
only to collapse and have leaflet tips breaking off. They may also
have new leaves that appear to be stuck together and scorched,
mimicking nutrient deficiency. The good news is the bud (meristem) is
still alive.
Now as we near the end of our "wait and see" period, University
researchers warn, "In the case of freeze-damaged palms with basal
spear leaf rot, such palms may eventually recover by mid-summer if the
meristem itself was not killed. On the other hand, palms, especially
coconut palms, which appeared to be recovering well and displayed no
evidence of spear leaf rot, may ultimately die from secondary trunk
rots associated with cold damage."
Why are my citrus trees flowering and then losing so much fruit?
Many factors can influence this reaction to fruit set. We have been
fortunate that we had a wetter than normal spring; however, May was
dry. Drought can influence both fruit and leaf drop. The overall
health of the tree can be a factor as well as the age of the tree.
Let’s not forget that nature itself dictates some fruit drop. Can you
imagine how many extra grapefruit you would have if there was no self
pruning in the spring?
If your trees have greasy spot (symptoms include brown or black
swollen spots on the underside of leaves) and/or melanose (symptoms on
fruit are small raised areas that may appear as irregular stripes and
have a sandpapery feel), this is a good time to spray a copper
fungicide. It’s also a good idea to rake up the infected leaves on the
ground.
Timely reminder:
The new fertilizer ordinance makes it illegal to apply Nitrogen and
Phosphorus June 1 – September 30. If your turf needs greening up this
summer, you can apply chelated iron.
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, Jacaranda, Jerusalem thorn,
Ligustrum, Magnolia, Mexican flame vine, ponytail palm,
Plumbago, Plumeria, royal poinciana, thryallis, and Yucca.
For information
The Master Gardener Help Desk now has an email address:
mghelpdesk@scgov.net to
answer questions. It is open Monday-Friday from 9:00 a.m.-Noon and
1:00-4:00 p.m. You can call (941-861-9807) or visit our office at Twin
Lakes Park on Clark Road east of I-75 with landscape questions. We
also have weekly satellite help desks at the four south county
libraries and every Monday at Gulf Gate Library.
(Patricia Porchey is an Urban Horticulture Agent with University of
Florida/IFAS Sarasota County Extension. Website:
http://sarasota.extension.ufl.edu)
Submitted: June 1, 2010
Ask an Expert (March, 2010)
By Patricia Porchey
I used tree fertilizer stakes up north to fertilize
my trees because they are so easy to use. Can I use them here too?
Tree fertilizer stakes or spikes are not recommended here because
of our sandy soils. Moisture moves laterally in soils such as clay
soil with its fine soil particles; whereas, moisture percolates down
rather than laterally in our sandy soils. Thus as the moisture breaks
down the stake, the only roots receiving nutrients are those
immediately around the stake and below it. One must remember too that
the tree’s roots can spread well beyond the canopy so a granular
fertilizer applied to the soil surface is the best option.
This is the month that all the plants in your landscape should
receive an application of fertilizer to get them off to a healthy
start this spring. Do remember the fertilizer ordinance in Sarasota
County requires that the fertilizer contain at least 50% of the
nitrogen be in a slow–release form.
If there are palms in your landscape, the University of Florida
recommends you use an 8-2-12-4 palm fertilizer not only around the
palms, but out fifty feet from the base. For many homeowners, this
means you will be using palm fertilizer on your turf as well as around
your palms.
Now that the warm weather is here, can I prune all of my plants?
Should I cut them down to the ground?
It has taken lots of self discipline to keep our pruners tucked
away while brown shrubs have dominated our landscapes. However, by
waiting to prune, further cold damage has been averted. If you cut a
plant to the ground, you may put an additional stress on this plant.
Some plants are more tolerant of this method than others, but because
most of our subtropical plants were under tremendous stress with the
cold temperatures this winter, a less severe pruning is recommended.
By waiting for the flush of new growth to emerge, you will know
where the live growth is and where the winter damage occurred. Cut
down to the green area. Just like with trees, cut above a leaf node or
branch juncture.
If you have a spring-blooming shrub, refrain from pruning it until
after it blooms unless, of course, the terminal growth is dead. A plus
this year is that some plants’ blooms are richer in color as a result
of the cold winter.
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, 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: Azalea, blue flag iris, blue sage, bottlebrush,
Buddleia, cape honeysuckle, Carolina Jessamine, citrus, dwarf Indian
hawthorn, flame vine, fuchsia skullcap, geranium, lantana, Mexican
flame vine, Nemesia, orchid tree, purple Tabebuia, silk floss tree,
spiderwort, Surinam cherry, Turk’s cap, and Walter’s Viburnum
GETTING HELP
The Master Gardener Help Desk is available to answer your
questions. Email:
mghelpdesk@scgov.net. It is open Monday-Friday from 9-Noon and 1-4
p.m. Phone: 861-9807. Office: Twin Lakes Park, Clark Road east of
I-75.
Satellite Help Desks: Weekly at four South County libraries and
every 4th Saturday at Fruitville Library and every third
Saturday at the Downtown Farmers’ Market, Sarasota.
New locations: Mondays at Gulf Gate Library, 10:00 a.m.-noon and
Wednesdays at Phillippi Farmhouse Market, Noon-2:00 p.m.
(Patricia Porchey is an Urban Horticulture Agent with University of
Florida/IFAS Sarasota County Extension. Website:
http://sarasota.extension.ufl.edu)
Ask an Expert February, 2010
By Patricia Porchey
What can I plant for a privacy hedge that grows about
ten feet tall with a large spread in a semi-shaded area? I want it to
be drought tolerant too. There are
several native shrubs that fulfill your needs: Firebush, Hamelia
patens,Marlberry, Ardisia escallonioides, Simpson’s Stopper,
Myrcianthes fragrans, Walter’s Viburnum, Viburnum obovatum, Wax
Myrtle, Myrica cerifera and Wild Coffee, Psychotria nervosa, as well
as some non-natives: Natal Plum, Carissa grandiflora, andSplit-leaf
Philodendron, Philodendron selloum, The cold temperatures in December
were a great barometer of which shrubs withstood the lower
temperatures the best.
Not surprisingly, the natives listed above all survived and held
their color and leavesexcept for the Firebush and Wild Coffee.
Depending on their location and whether theywere afforded any
protection from the cold from other plants, walls, fences,
etc.determined to a large extent whether their leaves were bronzed or
completely brown andwhether they had partial or total leaf drop. You
may experience some dieback, but theplant rarely dies.
For more shrub suggestions, visit the Florida-friendly plant
database,
http://floridayards.org/fyplants/index.php
Some of my palms look terrible after the cold weather hit them.
What should I do?
Our native cabbage palm came through the cold without any damage;
however, othersubtropical palms such as the Areca or Madagascar,
Chrysalidocarpus lutescens,
Christmas or Manila, Adonidia
merrillii, Coconut,
Cocos nucifera,and
Foxtail, Wodyetia bifurcata.
suffered severe bronzing or death.
Much of the damage on Arecas appears to be on the periphery areas
which were most exposed; whereas the innermost areas are still green.
Leave all the fronds in place, eventhe brown ones, until we know
there’s no more cold weather in our forecast. These brown leaves offer
some protection from future cold spells.
Coconut palms may have fronds that are brown, while the central
petiole and rachis remains green. These leaf bases are protecting the
apical meristem (bud) and should not be removed until 2-3 new leaves
emerge.
Many of the Christmas palms appear to be dead. If all the fronds,
including the bud spear, are brown and trunk damage is observed, these
palms need to be removed as they are now a hazard if they fall. If
your palm has been stressed by the cold, you can spray a copper
fungicide on the budto protect it from further damage. For more
information you can download a fact sheet,
"Treating Cold Damaged Palms" at
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/mg318.
Sarasota County Extension. Website:
http://sarasota.extension.ufl.edu)
|
May Gardening Guide (2009)
By Patricia Porchey
The Master Gardener program was first conceived in Washington State
by Extension agents who needed help assisting homeowners whose
interest in horticulture was increasing in urban areas. Volunteers
were trained by land-grant college staff so they would have the
knowledge to provide information and answer questions for the public.
From Washington State, the program has become an important part of
Extension programs in land-grant universities across the nation.
Fifty-four counties in Florida have active Master Gardener programs
affiliated with the University of Florida’s Extension Service.
Sarasota County has one of the largest programs with 119 Master
Gardeners. These volunteer educators provide research-based
information to homeowners about planning and maintaining urban and
suburban landscapes with an emphasis on environmental stewardship.
When you call the Extension office with a question, your call will be
answered by a Master Gardener at the Help Desk. They also assist
homeowners at five satellite Help Desk locations.
In addition, Master Gardeners staff information booths and give
demonstrations at special events, give presentations to garden clubs,
work with youth groups (4-H, Scouts, public and private school
students), assist with community gardens, and facilitate horticultural
activities for the developmentally and physically-challenged as well
as senior populations. They grow plants for their annual fund-raising
plant sale in October; whose proceeds are for educational grants for
community projects. They are responsible for maintaining the landscape
and conducting tours in the demonstration landscapes at the Florida
House Learning Center and Extension office.
Our Master Gardeners are continually recognized for their
contributions to the community at the community gardens, schools,
parks and other facilities. They donated over 16,000 hours of their
time in 2008. In the past two years, two Sarasota County Master
Gardeners have received national awards for their work in the
community from the MetLife Foundation’s Older Volunteers Enrich
America.
Once a year, new Master Gardeners are recruited and trained to be a
part of this volunteer program. There are no prerequisites, just a
genuine desire to volunteer your time to assist others in the
community. If you are interested, visit our website for more
information
http://sarasota.extension.ufl.edu or attend the upcoming
orientation program on June 3.
Blooming & planting guide
- Vegetables & Herbs: Anise, beans, black-eyed peas, borage,
catnip, chervil, cilantro/coriander, comfrey, corn, cumin, dasheen,
eggplant, marjoram, mint, okra, oregano, peas, summer savory, sweet
potatoes, tarragon and watermelon.
- Annuals: Ageratum, Begonia, Celosia, Cleome, Coleus, Cosmos,
Crossandra, dusty miller, four o’clock, Gazania, marigold, morning
glory, Nicotiana, periwinkle, Portulaca, Salvia, sunflower, Torenia,
Verbena and Zinnia.
- Perennials: Blue daze, Caladium, Coreopsis, Dahlberg daisy,
daylily, Gaillardia, Gaura, Gerbera daisy, Kalanchoe, Mexican
heather, Pentas, Rudbeckia, Salvias, shell ginger, shrimp plants,
Tithonia and Verbena.
- Fruits in Season: Banana, blackberry, blueberry, carambola,
citrus, (calamondin, grapefruit, key lime, lemon, and lime,), guava,
kumquat, loquat, macadamia, papaya, pineapple, Surinam cherry, and
tamarind.
- Blooming Plants: Amaryllis, birds of paradise, crape jasmine,
daylily, devil’s backbone, Gardenia, dwarf Indian hawthorn,
Jacaranda, Jerusalem thorn, Magnolia, Mexican flame vine, natal
plum, oleander, pipevine, Plumeria, silk oak Simpson’s stopper, star
jasmine, Texas sage, and Yucca.
For information
The Master Gardener Help Desk now has an email address:
mghelpdesk@scgov.net to
answer questions. It is open Monday-Friday from 9:00 a.m.-Noon and
1:00-4:00 p.m. You can call (941-861-9807) or visit our office at Twin
Lakes Park on Clark Road east of I-75 with landscape questions. We
also have weekly satellite help desks at the four south county
libraries and every third Saturday of the month at the Downtown
Farmer’s Market.
(Patricia Porchey is an Urban Horticulture Agent with University of
Florida/IFAS Sarasota County Extension. Website:
http://sarasota.extension.ufl.edu)
Submitted April 28, 2009
April Gardening Guide (2009)
By Patricia Porchey
Are you a good "steward" of the land? This is becoming a more
familiar term as more emphasis is placed on being green and lowering
our carbon footprints.
Water conservation is at the top of the list for being an
environmental steward after three years of drought and a new year
where we are already five inches below the normal rainfall. Some
counties and municipalities are already imposing what some would
consider drastic measures to combat the water shortages.
If you have already established the practice of watering your
plants only when they "tell" you they are thirsty, you’ve already
started them down the road to being more drought tolerant. They will
develop longer roots as they search for water during the intervals
between watering and be better able to sustain themselves. This is
true of all plants, not just turf.
Here are other practices you can adopt to be a good steward and
still have a healthy landscape:
- Test your irrigation system routinely to make sure the heads are
functioning properly and water is hitting the intended target and
not running onto the street.
- Test the amount of water being generated by the heads and cut it
back to 3/4 inch each application.
- Allow turf to grow longer before mowing, as well as, adhering to
the rule to only remove 1/3rd of the blades at a time.
- Water in the morning so more moisture is taken in by the roots
and not lost to evaporation. Avoid watering in the evening as this
could lead to disease problems.
- Convert flower and shrub beds to micro-irrigation to more
effectively get water to the roots where it is needed.
- Incorporate the use of mulch into your landscape maintenance to
help hold the moisture in the soil longer as well as prevent weeds.
As mulch breaks down, it will improve the soil texture so moisture
and nutrients remain in the soil longer.
- Use fertilizers containing at least 50% slow-release nutrients
so nutrients don’t leach through the soil quickly.
- When pests are a problem, use the least toxic treatment, such as
soaps and oils.
- Treat plants only when the number of pests poses a threat and no
beneficial insects are present.
- Eliminate those plants from you landscape that attract pests and
require more treatment with pesticides.
- Always read the labels on pesticides and herbicides before using
them. Some herbicides may cause injury to plants when the
temperatures go over 85 degrees.
- Reward yourself financially and nutritionally by growing some of
your own food.
- Teach your children and grandchildren what you have learned and
encourage them to garden with you.
Blooming & planting guide
- Vegetables & Herbs: Anise, basil, beans, borage, cantaloupe,
chervil, comfrey, corn, cucumber, cumin, horehound, lemon balm,
marjoram, mint, okra, oregano, peas, summer savory, sweet potatoes,
tarragon and thyme.
- Annuals: Amaranthus, aster, Celosia, Cleome, Coleus, Cosmos,
dusty miller, Gazania, geranium, Impatiens, Lobelia, morning glory,
Nicotiana, ornamental pepper, Pentas, periwinkle, Phlox, Portulaca,
Salvia, Torenia, Verbena and Zinnia.
- Perennials: African iris, Amazon lily, Aztec lily, blue daze,
blood lily, Caladium, Canna, Coreopsis, Crossandra, Dianthus,
Gaillardia, Gaura, Gerbera daisy, Gloriosa lily, milkweed, Mexican
heather, Philippine violet, rain lily, Salvia, Scabiosa, shell
ginger, shrimp plants, Tithonia and Verbena.
- Fruits in Season: Banana, blueberry, carambola, citrus, (calamondin,
grapefruit, Key lime, lemon, lime, and orange), kumquat, loquat,
Mysore raspberry, Surinam cherry, and strawberry.
- Blooming Plants: Amaryllis, avocado, azalea, bottlebrush,
Bougainvillea, confederate jasmine, dwarf Indian hawthorn,
Jacaranda, Cordia, Lantana, Macadamia, Magnolia, Nasturtium, orchid
tree, rose, society garlic, Simpson’s stopper, trumpet trees, Turk’s
cap, and Viburnum.
For information
The Master Gardener Help Desk now has an email address:
mghelpdesk@scgov.net to
answer questions. It is open Monday-Friday from 9:00 a.m.-Noon and
1:00-4:00 p.m. You can call (941-861-9807) or visit our office at Twin
Lakes Park on Clark Road east of I-75 with landscape questions. We
also have weekly satellite help desks at the four south county
libraries and every third Saturday of the month at the Downtown
Farmer’s Market.
(Patricia Porchey is an Urban Horticulture Agent with University of
Florida/IFAS Sarasota County Extension. Website:
http://sarasota.extension.ufl.edu)
March Gardening Guide (2009)
By Patricia Porchey
After an unusually cold winter for us, there is more damage to our
plants than we would normally see. Before you start removing damaged
areas, however, first determine if branches are really dead. These
three tests will help you. First, newly emerged leaves, triggered by
the warm springtime temperatures, will show you that branches are
still alive. Second, test the branch for flexibility; if it’s stiff
and brittle, it is probably dead. Third, scratch the bark to see if
it’s still green; green means it is alive.
Once you have removed the dead branches, you may decide to do some
structural pruning. If you only remove about 25% of the total growth
at one time, this will allow you to shape the plant without stressing
it. Structurally prune spring-blooming plants only after they have
bloomed
Once you’ve determined pruning is needed, here are some guidelines
to follow to maintain a healthy plant.
- Remove the dead wood on the periphery or interior areas of
plant.
- Remove all broken branches.
- Remove a branch that crisscrosses another branch, resulting in
bark stripping. Keep the branch that is structurally best for the
plant.
- If there are diseased branches with canker, galls, or "witches
broom," make your cut six to twelve inches below the infected area.
After each cut, the pruners should be sterilized. Make a sterilizing
solution with 80%water and 20% bleach or with 70%water and 30% Pine
Sol, or its equivalent. The tools need to remain in the sterilizing
solution for 5 minutes and then rinsed before reusing.
- Avoid leaving stubs where you remove larger branches by leaving
only the "bark ridges" at the top and the collar swelling at the
base of each branch cut.

Drought alert
After three years of drought, and a
fourth on-going, rain has become a scarce commodity for our plants.
During the winter months while our nights are still cool, irrigating
twice a month is usually sufficient for healthy turf, shrubs and small
trees. It’s not necessary to water large trees because of their
extensive root systems. However, fruiting plants will need sufficient
moisture to fully develop their fruit in a timely manner.
Don’t be misled by plant
characteristics; even "drought-tolerant" plants may or may not survive
during a prolonged drought period. Supplemental watering may be needed
to keep the plants from undergoing tremendous stress. Monitor plants
regularly to see if they need water. Symptoms in appearance indicating
the need for supplemental water are dull-colored leaves and wilting.
Blooming & 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, 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, Buddleia, cape honeysuckle,
Carolina Jessamine, citrus, dwarf Indian hawthorn, flame vine,
fuchsia skullcap, geranium, lantana, Mexican flame vine, Nemesia,
orchid tree, silk floss tree, society garlic, Surinam cherry,
Walter’s Viburnum, and white bird of paradise.
For information
The Master Gardener Help Desk now
has an email address:
mghelpdesk@scgov.net
to answer questions. It is open Monday-Friday from 9:00 a.m.-Noon and
1:00-4:00 p.m. You can call (941-861-9807) or visit our office at Twin
Lakes Park on Clark Road east of I-75 with landscape questions. We
also have weekly satellite help desks at the four south county
libraries and every third Saturday of the month at the Downtown
Farmer’s Market.
(Patricia Porchey is an Urban
Horticulture Agent with University of Florida/IFAS Sarasota County
Extension. Website:
http://sarasota.extension.ufl.edu)
Submitted February 23, 2009
January 2009 Gardening Guide
By Patricia Porchey
Whenever I drive through an older neighborhood, I am
either struck by the sight of majestic mature shade trees or the
bareness created by their absence. Studies have shown that wooded
residential areas can decrease air temperatures by 8-15% when compared
to paved commercial areas. Newer subdivisions have landscape
requirements, including trees, that over time will provide many
benefits for these homeowners.
Trees have always been an important part of our
landscape for aesthetics and shade on a hot summer day. However, there
are many other reasons why trees are so valuable in our landscape.
According to the Florida Urban Forestry Council, annually one million
trees provide $3.5 million in stormwater runoff savings, $5 million in
air pollution clean-up savings, and $1 million in energy savings. Tree
leaves intercept rain water and roots hold the soil in place as they
aid in the percolation of rain water through the soil. Trees lining
public streets can reduce ozone levels by 40% and induce traffic
speeds to drop by 7-12 MPH. Air conditioning bills can be reduced by
nearly half with well-placed trees around your home.
Did you know that plants are our only source of oxygen
and trees play a dominant part? Plants remove carbon dioxide (CO2)
from the air and produce oxygen. One tree can remove 32 pounds of CO2
per year. One acre of trees can produce enough oxygen per day for 18
people to breathe.
We can’t forget the benefits to wildlife – trees
provide habitat and food. They provide shelter and nesting areas for
birds large and small as well as some mammals. Their diverse array of
seeds and fruits provide food for much of our wildlife.
For 23 years, Sarasota has been recognized by the
Arbor Day Foundation as a Tree City USA. In fact, in April 2000, the
national Millennium Arbor Day Celebration was held here in Sarasota.
To commemorate the occasion, the Millennium Tree Trail was dedicated
at the Ringling Museum and remains open to the public today.
Plant a tree for Florida Arbor Day, January 16, so you
too can reap the benefits of trees.
For more information about trees and their benefits as
well as selection, visit the Trees4Florida website http://treesarecool.com
and the Florida-friendly plant database website http://floridayards.org.
Blooming and planting guide
Vegetables & Herbs: Beets, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower,
celery, Chinese cabbage, chives, collards, coriander, dill, eggplant,
endive, fennel, garlic, kale, kohlrabi, lettuce, mustard, onion,
parsley, peas, pepper, potatoes, radish, rosemary, sage, tomatoes,
turnips, and watermelon.
Annuals: Alyssum, ageratum, Calendula, dusty miller, geranium,
Lobelia, nasturtium, pansy, ornamental cabbage and kale, petunia,
phlox, snapdragon, Statice and Verbena.
Perennials: Agapanthus, Amaryllis, calla lily, Clivia, Crinum lily,
daylily, Dianthus, blue sage, Shasta daisy, society garlic, Tithonia,
Viola, and walking iris.
Fruits in Season: Avocado, banana, carambola, citrus (calamondin,
grapefruit, key lime, lemon, lime, orange, and tangerine), hog plum,
Indian jujube, kumquat, and papaya.
Blooming plants: Bougainvillea, bromeliad, Cassia, Chinese hat
plant, crown of thorns, desert rose, firebush, Kalanchoe, Lantana,
lion’s ear, loquat, mango, Mexican flame vine, orchid tree, porterweed,
rose, Tabebuia, Thunbergia, and Turk’s cap.
For
information
If
you have questions concerning your landscape, please call or visit our
office at Twin Lakes Park on Clark Road east of I-75.
The
Master Gardener Help Desk
is open Monday-Friday from 9:00 a.m.-Noon and
1:00-4:00 p.m. (941-861-9807). We have weekly satellite help desks at
the four south county libraries and at the
Downtown Farmer’s Market
every third Saturday
of the month.
(Patricia Porchey is
an Urban Horticulture Agent with University of Florida/IFAS Sarasota
County Extension. Website: http://sarasota.extension.ufl.edu)
September Gardening Guide
By: Patricia Porchey
According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, a weed is "a plant that is
not valued where it is growing and is usually of vigorous growth;
especially one that tends to overgrow or choke out more desirable plants."
Those of you, who have been watching the mechanical removal of Brazilian
pepper, Schinus terebinthifolius, along I-75, know how quickly this
plant grows and overtakes the surrounding vegetation.
Another invasive weed is the air potato vine, Dioscorea bublifera.
With its glossy heart-shaped leaves, it is quite attractive until you notice
it is covering every plant within 60 feet of its roots. Along its stems it
produces numerous aerial tubers, bulbils. One vine can produce as many as
200 bulbils in a season. Once the bulbils drop on the ground, they sprout
new vines, whether they are full grown to 5 inches or only � inch in
diameter.
Control Brazilian pepper and air potato with an herbicide containing the
active ingredient glyphosate or tricoplyr. Spraying it on the foliage is not
always possible without damaging other plants. It�s best to cut down the
Brazilian pepper to a stump if it�s too large to dig out the roots. Within
five minutes spray or brush on the herbicide to the stump. Severing the stem
from the roots of the potato vine will cause the upper vine to die and the
remaining stem can then be treated with the herbicide. For the best results
with eliminating potato vine, herbicides should be applied late in the
growing season, typically August through October. Remove all bulbils, and
place them overnight in a freezer to kill them.
It�s best to remove invasive plants when they are young, but spotting
them is not always easy. The volunteer seedlings often pop up in our yards
among other ornamentals as a result of being windblown or deposited by a
carrier animal such as a bird. Be aware the aromatic sap of Brazilian pepper
can cause skin reactions (similar to poison ivy) in some sensitive people.
Learn more about protecting our natural areas from invasive plants with this
publication.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/AG108.
"Growing like a weed" applies to many of our landscape ornamentals and
turfgrasses during the rainy season. However, weeds are also popping up in
our beds and turfgrasses. The same non-selective herbicides mentioned above
can be applied to weeds in beds where the herbicide can be safely applied to
the weeds only. Some ornamentals can tolerate an overspray of certain
herbicides where the weeds have severely impacted the bed. Read the
herbicide label for a list of tolerant plants.
Selective herbicides must be used in turfgrasses to kill the weeds to
prevent injury to the turfgrass. Herbicide companies research some of the
more common weeds to determine if their product actually controls them.
These weeds are listed on the label. Even weeds not listed may still be
affected by the herbicide.
Before shopping for a weed and feed, there are two things to remember.
First, we are still in the restricted season in Sarasota County when you are
not allowed to fertilize. This restriction is lifted October 1, but it also
carries some slow-release and nutrient analysis requirements. Second, when
temperatures are over 85 degrees, injury can result to your turfgrass from
herbicides. Read the label carefully before applying any herbicide or
fertilizer.
Upcoming educational classes:
Each of the eight libraries in Sarasota County are featuring special
classes this moth to celebrate Sustainability Month. A class on composting
is being taught by Master Gardeners at each of the libraries; dates and
times are listed below. You may now register for classes on-line at our
website:
http://sarasota.extension.ufl.edu/EdSched.htm
or call 861-9900.
- "Composting" at Elsie Quirk Library, September 6 at 10:00 a.m.
- "Composting" at Jacaranda Library, September 6 at 2:00 p.m.
- "Composting" at Fruitville Library, September 9 at 1:00 p.m.
- "Wildlife Habitat Creation in & around Urban Ponds" at Twin Lakes
Park, September 10 at 10:00 a.m.
- "Ants, Ants, Ants" at Twin Lakes Park, September 10 at 1:00 p.m.
- "Composting" at Venice Library, September 11 at 2:00 p.m.
- "Composting" at Selby Library, September 12 at 1:00 p.m.
- "Florida Yards & Neighborhoods: Nine Landscape Principles at Gulf Gate
Library, September 12 at 2:00 p.m.
- "Composting" at North Port Library, September 13 at 1:00 p.m.
- "Florida Yards & Neighborhoods: Nine Landscape Principles at
Fruitville Library, September 15 at 2:00 p.m.
- "Bed Bugs: a Growing Menace" at Twin Lakes Park, September 17 at 2:00
p.m.
- "Composting" at North Sarasota Library, September 17 at 2:00 p.m.
- "Trees in the Landscape" at Shamrock Park, September 18 at 2:00 p.m.
- "Florida Yards & Neighborhoods: Nine Landscape Principles at Selby
Library, September 23 at 10:30 a.m.
- "Trees & Shrubs in the Landscape" " at Twin Lakes Park, September 24
at 10:00 a.m.
- "Integrated Psest Management Principles" at Twin Lakes Park, September
24 at 1:00 p.m.
- "Composting" at Gulf Gate Library, September 25 at 30:00 p.m.
- Step by Step Florida-friendly Landscape Training" (first of 5 classes)
at Twin Lakes Park, September 24 at 10:00 a.m.
Blooming & 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, monstera, muscadine grape, papaya,
pomegranate, sea grape, and sugar apple.
Blooming plants: Allamanda, bird-of-paradise, 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.
For information
If you have questions concerning your landscape, please call
(941-861-9807) or visit the Master Gardener Help Desk at our office at Twin
Lakes Park on Clark Road east of I-75. The Help Desk is open Monday-Friday
from 9:00 a.m.-Noon and 1:00-4:00 p.m. We have weekly satellite help desks
at the four south county libraries and every third Saturday of the month at
the Downtown Farmer�s Market.
(Patricia Porchey is an Urban Horticulture
Agent with University of Florida/IFAS Sarasota County Extension. Website:
http://sarasota.extension.ufl.edu)
Submitted September 2, 2008
August Gardening Guide 2008
By Patricia Porchey
Those of you who bought crape myrtles at the Herald Tribune sale last
week may have noticed the selective pruning done by the grower to insure
good structure on these young plants. Driving on the boulevards and on-ramps
to I-75, one can see great examples of majestic looking crape myrtles with
full canopies. On the other hand, many commercial landscapes have crape
myrtles meant to be specimen plants; however, they have the look coined by
Gary Knox of "crape murder." They have been topped to little stubs just
above the main trunk. The plants then struggle to put out new growth in the
form of numerous weak sprigs. This type of pruning is unhealthy for the
plant and eventually curtails its longevity and its ability to overcome the
stress this drastic pruning has on it.
Another misconception is to top large canopied trees for the hurricane
season instead of thinning them. Thinning the canopy allows air movement
without making the trees more susceptible to damage from insects, disease,
and wind as topped trees are. It is important to hire a professional, such
as a Certified Arborist who is educated in correct pruning methods, and to
expect services that produce a healthy tree after its pruned.
How sad it is to see palms that have been severely pruned with a
"hurricane cut" year after year that eventually can�t overcome the stress
and die. With more diseases attacking our palms, it becomes even more
important to keep them healthy. Your best defense to keep them healthy is by
providing proper fertilization and pruning.
Gardening activities
- Solarize the soil in your vegetable garden or other areas of your
landscape where nematodes are a problem.
- Monitor hibiscus for pink hibiscus mealybug. Do not treat the plant if
the mealybug�s predators, lady beetles and their larval forms, are
present.
- Monitor Bahia turf for mole crickets. Free larraflower seeds are
available at our office � these plants attract the beneficial wasp
predator of mole crickets.
- Monitor St. Augustine for chinch bugs. Treat the infected area only.
- Monitor for sod webworms eating your grass blades. Apply Bt which only
targets worms and caterpillars and will not harm any beneficial insects
that are present.
- Monitor lawns for possible disease problems with increased moisture
from the summer rains. Dollar spot is common on Bahia grass and brown
patch and gray leaf spot, on St. Augustine.
- Green up your turf with an application of chelated iron.
- Read the label carefully before applying weed control products to turf
since many products cannot be used when the temperature is over 85
degrees.
Blooming & planting guide
- Vegetables (seeds at end of month) & Herbs (plants): Basil, broccoli,
celery, collards, corn, eggplant, lemon balm, marjoram, Mexican tarragon,
mint, okra, onions, oregano, pole beans, pumpkin, rosemary, southern peas,
summer squash, thyme, and watermelon.
- Annuals: Begonia, Celosia, Coleus, Cosmos, Dahlia, dusty miller,
marigold, Portulaca, periwinkle, Salvia, and Zinnia.
- Perennials: African iris, beach buttercup, blackberry lily, Caladium,
Coreopsis, firespike, Gaillardia, Gaura, Iris, Jacobinia, Kalanchoe,
milkweed, Pentas, Salvia, society garlic, and Verbena..
- Blooming plants: Cordia, crape myrtle, gingers, gloriosa lily,
goldenrod, Ixora, Lantana, Magnolia, Oleander, orange jasmine, yellow
Poinciana, red and yellow shrimp plants, rouge plant, Plumbago, Thryallis,
Tibouchina and Thunbergia.
- Fruits in Season: Avocado, banana, Barbados cherry, blueberry,
carambola, citrus (calamondin, lemon, and lime), cocoplum, fig, guava,
jaboticaba, kumquat, longan, mango, Monstera, muscadine grape, papaya,
passionfruit, pineapple, sea grape, and sugar apple.
May Gardening Guide (2008)
By Patricia Porchey
Already this spring, we are two inches below the
normal precipitation for this year. This comes on the heels of an
extremely dry 2007. Of course, this time of year also brings warmer
temperatures for additional stress on our plants. We also have water
restrictions to observe as a result of the dry conditions. The following
tips will help you grow healthy plants in spite of the drought conditions.
Additional information is available at the University of Florida website:
http://gardeningsolutions.ifas.
ufl.edu/water/articles/index.shtml
Ten Ways to Conserve Water in the Landscape
1. Choose the right plant for the right place – conditions meet the sun,
water and nutrient needs of the plant.
2. Water thoughtfully – water plants only when they need water.
3. Handwater when possible – less water is used than with automatic
irrigation systems.
4. Check your irrigation system on a regular basis – damaged heads and out
of position heads can be fixed.
5. Calibrate irrigation system – apply ½ -3/4 inches of water at one
application.
6. Make a rain barrel – catch rainwater to use on your plants.
7. Use micro-irrigation – applies water directly to the plant roots where
it is needed.
8. Mulch plants – apply 2-3 inches to help retain soil moisture.
9. Mow correctly – raise the height and cut no more than 1/3 of the leaf
blade at one time.
10. Watch the weather – no need to water if it’s rained in the past 24
hours or rain is expected in the next 24 hours.
Remember to observe local watering restrictions. Sarasota County allows
once a week watering for overhead irrigation system, but micro-irrigation
and handwatering has no limit. A rain shut-off device is required on all
irrigation systems.
Gardening activities
Monitor Bahia turf for mole crickets. Free larraflower seeds are
available at our office – these will attract a beneficial wasp predator of
mole crickets.
Monitor St. Augustine for chinch bugs. Treat only when needed.
Monitor landscape plants for insect pests. ID insects correctly and
apply least toxic pesticide only when it is needed.
Blooming & planting guide
Vegetables & Herbs: Anise, beans, black-eyed peas, borage, catnip,
chervil, cilantro/coriander, comfrey, corn, cumin, dasheen, eggplant,
marjoram, mint, okra, oregano, peas, summer savory, sweet potatoes,
tarragon and watermelon.
Annuals: Ageratum, Begonia, Celosia, Cleome, Coleus, Cosmos, Crossandra,
dusty miller, four o’clock, Gazania, marigold, morning glory, Nicotiana,
periwinkle, Portulaca, Salvia, sunflower, Torenia, Verbena and Zinnia.
Perennials: Blue daze, Caladium, Coreopsis, Dahlberg daisy, daylily,
Gaillardia, Gaura, Gerbera daisy, Kalanchoe, Mexican heather, Pentas,
Rudbeckia, Salvias, shell ginger, shrimp plants, Tithonia and Verbena.
Fruits in Season: Banana, blackberry, blueberry, carambola, citrus, (calamondin,
grapefruit, key lime, lemon, and lime,), guava, kumquat, loquat,
macadamia, papaya, pineapple, Surinam cherry, and tamarind.
Blooming Plants: Amaryllis, birds of paradise, crape jasmine, daylily,
devil’s backbone, Gardenia, dwarf Indian hawthorn, Jacaranda, Jerusalem
thorn, Magnolia, Mexican flame vine, natal plum, pipevine, Plumeria, silk
oak Simpson’s stopper, star jasmine, Texas sage, and Yucca.
Upcoming classes
If you want to know more about the environmentally-friendly landscaping
known as Florida Yards & Neighborhoods, there are three programs being
offered this month. You can now register for classes online at http://sarasota.extension.ufl.edu/EdSched.htm
or call 861-9900.
“Florida Yards & Neighborhoods: Nine Principles” at North Port Library,
May 6 at 12:30 p.m.
“Florida Yards & Neighborhoods: Nine Principles” at Gulf Gate Library,
May 9 at 2:00 p.m.
“Chinch Bugs & White Grubs” at Shamrock Park, May 15 at 2:00 p.m.
“Florida Yards & Neighborhoods: Nine Principles” at Fruitville Library,
May 19 at 2:00 p.m.
“Snakes” at Shamrock Park, June 4 at 2:00 p.m.
“Reduce Stormwater Runoff” at Shamrock Park, June 5 at 2:00 p.m.
For information
If you have questions concerning your landscape, please call or visit the
Master Gardener Help Desk at 861-9807. The Help Desk is open Monday-Friday
from 9:00 a.m.-Noon and 1:00-4:00 p.m. We have weekly satellite help desks
at the four south county libraries and every third Saturday of the month
at the Downtown Farmer’s Market.
(Patricia Porchey is an Urban Horticulture Agent with University of
Florida/IFAS Sarasota County Extension. Website: http://sarasota.extension.ufl.edu)
Submitted April 29, 2008
April Gardening Guide (2008)
By Patricia Porchey
Have your fingers been itching to grab those pruners, loppers, and
landscape saws to prune those plants whose growth needs curtailing? Our mild
winter has meant more than normal growth spurts for some of our plants. Now
is a good time to prune everything except those plants whose buds were set
last year and are now ready to open. Spring-blooming plants such as azaleas
and dwarf Indian hawthorn are now blooming. Wait until they finish blooming
to do any pruning.
How we prune will determine not only plant structure but good health.
Remember to leave the "bark ridges" at the top and the "collar" swelling at
the base of each branch to promote healing. Do not use pruning paint as this
can encourage insects and disease in the wound. There are some plants that
tolerate hard pruning such as hibiscus and bougainvillea; however, the rule
of thumb is to only remove ¼ of the canopy at one time.
Reasons to prune:
- Cold-damaged branch tips that are dead. Prune back to green growth.
- Stubs left where branches were broken off by the wind. Prune the
stubs.
- Branches rubbing each other as a result of new growth. Prune the
weaker and less structurally-correct branch.
- Errant new growth. Prune to improve the overall structure.
- Disease-infected branches. Prune six to twelve inches below the
infected area.
- Branches touching the house or other structures. Prune to encourage
growth in a different direction.
- Dead fronds on palms. Prune only the lower dead leaves and/or seed
pods.
- Fruit trees with branches too high to reach the fruit.
If you have more fruit than you cannot possibly eat, there are non-profit
agencies where you can take your excess fruit for distribution to needy
families. Call our office for a list of places to donate your fruit.
Blooming & planting guide
- Vegetables & Herbs: Anise, basil, beans, borage, cantaloupe, chervil,
comfrey, corn, cucumber, cumin, horehound, lemon balm, marjoram, mint,
okra, oregano, peas, summer savory, sweet potatoes, tarragon and thyme.
- Annuals: Amaranthus, aster, Celosia, Cleome, Coleus, Cosmos, dusty
miller, Gazania, geranium, Impatiens, Lobelia, morning glory, Nicotiana,
ornamental pepper, Pentas, periwinkle, Phlox, Portulaca, Salvia, Torenia,
Verbena and Zinnia.
- Perennials: African iris, Amazon lily, Aztec lily, blue daze, blood
lily, Caladium, Canna, Coreopsis, Crossandra, Dianthus, Gaillardia, Gaura,
Gerbera daisy, Gloriosa lily, milkweed, Mexican heather, Philippine
violet, rain lily, Salvia, Scabiosa, shell ginger, shrimp plants, Tithonia
and Verbena.
- Fruits in Season: Banana, blueberry, carambola, citrus, (calamondin,
grapefruit, Key lime, lemon, lime, and orange), kumquat, loquat, Mysore
raspberry, Surinam cherry, and strawberry.
- Blooming Plants: Amaryllis, avocado, azalea, bottlebrush,
Bougainvillea, buddleia, confederate jasmine, dwarf Indian hawthorn,
Jacaranda tree, Cordia tree, Lantana, Macadamia, Magnolia, Nasturtium,
orchid tree, rose, silk oak tree, society garlic, Simpson’s stopper,
trumpet tree, Turk’s cap, and Viburnum.
Upcoming classes
If you want to know more about the environmentally-friendly landscaping
known as Florida Yards & Neighborhoods, there are three programs being
offered this month. You can now register for classes online at
http://sarasota.extension.ufl.edu/EdSched.htm or call 861-9900.
- "Alternative Pest Management Practices" at Shamrock Park, April 17 at
2:00 p.m.
- "Creating Your Florida Yard" at Fruitville Library, April 21 at 2:00
p.m.
- "Recycle Yard Waste" at Shamrock Park, May 1 at 2:00 p.m.
- "Florida Yards & Neighborhoods: Nine Landscape Principles" at North
Port Library, May 6 at 12:30 p.m.
- "Florida Yards & Neighborhoods: Nine Landscape Principles" at Gulf
Gate Library, May 9 at 2:00 p.m.
For information
If you have questions concerning your landscape, please call or visit the
Master Gardener Help Desk at 861-9807. The Help Desk is open Monday-Friday
from 9:00 a.m.-Noon and 1:00-4:00 p.m. We have weekly satellite help desks
at the four south county libraries and every third Saturday of the month at
the Downtown Farmer’s Market.
(Patricia Porchey is an Urban Horticulture Agent with University of
Florida/IFAS Sarasota County Extension. Website:
http://sarasota.extension.ufl.edu)
Submitted March 31, 2008
March Gardening Guide (2008)
By Patricia Porchey
Are your shrubs looking scraggly and woody instead of robust with
foliage? This is common after ten years of severe pruning on shrubs to keep
them at three feet when nature meant them to grow 10 feet tall. Are you
ready to select new plants for your landscape? Before replacing them, do
your research and find those shrubs that are meant to be 3 feet tall and
won’t require lots of maintenance.
The Florida-friendly plant database at the University of Florida,
http://FloridaYards.org/ has what you
need. It allows you to pre-select the categories you are in interested in:
trees, shrubs, groundcovers, etc.; then it allows you to specify light
conditions, moisture conditions, soil type, and salt tolerance. The result
is an extensive list of plant choices with all the pertinent cultural
information to grow them successfully. Color photos are included to aid you
in your selections.
Here are some common mistakes in plant choices that result in plant
decline or death:
- Installing a sun-loving plant in the shade
- Installing a shade-loving plant in the full sun
- Installing a plant that needs lots of moisture where there’s no
irrigation
- Installing a drought-tolerant plant in a wet area (except for plants
that tolerate both, such as Bald cypress)
- Installing an acid-loving plant in alkaline soil
Gardening activities:
- Prune cold-damaged branches from shrubs and trees
- Prune spring-blooming plants after they have bloomed
- Fertilize all your plants if you did not do it in February. If you
have palms or fruit trees, remember to use only products marked for those
particular plants.
- Slow-release fertilizer is preferred for all plants. Do not apply any
fertilizer within 10 feet of a water body.
- Spring is normally dry so be prepared to water your fruit trees every
two to three weeks if you are not on irrigation and there is no rain.
- As warm temperatures increase, monitor for plant pests, but don’t
spray until they are correctly identified. Use the least toxic control.
Blooming & 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, 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, Buddleia, cape honeysuckle, Carolina
Jessamine, citrus, dwarf Indian hawthorn, flame vine, fuchsia skullcap,
geranium, lantana, Mexican flame vine, Nemesia, orchid tree, silk floss
tree, society garlic, Surinam cherry, Walter’s Viburnum, and white bird of
paradise.
Upcoming classes
If you want to know more about the environmentally-friendly landscaping
known as Florida Yards & Neighborhoods, there are three programs being
offered this month. You can now register for classes online at
http://sarasota.extension.ufl.edu/EdSched.htm
or call 861-9900.
- "Florida Yards & Neighborhoods: Nine Landscape Principles" at North
Port Library, March 4 at 12:30 p.m.
- "Fertilize Appropriately" at Shamrock Park, March 6 at 2:00
p.m.
- "Florida Yards & Neighborhoods: Nine Landscape Principles" at Venice
Library, March 13 at 10:00 a.m.
- "Florida Yards & Neighborhoods: Nine Landscape Principles" at
Fruitville Library, March 17 at 2:00 p.m.
- "Pests In & Around the Florida House" at Shamrock Park, March 19 at
10:00 a.m.
- "Beneficial Insects-Learning to Identify Good Bugs" at Shamrock Park,
March 20 at 2:00 p.m.
For information
If you have questions concerning your landscape, please call or visit our
office at Twin Lakes Park on Clark Road east of I-75.
The Master Gardener Help Desk is open Monday-Friday from 9:00
a.m.-Noon and 1:00-4:00 p.m. (941-861-9807). We have weekly satellite help
desks at the four south county libraries and every third Saturday of the
month at the Downtown Farmer’s Market.
(Patricia Porchey is an Urban Horticulture
Agent with University of Florida/IFAS Sarasota County Extension. Website:
http://sarasota.extension.ufl.edu)
Submitted February 25, 2008
February Gardening Guide
By Patricia Porchey
Nature doesn’t always show us the impact of stress immediately. The dip
in temperatures a few weeks ago left many landscapes with little noticeable
change - only a smear of bronzing on a few leaves. However, a couple of
weeks later, leaves were suddenly cascading off the more cold-sensitive
plants. An example is Allamanda which in a normal winter suffers bronzing
with some leaf drop and dieback on periphery branches. The rest of the plant
keeps some leaves and readily produces new leaves in March. This year,
Allamanda has no leaves remaining.
Of course, the temptation is to immediately get out the pruners and
remove the unsightly naked branches. It’s better to wait until the end of
February when the forecast ushers in springtime temperatures. Any new growth
encouraged by pruning will cause the plant to be more vulnerable to cold
damage should the temperatures drop again.
The end of this month also is the time to fertilize all your plants.
Apply no more than one pound of nitrogen per 1000 square feet to turf grass
and make sure the nitrogen is at least 50% slow-release form. If you have
palms, apply a palm fertilizer marked 8-2-12+4Mg. This means the bag
contains 8% nitrogen, 2% phosphorus, 12% potassium and 4% magnesium. The
nitrogen and potassium should be 100% slow-release form. It’s recommended
that any turf area within 50 feet of a palm be fertilized only with a palm
fertilizer and not turf fertilizer. Do not apply any fertilizer within 10
feet of a water body.
Citrus and other fruit trees need to be fertilized with citrus fertilizer
marked 8-0-8 or its equivalent with the nitrogen in 50% slow-release form.
Vegetables and annuals need to be fertilized with slow-release fertilizers
whenever possible.
Gardening activities
Apply a pre-emergent herbicide to lawns or beds where weeds, such as
crabgrass, were a problem last year. This product inhibits the germination
of those seeds produced last year. Don’t disturb the area once it is
applied.
When using an herbicide make sure it’s labeled for your type of grass.
If your St. Augustine grass has been invaded by Bermuda grass, there is no
selective herbicide that will kill Bermuda without also harming the St.
Augustine.
Prepare your spring garden beds with organic amendments.
As fruit sets on your fruit trees, water on a regular basis if there
is no rain.
Do not spray pesticides on your fruit trees while they are in bloom.
Cooler nights are turning fruit peel colors and making the fruit
sweeter. Sample a fruit even if it’s still showing green to see if it’s
ripe inside.
Blooming & planting guide
- Vegetables & Herbs: Anise, basil, beets, borage, cantaloupe, carrots,
catnip, celery, chervil, chives, collards, comfrey, coriander, corn,
cucumber, cumin, dill, eggplant, endive, garlic, green beans, kohlrabi,
leek, lemon balm, lettuce, marjoram, mint, mustard, onion, oregano,
parsley, peas, pepper, potato, pumpkin, radish, rosemary, sage, sweet
potato, tarragon, tomato, turnip, and watermelon.
- Annuals: Ageratum, alyssum, Amaranth, Begonia, browallia, Calendula,
Cosmos, dusty miller, Gazania, geranium, Lobelia, marigold, nasturtium,
pansy, Petunia, Phlox, Salvia, snapdragon, Statice, stock, strawflower,
and Verbena.
- Perennials: African iris, Agapanthus, Amaryllis, Amazon lily,
aster, Aztec lily, Caladium, Canna, calla lily, Clivia, Crinum lily,
Dianthus, foxglove, Gerbera, hollyhock, Shasta daisy, society garlic,
spider lily, Tithonia, and Viola.
- Fruits in Season: Banana, black sapote, carambola, cherimoya,
citrus (calamondin, grapefruit, key lime, lemon, lime, orange, and
tangerine), Indian jujube, kumquat, loquat, Mysore raspberry, papaya, and
strawberry.
- Blooming plants: Bush daisy, Bottlebrush, Bougainvillea, Carolina
yellow Jessamine, Chinese hat plant, fuchsia skullcap, Kalanchoe, lion’s
ear, orchid tree, palm grass, Poinsettia, powderpuff plant, purple
Tabebuia, silver trumpet Tabebuia, trumpet vine, Turk’s cap and Walter’s
Viburnum.
Upcoming classes
If you want to know more about the environmentally-friendly landscaping
known as Florida Yards & Neighborhoods, there are five programs being
offered this month. You can now register for classes online at
http://sarasota.extension.ufl.edu/EdSched.htm or call 861-9900.
- "Creating Your Florida Yard" at North Port Library, February 5 at
12:30 p.m.
- "Mulch" at Shamrock Park, February 7 at 2:00 p.m.
- "Creating Your Florida Yard" at Venice Library, February 14 at 10:00
a.m.
- "Invasive Plants-Identification & Control at Twin Lakes Park, February
14 at 2:00 p.m.
- "Alternative Pest Management Practices" at Twin Lakes Park, February
15 at 2:00 p.m.
- "Termites" at Shamrock Park, February 21 at 2:00 p.m.
- "Creating Your Florida Yard" at Fruitville Library, February 25 at
2:00 p.m.
- "Rainbarrels, Earthboxes, & Composters" at Twin Lakes Park, February
26 at 2:00 p.m.
- "Alternatives to Turf" at Twin Lakes Park, February 27 at 12:30 p.m.
- "Farm to School-Local Food for Healthy Kids" at Twin Lakes Park,
February 27 at 2:00 p.m.
For information
If you have questions concerning your landscape, please call or visit our
office at Twin Lakes Park on Clark Road east of I-75.
The Master Gardener Help Desk is open Monday-Friday from 9:00
a.m.-Noon and 1:00-4:00 p.m. (941-861-9807). We have weekly satellite help
desks at the four south county libraries and every third Saturday of the
month at the Downtown Farmer’s Market.
(Patricia Porchey is an Urban Horticulture Agent with University of
Florida/IFAS Sarasota County Extension. Website:
http://sarasota.extension.ufl.edu)
Submitted January 28, 2008
January Gardening Guide
By Patricia Porchey
Did you know there are over 1 million vegetables gardens statewide averaging
300 sq. ft., the size of a home garden? In addition to supplying nutritious
fresh vegetables, gardens offer their owners fresh air, sunshine, exercise,
enjoyment, mental therapy, and economic savings. One cannot overlook the
environmental benefits the plants provide: earth cooling effect, absorption
of carbon dioxide, reduced moisture runoff, and reduced carbon dioxide
emissions associated with food transportation to the grocery.
Did you know there are 4 community gardens in Sarasota County where
residents can have their own plot to grow their own food? In addition, these
gardens offer a place for neighbors to cultivate friendships and develop a
stronger sense of community. Community gardens are for all ages, toddlers to
seniors, and all races and ethnic backgrounds.
Applications for 2008 are now being accepted for all the community gardens.
For more information and to get an application, visit our website http://sarasota.extension.ufl.edu
or call 861-9900. We can also advise you on initiating a community garden in
your own neighborhood. Gardens may be grown year-round in Florida, but
spring is the preferred season.
The drought continues as we enter 2008 – we were 20 inches below normal
rainfall last year and the normal January precipitation is less than 3
inches. The need for prudent watering habits continues:
Let your plants tell you when they need water – they wilt when they need
water. Once a week watering in the cooler winter months may mean your plants
are being over watered and subject to fungal problems.
Water turf every 14 days if there is no rain, but water annuals,
perennials and vegetables more frequently. Apply up to 3/4 inch of water to
grass and bedding plants and 1 inch to perennials, shrubs, young trees and
fruit trees.
Encourage your plants to develop more extensive roots systems so they can
withstand less frequent watering. Do this by increasing the interval between
watering.
Water in the early morning when it’s cooler and there’s less wind; less
water will be lost to evaporation. If using overhead sprinklers, run them
before 8:00 a.m. per ordinance.
Consider planting a tree for Arbor Day, January 18, to reduce pollutant
runoff from irrigation and provide wildlife habitat for birds, etc.
Blooming & planting guide
Vegetables & Herbs: Beets, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower,
celery, Chinese cabbage, chives, collards, coriander, dill, eggplant,
endive, fennel, garlic, kale, kohlrabi, lettuce, mustard, onion, parsley,
peas, pepper, potatoes, radish, rosemary, sage, tomatoes, turnips, and
watermelon.
Annuals: Alyssum, Ageratum, Calendula, dusty miller, geranium, Lobelia,
nasturtium, pansy, ornamental cabbage and kale, Petunia, Phlox, snapdragon,
statice and Verbena.
Perennials: Agapanthus, Amaryllis, calla lily, Clivia, Crinum lily,
daylily, Dianthus, Gloriosa lily, blue sage, Shasta daisy, society garlic,
Tithonia, Viola, and walking iris.
Fruits in Season: Avocado, banana, carambola, Citrus (calamondin,
grapefruit, key lime, lemon, lime, orange, and tangerine), hog plum, Indian
jujube, kumquat, and papaya.
Blooming plants: Bougainvillea, Chinese hat plant, crown of thorns, desert
rose, Jatropha, Kalanchoe, lion’s ear, mahoe, mango, Mexican flame vine,
orchid tree, porterweed, red and yellow shrimp plants, Tabebuia, Thunbergia,
and Turk’s cap.
Upcoming classes
If you want to know more about the environmentally-friendly landscaping
known as Florida Yards & Neighborhoods, there are five programs being
offered this month. You can now register for classes online at http://sarasota.extension.ufl.edu/EdSched.htm
or call 861-9900.
“Florida Yards & Neighborhoods: Nine Landscape Principles” at North Port
Library, January 8 at 12:30 p.m.
“Bedbugs” at Twin Lakes Park, January 9 at 2:00 p.m.
“Florida Yards & Neighborhoods: Nine Landscape Principles” at Venice
Library, January 10 at 10:00 a.m.
“Water Conservation/Drought Presentation” at Twin Lakes Park, January 15
at 6:00 p.m.
“Do You Know What Spider That Is?” at Shamrock Park, January 17 at 2:00
p.m.
“Beneficial Insects: Learn to Recognize Good Bugs” at Twin Lakes Park,
January 22 at 10:00 a.m.
“Step By Step Florida Yards & Neighborhoods Training” at Twin Lakes Park
(5 classes beginning on January 23, cost $20.00) at 10:00 a.m.
“Florida Yards & Neighborhoods Workshop” at Twin Lakes Park, January 23 at
4:00 p.m.
“Rodent and Mole Management” at Twin Lakes Park, January 28 at 2:00 p.m.
“Florida Yards & Neighborhoods: Nine Landscape Principles” at Fruitville
Library, January 28 at 2:00 p.m.
“Backyard Landscape for the Birds” Twin Lakes Park, January 30 at 4:00
p.m.
For information
If you have questions concerning your landscape, please call or visit our
office at Twin Lakes Park on Clark Road east of I-75.
The Master Gardener Help Desk is open Monday-Friday from 9:00 a.m.-Noon and
1:00-4:00 p.m. (941-861-9807). We have weekly satellite help desks at the
four south county libraries and every third Saturday of the month at the
Downtown Farmer’s Market.
(Patricia Porchey is an Urban Horticulture Agent with University of Florida/IFAS
Sarasota County Extension. Website: http://sarasota.extension.ufl.edu)
Submitted December 31, 2007
December Gardening Guide
By Patricia Porchey
The sweetgums and red maples are putting on their color show. Not the
intensity of northern forests; however, even the fall colors in the north
have been affected by the drought in their areas. Our shorter days and
cooler nighttime temperatures are triggering the color change and soon the
leaves will be dropping from our deciduous trees. These leaves are Mother
Nature’s way of providing us with natural mulch for our shrubs and flowers.
Winter is a great time to prune cold hardy plants because it’s easier to
see the branch structure when these deciduous plants are barren of leaves.
It’s still wise to follow these mandates for what to prune:
- Prune young trees to encourage good limb structure. Time spent now
will mean less cost to prune large branches later. Besides, removing large
branches is always stressful to a mature tree.
- Remove dead and broken branches as well as branches that are rubbing
each other.
- Remove diseased branches with canker, galls, or "witches broom". Make
your cut six to twelve inches below the infected area. To avoid spreading
the disease to other plants, sterilize tools after each cut with a
solution of one part Pine Sol or its equivalent to three parts water.
Chorine bleach is no longer recommended as it can corrode tools.
- Remove branches touching buildings as they can cause structural damage
as well as provide access for insects into the structure.
- Thin the canopy to allow air movement, but do not top trees as this
makes the trees more susceptible to damage from insects, disease and wind.
- Remember to leave the "bark ridges" at the top and the "collar"
swelling at the base of each branch cut to affect good healing.
- Do not use pruning paint as this can encourage insects and disease in
the wound.
Gardening activities
- Remove seedpods and brown fronds from palms; however, do not give
palms a "hurricane cut" as this actually weakens the buds and exposes them
to wind damage.
- Prune only temperate plants now. Wait until the end of February or
first of March to prune cold-sensitive plants.
- Prune the roots of trees and large shrubs to be transplanted in
January or February.
- Reduce watering during the winter months. Watering every two weeks
instead of weekly is usually sufficient for turf, trees and shrubs.
However, vegetables and flowers will need more frequent irrigation.
- Mulch to conserve moisture around your plants, but leave some air
space at the base of the plants. Leave the ground bare under your citrus
trees so heat absorbed in the daytime can radiate into the canopy on cold
nights.
Blooming & planting guide
- 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, statice, 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: Allamanda, 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, silver trumpet 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 classes
If you want to know more about the environmentally-friendly landscaping
known as Florida Yards & Neighborhoods, there are five programs being
offered this month. You can now register for classes online at
http://sarasota.extension.ufl.edu/EdSched.htm or call 861-9900.
- "Florida Yards & Neighborhoods: Nine Landscape Principles" at
North Port Library, December 4 at 12:30 p.m.
- "Florida Yards & Neighborhoods: Nine Landscape Principles" at
Venice Library, December 6 at 10:00 a.m.
- "Bedbugs" at Shamrock Park, December 6 at 2:00 p.m.
- "Florida Yards & Neighborhoods Workshop" at Twin Lakes Park, December
12 at 4:00 p.m.
- "Florida Yards & Neighborhoods: Nine Landscape Principles" at
Gulf Gate Library, December 14 at 2:00 p.m.
- "Florida Yards & Neighborhoods: Nine Landscape Principles" at
Fruitville Library, December 17 at 2:00 p.m.
For information
If you have questions concerning your landscape, please call or visit our
office at Twin Lakes Park on Clark Road east of I-75.
The Master Gardener Help Desk is open Monday-Friday from 9:00 a.m.-Noon
and 1:00-4:00 p.m. (941-861-9807). We have weekly satellite help desks at
the four south county libraries and at the Downtown Farmer’s Market every
third Saturday of the
month.
(Patricia Porchey is an Urban Horticulture Agent with University of
Florida/IFAS Sarasota County Extension. Website:
http://sarasota.extension.ufl.edu)
October Gardening Guide
By: Patricia Porchey
The end of summer marks the time to fertilize lawns and landscape plants.
The rainy season is ending and many of the nutrients have percolated through
the soils. This year, however, there are some new rules to follow. Sarasota
County Commissioners enacted the Fertilizer and Landscape Management Code in
an attempt to reduce pollution to our waterways as a consequence of
excessive fertilization.
Fertilizer applications are prohibited during the rainy season months of
June through September. During the wet season, fertilizer applications often
leach quickly through the soils without being absorbed by plant roots or
become part of the surface runoff. Consequently, fall is the preferred time
to fertilize.
The University of Florida has long been advocating the use of
slow-release fertilizers in lieu of water-soluble fertilizers in the
landscape and turf. Now the county is requiring fertilizers with an analysis
containing no less than 50% slow-release nitrogen be used. It also
reinforces the University recommendation of no more than 1 lb. of nitrogen
per 1000 square feet per application.
There is credence to the old adage that less is better than more.
Consider our native plants and how they’ve prospered without our helping
hand with generous amounts of fertilizer.
Other important considerations in the new ordinance, Ordinance No.
2007-062:
- Impervious surfaces (such as sidewalks and driveways) are to be kept
clear of fertilizer.
- Broadcast spreaders are required to have deflector shields.
- A ten-foot buffer zone around water bodies and wetlands are to be kept
fertilizer free.
- Vegetative materials, especially grass clippings, cannot be allowed to
end up in stormwater drains or water bodies.
Continue to conserve water as our total rainfall is twenty inches below
the normal level and we are entering a drier season. Consider replacing
water-thirsty plants with drought-tolerant plants. The Master Gardeners are
holding their third annual plant sale at Bee Ridge Park on October 13 from
9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.. An extensive palette of native and drought-tolerant
plants will be available as well as information about the Florida Yards and
Neighborhoods program. The park is located at the corner of Wilkinson and
South Lockwood Ridge Roads.
Blooming & planting guide
Vegetables & herbs: Basil, beans, beets, Borage, broccoli, Brussels
sprouts, cabbage, carrot, cauliflower, celery, chervil, collards, coriander,
cucumber, cumin, garlic, leek, lettuce, mustard, onions, parsley, peas,
radish, rutabaga, spinach, strawberries, thyme, tomato, and turnips.
Annuals: Ageratum, Alyssum, Begonia, calendula, Celosia, Coleus,
dusty miller, geranium, Impatiens, Lobelia, marigold, Melampodium,
nasturtium, pansy, petunia, Salvia, snapdragon, and Zinnia.
Perennials: Agapanthus, beach buttercup, blue daze, calla lily,
Chrysanthemum, cigar plant, Coreopsis, Crinum lily, Dianthus, elephant ears,
Gaillardia, Gerbera daisy, gloriosa lily, iris, Liatris, Pentas, Salvia,
Shasta daisy, society garlic, and Verbena.
Fruits in season: Atemoya, avocado, banana, carambola, citrus (calamondin,
lemon, and lime), fig, guava, hog plum, kumquat, muscadine grape, papaya,
pecan, persimmon, pomegranate, sea grape, sugar apple, and tamarind.
Blooming plants: Allamanda, bird-of-paradise, bottlebrush,
Bougainvillea, Cassia, Cordia, dwarf Poinciana, false dragonhead,
firecracker plant, firespike, goldenrain tree, Mexican heather, oleander,
Philippine violet, red and yellow shrimp plants, rouge plant, Plumbago,
rose, Salvia, thryallis, Turk’s cap, Thunbergia, and Tibouchina.
Upcoming educational classes:
You can now register for classes online
http://sarasota.extension.ufl.edu/EdSched.htm or call
861-9900.
- "Florida Yards & Neighborhoods: Nine Landscape Principles" at North
Port Library, October 2 at 12:30 p.m.
- "Irrigation Efficiency" at Shamrock Park, October 4 at 2:00 p.m.
- "Florida Yards & Neighborhoods: Nine Landscape Principles" at Venice
Library, October 11 at 10:00 a.m.
- "Florida Yards & Neighborhoods: Nine Landscape Principles" at Gulf
Gate Library, October 12 at 2:00 p.m.
- "Florida Yards & Neighborhoods: Nine Landscape Principles" at
Fruitville Library, October 15 at 2:00 p.m.
- "Florida Yards & Neighborhoods Workshop" at Twin Lakes Park, October
17 at 4:00 p.m.
- "Rodent Control" at Shamrock Park, October 18 at 2:00 p.m.
- Fertilize Appropriately" at Shamrock Park, November 1 at 2:00 p.m.
If you have questions concerning your landscape, please call or visit our
office at Twin Lakes Park on Clark Road east of I-75. The Master Gardener
Help Desk is open Monday-Friday from 9:00 a.m.-Noon and 1:00-4:00 p.m.
(941-861-9807). We have weekly satellite help desks at the four south county
libraries and at the Downtown Farmer’s Market every third Saturday of
the month.
(Patricia Porchey is an Urban Horticulture Agent with
University of Florida/IFAS Sarasota County Extension. Website:
http://sarasota.extension.ufl.edu)
Submitted September 25, 2007
September Gardening Guide
By: Patricia Porchey
A recent trip to Tallahassee led to tours of two estates from the late
1800s and early 1900s. One estate’s landscape was dominated by
spring-blooming azaleas, camellias and formal boxwood hedges which were all
being irrigated. The other estate was unassuming and even had signs
throughout the landscape assuring visitors that the imperfect look was
intentional to be true to the original landscape. Shade from the grand old
oaks provided much relief from the 100+ temperatures. What does this have to
do with gardening in Sarasota?
The importance of planting drought-resistant plants has never been more
important than this year when even our summer rains have been disappointing.
We have seen that those plants indigenous to this area can tolerate stresses
better than most of the imported "pretty" exotic plants. When water is at a
premium, it makes sense to minimize water-guzzling plants and return to
native plants.
Another noteworthy lesson from the tours was the need to be self
sustaining and grow our own food. In those early days, growing their own
food was essential to their survival. Now is a good time to embark on the
road to sustainability and plant a fall garden. It’s also an excellent time
to plant fruit trees. We are fortunate to be living where one can have fresh
fruit every day of the year in one’s own dooryard. The abundance of fruits
now in season include Atemoya, avocado, banana, carambola, citrus (calamondin,
lemon, and lime), fig, guava, kumquat, monstera, muscadine grape, papaya,
pomegranate, sea grape, and sugar apple. The trees can also serve as a
specimen tree in the landscape or provide shade for energy savings on our
electric bill.
Gardening activities:
- Monitor for lace bugs on avocado and azalea plants and control with
horticultural soap or oil.
- Monitor for turf grass pests such as chinch bugs, mole crickets, sod
webworms, and armyworms and spot treat. Hear entomologist, Dr. Fred
Santana, tell you more on September 20 at 2:00 p.m. at Shamrock Park.
- Bare areas in turf can be re-sodded now or over seeded with Bahia or
Bermuda seed. However, if the daily rain doesn’t come, supplemental
watering will be needed.
- Read labels on herbicides before treating weeds in turf grass as most
have a warning not to use the product if the temperature is above 85
degrees. Wait until our weather cools to apply these products.
- Thin trees with dense canopies to prevent damage from high winds. This
does not mean topping trees.
- Do not hurricane-cut palm trees. Retaining their green fronds
will aid in their survival and longevity.
Blooming & 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.
Blooming plants: Allamanda, bird-of-paradise, 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:
You can now register for classes online
http://sarasota.extension.ufl.edu/EdSched.htm or call 861-9900.
- "Grow Your Own Bouquets" at Twin Lakes Park, September 5, 10:00 a.m.
- "Pests In and Around the House" at Twin Lakes Park, September 5, 2:00
p.m.
- "Florida-Friendly Landscapes" at Gulf Gate Library, September 5 at
1:30 p.m.
- "Right Plant, Right Place" at Shamrock Park, September 6 at 2:00 p.m.
- "Florida-Friendly Landscapes" at North Port Library, September 10,
10:00 a.m.
- "Invasive Plants" at Twin Lakes Park, September 12, 10:00 a.m.
- "Rodent Management" at Twin Lakes Park, September 12, 2:00 p.m.
- "Florida-Friendly Landscapes" at Jacaranda Library, September 10,
10:00 a.m.
- "Butterfly Gardening" at Jacaranda Library, September 17, 10:00 a.m.
- "Butterfly Gardening" at North Port Library, September 10, 12:00 p.m.
- "Florida-Friendly Landscapes" at Elsie Quirk Library, September 19,
10:00 a.m.
- "Stinging Insects – Wasps, Bees, Ants & Caterpillars" at Twin Lakes
Park, September 19, 2:00 p.m.
- "Chinch Bugs and White Grubs" at Shamrock Park, September 20 at 2:00
p.m.
If you have questions concerning your landscape, please call or visit our
office at Twin Lakes Park on Clark Road east of I-75. The Master Gardener
Help Desk is open Monday-Friday from 9:00 a.m.-Noon and 1:00-4:00 p.m.
(941-861-9807). We have satellite help desks at the four south county
libraries and at the Downtown Farmer’s Market every third Saturday of
the month.
(Patricia Porchey is an Urban Horticulture Agent with University of
Florida/IFAS Sarasota County Extension. Website:
http://sarasota.extension.ufl.edu
August 2007 Gardening
Guide
By Patricia Porchey
This has been an unusually dry and hot summer which has made our enthusiasm
to grow more plants wane. Despite the heat, there is increase interest in
growing our own vegetables and growing them organically. This is the time to
plan that fall garden. A garden is only as good as the preparatory work that
precedes the planting. This is more than browsing through seed catalogs and
seed racks.
The first thing to do is look at the site and soil. Is the location in the
sun and near a water supply? If it’s sandy soil and has never been amended,
it’s especially important to add some organic matter to improve its
water-holding capacity. If it’s clay-like soil, improving the drainage is
important. Organic amendments such as peat humus, composted manure and
compost will support the soil’s microbiological activity and contribute
nutrients to the soil. The county has free compost available to homeowners.
Call 861-5000 for the pick-up site nearest you.
This is the perfect time to solarize the soil. First, remove all the
vegetation, till the soil with added amendments, and rake it smooth so
there’s a slight mound in the middle. Wet the soil and cover it with a 4-6
mil clear plastic. The thicker gauge will not break down from the sun’s UV
rays as quickly. Pull it snug and anchor the sides so the wind cannot get
under it. Leave it undisturbed for 4-6 weeks. The soil will warm to a hot
temperature and literally “bake” the nematodes that are normally in the
uppermost part of the soil as well as eliminate weed seeds and soil-borne
diseases. Once you remove the plastic, the area is ready to be planted
without further preparation.
As you’re making your seed selections, be aware of the varieties that are
recommended for Florida. When selecting tomatoes, look for the label with
the letters VFNT, the N means it is a nematode-resistant variety and it also
has resistance to the VFT diseases. For more information on gardening, visit
our office or the University of Florida website http://search.ifas.ufl.edu.
Gardening activities:
Continue monitoring for chinch bugs in St. Augustine and mole crickets in
Bahia grass. Pick up some larraflower seeds at our office or the satellite
locations to attract the beneficial larra wasp that kills mole crickets.
Monitor for sod webworms eating your grass blades. Apply Bt which only
target worms and caterpillars and will not harm any beneficial insects that
are present.
Monitor lawns for possible disease problems with increased moisture from
the summer rains. Dollar spot is common on Bahia grass and brown patch and
gray leaf spot, on St. Augustine.
Turn off the weekly irrigation on your timer.
Let moles continue feasting on the insects in your lawn until they are
gone. You can avoid applying an insecticide and you’ll get your exercise by
stomping their mounds down.
Green up your lawn in the summer with chelated iron.
Monitor for lacebugs on avocado and azalea and treat with horticultural
soap or oil.
Remove seeds from crape myrtles to encourage a second bloom.
Planting guide:
Vegetables (seeds at end of month) & Herbs (plants): Basil, broccoli,
celery, collards, corn, eggplant, lemon balm, marjoram, Mexican tarragon,
mint, okra, onions, oregano, pole beans, pumpkin, rosemary, southern peas,
summer squash, thyme, and watermelon.
Annuals: Begonia, Celosia, Coleus, Cosmos, Dahlia, dusty miller, marigold,
Portulaca, periwinkle, Salvia, and Zinnia.
Perennials: African iris, beach buttercup, blackberry lily, Caladium,
Coreopsis, firespike, Gaillardia, Gaura, Iris, Jacobinia, Kalanchoe,
milkweed, Pentas, Salvia, society garlic, and Verbena..
Blooming plants: Cordia, crape myrtle, golden raintree, goldenrod, Ixora,
Lantana, Magnolia, Oleander, orange jasmine, yellow Poinciana, red and
yellow shrimp plants, rouge plant, Plumbago, Thryallis, Tibouchina and
Thunbergia.
Fruits in Season: Avocado, banana, Barbados cherry, blueberry, carambola,
citrus (calamondin, lemon, and lime), cocoplum, fig, guava, kumquat, longan,
mango, Monstera, muscadine grape, papaya, passionfruit pineapple, sea grape,
and sugar apple.
Upcoming educational classes:
You may now register for classes on-line at our website:
http://sarasota.extension.ufl.edu/EdSched.htm
or call 861-5000.
“Colorful Landscapes” at Twin Lakes Park, August 8, 10:00 a.m.
“Hurricanes & Trees” at Twin Lakes Park, August 8, 2:00 p.m.
“Coastal Native Plants” at Twin Lakes Park, August 15, 10:00 a.m.
“Insect Biodiversity of a Garden Plant” at Twin Lakes Park, August 15,
2:00 p.m.
“Fire-wise Landscaping” at Shamrock Park, August 16, 2:00 p.m.
“Is that Spider Dangerous?” at Twin Lakes Park, August 22, 2:00 p.m.
“Termites: A Guide for Homeowners” at Twin Lakes Park, August 29, 2:00
p.m.
Florida House is temporarily closed. The house is being moved to its new
location on Beneva Road. The gardens and the house will reopen in the
spring. If you have questions concerning your landscape, please call or
visit our office at Twin Lakes Park on Clark Road east of I-75. The Master
Gardener Help Desk is open Monday-Friday from 9:00 am-Noon and 1:00-4:00 pm
(941-861-9807). Our satellite help desks at five county libraries are open
throughout the summer.
(Patricia Porchey is an Urban Horticulture Agent with University of Florida/IFAS
Sarasota County Extension. Website:
http://sarasota.extension.ufl.edu)
June Gardening Guide
By: Patricia Porchey
The prolonged drought has prevented us from installing new plants this
spring, but once the rains return we will have the moisture needed for their
establishment. Even the most drought-tolerant plants such as the
increasingly popular groundcover, perennial peanut, needs regular watering
when it’s initially planted. Gradually backing off the frequency and deep
watering vs. shallow watering encourages roots to elongate. These longer
roots will aid the plant to survive in subsequent drought periods.
Before going shopping, have a plan for your landscape. Know how much area
is to be planted and the site conditions: soil pH, sun, shade, wet, dry,
etc. Select healthy plants at the nursery - size is not as important as
structure when selecting plants. Inspect the container of densely foliaged
plants to be sure there is only one plant, not two or three together, to
make it especially full. Six months to a year later, their roots will be
enveloping one another resulting in stress or death. Knowing the mature size
space requirements of the plant will be accommodated, will prevent future
pest and maintenance problems.
This hot weather increases the likelihood of chinch bug infestations in
St. Augustine lawns. Monitor for chinch bugs before applying an insecticide.
Some counties, including Sarasota, have a problem with chinch bugs now being
resistant to the insecticide Bifenthrin. Overuse can cause this to happen.
Always rotate chemicals and apply only when there is a problem. Also, only
apply the insecticide to the infected area of the lawn plus five feet of the
surrounding turf.
Gardening activities:
- Thin dense trees, but do not top them.
- Plant trees far enough away from the home to prevent damage from
strong winds. Allow 25 feet from the foundation for a large tree.
- Prune hedges and shrubs using the rule of thumb to remove no more than
one third of the growth at one time.
- Monitor for sod webworms and treat with Bacillis thuringensis (Bt) if
present.
- If citrus rust mites were a problem on last season’s fruit, spray your
tree with horticultural oil.
- Plant larraflower seeds if mole crickets are a problem. Free seeds are
available at our office or the Florida House.
- Start new plants with tip cuttings from your favorite plants.
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, Cannas, crape jasmine, crape myrtle, dwarf Poinciana, Gardenia,
Jerusalem thorn, Magnolia, Mexican flame vine, ponytail palm, Plumbago,
royal Poinciana, society garlic, thryallis, and Yucca.
Upcoming educational classes:
You may now register for classes on-line at our website:
http://sarasota.extension.ufl.edu/EdSched.htm or call 861-5000.
- "Chinch Bugs & White Grubs" at Twin Lakes Park, June 6 at 2:00 p.m.
- "Hurricanes and Trees" at Shamrock Park, June 7 at 2:00 p.m.
- "Container Gardening" at Florida House, June 12 at 2:00 p.m.
- "Florida Buggy Critters: Bad, Good & Harmless" at Twin Lakes Park,
June 13 at 2:00 p.m.
- "Climate Change-Challenge & Solutions" at Florida House, June 260 at
2:00 p.m.
- "Gardening for Your Health" at Florida House, July 17 at 2:00 p.m.
Satellite Services
In addition to our four south county library locations, we have two new
locations at North Sarasota Library and the Farmers’ Market. Master
Gardeners are at the North Sarasota Library, Monday, 10:00 a.m.-noon and the
Farmers’ Market, 3rd Saturday of each month, 7:00 a.m.-noon.
(Patricia Porchey is an Urban Horticulture Agent with University of
Florida/IFAS Sarasota County Extension. Website:
http://sarasota.extension.ufl.edu)
Submitted May 29, 2007
May Gardening Guide
By: Patricia Porchey
Is your yard thirsty? The period from November 2005 to March 2007 ranks as
the 3rd driest period in recorded history. There is little relief expected
in May.
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Southwest Florida Water
Management District and other agencies are working together to increase
public awareness about our declining water levels. Because up to 50% of
public water goes to watering the landscape, a modified Phase II Water
Shortage Order is in effect. The permitted hours on the weekly watering day
have been shortened by 4 hours from the normal year-round water conservation
measure. The current restrictions are:
Watering is prohibited between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.
You may water only one time on your watering day.
Addresses ending in EVEN numbers or the letters A-M may only water on
TUESDAYS.
Addresses ending in ODD numbers or the letters N-Z may only water on
THURSDAYS.
The University of Florida’s website, The Solutions for Your Life, has
compiled useful lawn and landscape information on coping with the drought.
http://solutionsforyourlife.ufl.edu/
A good starting place for your home water conservation program is to let
your plants tell you when they need water – they wilt when they need water.
Water your lawn, shrubs and trees when using pop-up heads only once a week.
If the area is shady or the trees are mature, you may water less often.
Annuals, perennials and vegetables usually require more frequent watering so
install micro-irrigation or hand water.
Landscape problems to monitor:
As temperatures approach 90 degrees, monitor for chinch bugs in St.
Augustine grass; however, spot treat the affected area only.
Plant larraflower seeds if mole crickets are a problem. Free seeds are
available at our office or the Florida House.
Lacebugs are often found on azalea and avocado. Treat with oil and soap.
If you spot caterpillars on plants, properly ID them before touching (some
are stinging types) or killing (some turn into butterflies).
Bring specimens to our office for correct ID (they may be beneficial
insects).
Planting guide:
Vegetables & Herbs: Anise, beans, black-eyed peas, borage, catnip,
chervil, cilantro/coriander, comfrey, corn, cumin, dasheen, eggplant,
marjoram, mint, okra, oregano, peas, summer savory, sweet potatoes, tarragon
and watermelon.
Annuals: Ageratum, Begonia, Celosia, Cleome, Coleus, Cosmos, Crossandra,
dusty miller, four o’clock, Gazania, marigold, morning glory, Nicotiana,
periwinkle, Portulaca, Salvia, sunflower, Torenia, Verbena and Zinnia.
Perennials: Blue daze, Caladium, Coreopsis, Dahlberg daisy, daylily,
Gaillardia, Gaura, Gerbera daisy, Kalanchoe, Mexican heather, Pentas,
Rudbeckia, Salvias, shell ginger, shrimp plants, Tithonia and Verbena.
Fruits in Season: Banana, blackberry, blueberry, Carambola, citrus, (calamondin,
grapefruit, key lime, lemon, and lime,), guava, kumquat, loquat, macadamia,
papaya, pineapple, Surinam cherry, and tamarind.
Blooming Plants: Amaryllis, birds of paradise, bottlebrush, Bougainvillea,
crape jasmine, daylily, devil’s backbone, Gardenia, dwarf Indian hawthorn,
Jacaranda Jerusalem thorn, Magnolia, Mexican flame vine, natal plum,
pipevine, silk oak society garlic, Simpson’s stopper, star jasmine, Texas
sage, and Yucca.
Upcoming educational classes:
You may now register for classes on-line at our website: http://sarasota.extension.ufl.edu/EdSched.htm
or call 861-5000.
“Fighting Fire Ants” at Twin Lakes Park, May 9 at 10:00 a.m.
‘Beneficial Insects: Good Guys in the Garden” at Twin Lakes Park, May 16
at 2:00 p.m.
“Pests in and Around the Florida Home” at Twin Lakes Park, May 23 at 2:00
p.m.
“Master Gardener Program – What Is It?” at Twin Lakes Park, May 23 at 4:00
p.m.
“Container Gardening” Twin Lakes Park, May 30 at 10:00 a.m.
“Spiders: Myth vs. Reality” at Twin Lakes Park, May 30 at 2:00 p.m.
“Chinch Bugs & White Grubs” at Lakes Park, June 6 at 2:00 p.m.
Satellite Services
In addition to our four south county library locations, we have two new
locations at North Sarasota Library and the Farmers’ Market. Master
Gardeners are at the North Sarasota Library, Monday, 10:00 a.m.-noon and the
Farmers’ Market, 3rd Saturday of each month, 7:00 a.m.-noon.
(Patricia Porchey is an Urban Horticulture Agent with University of Florida/IFAS
Sarasota County Extension. Website: http://sarasota.extension.ufl.edu
March Gardening Guide (2007)
By Patricia Porchey
Shopping in the produce section of the supermarket is becoming a real
adventure with all of the choices from the most common to the hard-to-find,
such as Chaya. Our growing conditions afford us the opportunity to grow some
of these less-familiar products. The idea of an actual vegetable garden is
not always feasible due to limited space; however, there are options for you
to grow produce and harvest it freshly ripe. One is to mix herbs and
vegetables amongst your annuals and perennials as part of your landscape.
Another is to plant in containers. Planting a few herbs and vegetables in a
pot next to the kitchen door affords easy harvesting straight to those
savory dishes. Sometimes just the fragrance alone, such as rosemary,
delights the senses even before adding it to a dish. If your plant list
exceeds your container capacity, there are community garden plots available
to residents. Here you can plant and harvest organically-grown produce with
other dedicated gardeners who appreciate the rewards of their efforts.
IPM Update:
Did you know Sarasota County has an Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
Advisory Board? You may ask, what is IPM and is it just for the government?
IPM provides the guidelines for controlling pests that everyone should
follow whether in the government or around your home. IPM is not a single
chemical strategy, but a decision-making process to determine if, where,
when, and how pest control should be applied. Pest management tactics can be
cultural, including resistant or tolerant plants, biological, mechanical,
physical, as well as chemical. Chemical control is the last resort, and if
it is used, least-toxic products should be selected. Before taking any pest
control action however, the IPM Advisory Board is most concerned that people
correctly identify the pest (insect, mite, weed, or vertebrate). Proper
identification is the first step, followed by regular monitoring, to
determine if there is injury or a problem. Both steps are essential for
determining if control is necessary. Next month, the focus will be on the
importance of beneficial insects and how these organisms help keep pests
under control.
Gardening activities:
- Spring is the time to fertilize all landscape plants and lawns. Always
use a complete fertilizer, one that contains the three major components
(Nitrogen, Phosphorous and Potassium) and a list of minor nutrients such
as magnesium, iron, and manganese. An analysis of 8-2-8, 12-2-14, or
similar is recommended. Nitrogen and potassium should have 30-50% in a
slow-release form. Apply a maximum of one pound of nitrogen per 1000
square feet. To determine the correct amount of fertilizer to use, divide
the first number on the bag (nitrogen) into 100; this determines the
number of pounds of fertilizer in the bag needed to supply one pound of
nitrogen per 1,000 square feet of lawn and landscape area.
- Fertilize fruit trees and palms if you didn’t do it in February. Use
fertilizer that is labeled for that plant. Never spray your fruit trees
while in bloom.
- Inspect the tender new growth on plants as this is a favorite site for
sucking insects such as aphids, mealybugs and scales. Choose a least toxic
control method such as horticultural soap or oil spray if insects are
present in threatening numbers.
- If your shrubs need pruning, remove no more than 1/3 of the total mass
to maintain a healthy plant. Prune spring-blooming plants only after they
finish blooming.
Upcoming educational classes:
You may now register for classes on-line at our website:
http://sarasota.extension.ufl.edu/EdSched.htm or call 861-5000.
- "Florida Buggy Critters: The Bad, Good & Harmless" at Florida House,
March 6 at 2:00 p.m.
- "How Much Water Does a Plant Require?" at Twin Lakes Park, March 7 at
4:00 p.m.
- "Water Delivery Systems: Irrigation or Mother Nature?" at Twin Lakes
Park, March 14 at 4:00 p.m.
- "Do You Know What Spider That Is?" at Shamrock Park, March 15 at 2:00
p.m.
- "Weather-Resistant Landscapes" at Florida House, March 20 at 2:00 p.m.
- Florida Yards & Neighborhoods Grant Workshop" at Twin Lakes Park,
March 21 at 4:00 p.m.
- "Landscape Water Conservation Practices" at Twin Lakes Park, March 28
at 4:00 p.m.
- "Healthy Gardening" at Florida House, April 3 at 2:00 p.m.
- "Coastal Native Plants" at Shamrock Park, April 5 at 2:00 p.m.
Planting guide:
Vegetables & Herbs: Anise, basil, beans, beets, borage, cantaloupe,
chervil, comfrey, corn, cucumber, cumin, horehound, 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, Begonia, Browallia, Celosia, coleus,
Cosmos, Dahlberg daisy, dusty miller, Gazania, geranium, Impatiens, Lobelia,
marigold, Nicotiana, ornamental pepper, 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, Rudbeckia, Salvia,
Shasta daisy, society garlic, and walking Iris.
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,
Bougainvillea, Buddleia, cape honeysuckle, Carolina Jessamine, dwarf Indian
hawthorn, flame vine, fuchsia skullcap, geranium, lantana, Mexican flame
vine, Nemesia, orchid tree, silk floss tree, society garlic, Surinam cherry,
Walter’s Viburnum, and white bird of paradise.
Satellite Services
In addition to our four south county library locations, we have two new
locations at North Sarasota Library and the Farmers’ Market. Master
Gardeners are at the North Sarasota Library, Monday, 10:00 am-noon and the
Farmers’ Market, 3rd Saturday of each month, 7:00 am-noon .
February Gardening Guide 2007
By Patricia Porchey
If you’ve been thinking about planting some fruit trees in your landscape,
your fist thought might be of citrus. However, because citrus canker and
citrus greening diseases are plaguing our citrus industry as a result of the
previous hurricane seasons, it might be advantageous to consider some
alternative fruit trees. Some fruits worthy of consideration are the
avocado, banana, carambola, lychee, papaya, and mango. Depending on the
variety of avocado you plant, fruit may be harvested sometime between June
and February. Bananas carambola, and papaya bear fruit year-round. June and
July are the harvest months for lychee. Mango varieties bear fruit sometime
between May and October. It’s possible to have a fruitful bounty year-round
in Florida. This is how sustainability can start right in your own yard!
(Wait until the end of February or early March to plant young fruit trees
that are cold sensitive)
February also marks the month to start planting seeds of some warm season
vegetables alongside your cool season vegetables. Plant a salad: carrots,
cucumber, lettuce, peppers, radish, and tomatoes in addition to all the
other possibilities listed below.
Gardening activities:
Amend your spring garden beds with organic materials such as compost,
composted manures or peat humus before planting. In fact, take advantage of
the free compost available to resident at several locations in the county.
Fertilize citrus and other fruit trees this month – approximately 8 pounds
of fruit tree fertilizer for a mature tree.
As fruit sets on your fruit trees, water on a regular basis if there is no
rain.
Apply a pre-emergent herbicide to turf grass where crabgrass and other
weeds were a problem in 2006. This product forms a barrier on top of the
soil to stop the germination of new seeds; therefore, do not disturb the
area once it is applied.
Fertilize lawns and shrubs with a fertilizer containing at least 30-50% of
the nitrogen in slow-release form. If using a weed and feed product, read
the label carefully before applying near shrubs and trees.
Prune crape myrtle and other deciduous plants that flower on their new
growth at the end of this month.
Prune and fertilize roses.
Upcoming educational classes:
You may now register for classes on-line at our website: http://sarasota.extension.ufl.edu/EdSched.htm
or call 861-5000.
“Florida Friendly Landscapes” at Florida House, February 6 at 2:00 pm.
“How to take a Soil Test” at Twin Lakes Park, February 7 at 4:00 pm.
“Planning your Wildlife Garden” at Florida House, February 10 at 10:00 am.
“Applying Fertilizer Correctly” at Twin Lakes Park, February 14 at 4:00
pm.
“Florida Buggy Critters; the Bad, Good & Harmless” at Shamrock Park,
February 15 at 2:00 pm.
“Applying Fertilizer: Guidelines to determine your Landscape Needs” at
Twin Lakes Park, February 21 at 4:00 pm.
“Using you Landscape to Benefit the Environment” at Twin Lakes Park,
February 28 at 4:00 pm.
“Landscaping for Birds” at shamrock Park, March 1 at 2:00 pm.
Planting guide:
Vegetables & Herbs: Anise, basil, beets, borage, cantaloupe, carrots,
catnip, celery, chervil, chives, collards, comfrey, coriander, corn,
cucumber, cumin, dill, eggplant, endive, garlic, green beans, kohlrabi,
leek, lemon balm, lettuce, marjoram, mint, mustard, onion, oregano, parsley,
peas, pepper, potato, pumpkin, radish, rosemary, sage, sweet potato,
tarragon, tomato, turnip, and watermelon.
Annuals: Ageratum, alyssum, Amaranth, Begonia, browallia, Calendula, Cosmos,
dusty miller, Gazania, geranium, Lobelia, marigold, nasturtium, pansy,
Petunia, Phlox, Salvia, snapdragon, Statice, stock, strawflower, and
Verbena.
Perennials: African iris, Agapanthus, Amaryllis, Amazon lily, aster, Aztec
lily, Caladium, Canna, calla lily, Clivia, Crinum lily, Dahlia, Dianthus,
foxglove, Gerbera, hollyhock, Shasta daisy, society garlic, spider lily,
Tithonia, Viola, and walking iris.
Fruits in Season: Banana, black sapote, carambola, cherimoya, citrus (calamondin,
grapefruit, key lime, lemon, lime, orange, and tangerine), Indian jujube,
kumquat, loquat, Mysore raspberry, papaya, and strawberry.
Blooming plants: Bush daisy, Bottlebrush, Bougainvillea, Carolina yellow
Jessamine, Chinese hat plant, fuchsia skullcap, Jatropha, Kalanchoe, lion’s
ear, mahoe, Mexican flame vine, orchid tree, palm grass, Poinsettia,
powderpuff plant, purple Tabebuia, silver trumpet Tabebuia, Thunbergia,
trumpet vine, Turk’s cap and Walter’s Viburnum, and yellow shrimp plant.
Satellite Services
The Extension Service has weekly horticultural outreach services to make it
more convenient for residents to receive our services when they are unable
to come to our office at Twin Lakes Park. In addition to our four south
county library locations, we have two new locations at North Sarasota
Library and the Farmers’ Market. Hours of service are as follows: North
Sarasota Library, Monday, 10:00 am-noon; Elsie Quirk Library, Tuesday, 9:30
am-noon; North Port Library, 1:30-3:30 pm; Venice Library, Thursday, 9:30
am-noon; Jacaranda Library, Thursday, 1:30-3:30 pm; and the Farmers’ Market,
3rd Saturday of each month, 7:00 am-noon.
(Patricia Porchey is a Horticulture Courtesy Agent with University of
Florida/IFAS Sarasota County Extension. Website: http://sarasota.extension.ufl.edu)
January Gardening Guide
By Patricia Porchey
Gardeners eagerly anticipated December 25, 2006 because after several
weeks of dry weather, the rain prediction was at ninety percent. November
and December are typically two of the driest months and this year was no
exception. When there is little rain, the need for supplemental irrigation
increases. On the other hand, the cooler weather has decreased the need for
watering as often, because moisture remains in the soil longer and is not as
readily lost to transpiration or evaporation to the air.
Since 2001, Sarasota County has had watering restrictions that limit
irrigation to one day a week and only one watering on that particular day.
Should code enforcement observe a watering violation, you could be issued a
written warning or a citation, with fees from $100 up to $500. An additional
$100 will be imposed if there is not a working rain shut-off device or
sensor on your irrigation system. The current restrictions are:
- Watering is prohibited between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- Addresses ending in EVEN numbers or the letters A-M may only water on
TUESDAYS.
- Addresses ending in ODD numbers or the letters N-Z may only water on
THURSDAYS.
You may wonder why this is important during a period of drought. One must
only remember that what happens now affects our precious water resources in
the warmer months when water may be less plentiful and much more necessary
for healthy plants.
In an effort to assist you in avoiding a penalty, the University of
Florida/IFAS Extension Service has fact sheets on landscape care and
maintenance, and pertinent information on how to set your automatic timer,
how to use an automatic shut-off device, and how to have a landscape that
not only is attractive, but also conserves water. You can also go to the
University of Florida website and download information.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu
June Gardening Guide
By: Patricia Porchey
Has anyone ever knocked on your door and asked to trim your palms and a week
later
you notice driving down the street that every palm has a “hurricane cut?” In
fact, driving around Sarasota any season of the year, one is sure to see
“hurricane-cut” palm trees.
This time of year, however, pruning is done out of fear. In reality,
“hurricane cut” is a
misnomer because misinformation has given everyone the impression that this
is the way to prune a palm to withstand hurricane-force winds when in fact,
it’s overpruning.
This practice of overpruning weakens the palm structurally and stresses the
palm making it more susceptible to fungal diseases such as Ganoderma and
insects such as palm weevils. Palms naturally translocate nutrients to
younger foliage from the older fronds so unnecessary frond removal deprives
the palm of needed nutrients. Repeated “hurricanecut”
pruning produces a phenomenon known as “pencil top,” a narrowed trunk just
below
the fronds that increases the likelihood of trunk failure. Damage
assessments done after our recent hurricanes have shown that those palms in
good health and properly pruned with green fronds left intact were able to
absorb the shock of the stronger winds much better than those overpruned. As
a result, several counties on the east coast have made “hurricane cuts”
illegal.
The correct way to prune palms is to remove only those fronds blow the
horizontal (or nine and three o’clock position). Better yet is to only
remove those fronds that are dead
or almost dead and seed pods. Don’t let fear cause you to make the wrong
decision when hiring someone to prune your palms.
Gardening activities
• When selecting new trees to plant, pick trees with good
limb structure – spacing
up and around main stem.
• Know the tree’s mature size to avoid planting it is too small a space or
too close
to structures – a large tree should be at least 25 feet from the foundation.
• Prune existing trees to remove dead, broken, diseased, and crossing
branches.
• Thin the canopy to allow air movement, but do not top trees as this makes
the
trees more susceptible to damage from insects, disease and wind.
• Check for mole cricket damage in Bahia and Bermuda lawns and treat only if
needed.
• Check for chinch bug damage in St. Augustine lawns. Treat just the problem
area
plus an additional five foot radius instead of the whole yard.
• If rust mite damage was a problem on your citrus last year, spray a less
toxic
solution such as horticultural soap or oil now.
• Amend beds with organic matter before planting summer annuals.
• As summer rains begin, get in the habit of only watering as needed. Check
the
rain shutoff device on your irrigation system to see that it is working
properly.
Upcoming educational classes:
• “Trees & Hurricanes” at Twin Lakes Park, June 6 at 2:00 pm. Call 861-9900
to
register.
• “Trees & Hurricanes” at Twin Lakes Park, June 14 at 10:00 am. Call
861-9900
• “Beneficial Insects” at Shamrock Park, June 20 at 2:00 pm. Call 486-2706
or
861-9900 to register.
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, Cannas,
crape jasmine, crape myrtle, dwarf Poinciana, Gardenia, Jerusalem thorn,
Magnolia,
Mexican flame vine, ponytail palm, Plumbago, royal Poinciana, society
garlic, thryallis,
and Yucca.
If you have questions concerning your landscape, please call or visit our
office at Twin
Lakes Park on Clark Road east of I-75. The Master Gardener Help Desk is open
Monday-Friday from 9:00 am-Noon and 1:00-4:00 pm (941-861-9807). Our
satellite
help desks at the five county libraries are open through the summer.
(Patricia Porchey is a horticulturist with University of Florida/IFAS,
Sarasota County
Extension. Website: http://sarasota.extension.ufl.edu)

By: Patricia Porchey
During periods of drought, energy conservation as well as water conservation
becomes more important. The three months of April, May and June average more
sunshine hours than any other months of the year. In addition to more
sunshine, the increasingly warmer weather and lack of rain equals a formula
for stress to most plants, and even death to some. So how can you design
your landscape to help it tolerant these adverse conditions?
The first step is to analyze your site and know the sun’s orientation, where
the sun comes up and where it goes down. Select plants that are appropriate
for the light
conditions on your site. Native plants usually will tolerate adverse
conditions better than non-natives; however, this doesn’t apply until they
are well established. During the first 5 years of establishment, irrigate
less often but deeply to encourage vertical
root growth. Once established, water trees and shrubs only when they wilt;
the exception is fruit trees which need water every 2-3 weeks once fruit has
set. The best time to water is in the morning before 10:00 am. Install mulch
around your plants to aid in water retention. Know which plants require more
moisture and group those plants together or consider replacing them with
more drought-tolerant plants.
Eliminate pop-up heads in your beds and install micro irrigation to reduce
water lost to evaporation. Retain rainwater on site by capturing it using
rain barrels, cisterns, porous surfaces and swales Reduce energy costs by
planting deciduous trees on the south, southwest and southeast facings of
your home so you’ll get warmth in the winter and shade in the
warm months. Don’t forget to shade your AC unit and improve the operating
efficiency up to 10% during the day; however don’t block the exhaust air
flow. Use plants to direct hot winds over and around your house. On larger
home sites, use a
windbreak composed of layered plants to divert hot winds away from the
house. Most protection occurs at a distance that is up to 5 times the height
of the windbreak Plants can also create air-insulating spaces around your
home with the proper placement of a multi-layered canopy of plants. An
example would be a bed with groundcover, a 3 foot shrub, a 5 foot shrub and
a small tree with its canopy overhanging the shrubbery. Install all plants
beyond the eave to facilitate catching rainwater.
Monitoring Activities
• Monitor for chinch bugs in St. Augustine grass as temperatures approach 90
degrees; however, spot treat the affected area only.
• Monitor for mole crickets in Bahia and spot treat as needed.
• Monitor for lacebugs on azaleas and avocado and apply least toxic
insecticide.
• Monitor for caterpillars on oleander and other plants; however know if
it’s a
larval food plant for butterflies before treating.
• Monitor for mildew on susceptible plants and apply the appropriate
control, but also determine if they need to be moved to a location with more
light and air
circulation.
Upcoming educational classes:
• “Citrus in the Urban Landscape” at Florida House Learning Center, May 9 at
2:00 pm. Call 316-1200 to register.
• “Mosquitoes” at Florida House Learning Center, May 16 at 2:00 pm. Call
316-1200.
• “Poisonous Plants” at Twin Lakes Park, May 17 at 10:00 am. Call 861-9900.
• “Basic Plant Propagation” at Twin Lakes Park, May 17 at 4:00 am. Call 861-
9900.
• “Hurricanes and Trees” at Twin Lakes Park, June 7 at 4:00 am. Call
861-9900.
Planting guide:
• Vegetables & Herbs: Anise, green beans, black-eyed peas, borage, catnip,
chervil, cilantro/coriander, comfrey, corn, cumin, dasheen, eggplant, lima
beans,
horehound, marjoram, mint, okra, oregano, peas, summer savory, sweet
potatoes, arragon and watermelon.
• Annuals: Ageratum, Begonia, Celosia, Cleome, Coleus, Cosmos, Crossandra,
dusty miller, four o’clock, Gazania, marigold, morning glory, Nicotiana,
periwinkle, Portulaca, salvia, sunflower, Torenia, Verbena and Zinnia.
• Perennials: Blue daze, Caladium, Coreopsis, Dahlberg daisy, daylily,
Gaillardia, Gaura, Gerbera daisy, Kalanchoe, Mexican heather, Pentas,
Rudbeckia, Salvias, shell ginger, shrimp plants, Tithonia and Verbena.
• Fruits in Season: Banana, blackberry, blueberry, Carambola, citrus, (calamondin,
grapefruit, key lime, lemon, and lime,), guava, kumquat, loquat, macadamia,
papaya, pineapple, Surinam cherry, and tamarind.
• Blooming Plants: Amaryllis, Australian flame tree, beach buttercup, beach
sunflower, birds of paradise, bottlebrush, Bougainvillea, crape jasmine,
daylily, devil’s backbone, Duranta, Gardenia, dwarf Indian hawthorn,
Jacaranda tree,
Jerusalem thorn, Ligustrum, Magnolia, Mandevilla, Mexican flame vine, natal
plum, necklace pod, pipevine, silk oak tree, society garlic, Simpson’s
stopper, star jasmine, Texas sage, wild coffee, yaupon holly and Yucca.
If you have questions concerning your landscape, please call or visit our
office at Twin Lakes Park on Clark Road east of I-75. The Master Gardener
Help Desk is open
Monday-Friday from 9:00 am-Noon and 1:00-4:00 pm (941-861-9807). Our
satellite
help desk at Selby Library is open Wednesdays from 9:30 am-Noon.
(Patricia Porchey is a horticulturist with University of Florida/IFAS,
Sarasota County
Extension. Website:

By: Patricia Porchey
This is proving to be one of our driest spring seasons. It naturally
poses the question, how does one train plants to tolerate drought? There are
several cultural practices to sustain our landscape plants until rains
become more plentiful. Even though one is tempted to apply a little water
several times per week during a drought, only one deep watering per week is
recommended. Irrigate deeply; deep watering improves drought resistance by
promoting a deeper and more extensive root system. Moisture needs to reach a
depth of 6-12 inches for annuals and turf, which is achieved by applying ¾
inch of water. For shrubs and young trees, moisture needs to reach a depth
of at least 12 inches or applying one inch of water. Watering in the morning
is the most efficient time because less water will be lost to evaporation
and wind drift. Following are other tips for water management during a
drought.
Drought management Tips:
Check your irrigation system to see it’s operating properly.
Convert overhead irrigation heads to micro-irrigation in beds to minimize
water loss yet get it to the plant roots.
Remove weeds that are taking moisture form your landscape plants.
Fertilize sparingly with low nitrogen levels in a slow-release fertilizer.
Fertilizer encourages growth thereby increasing the need for water.
Let plants tell you when they need to be watered. Turf blades will fold
together and turn dull bluish grey when they need water and footprints in
grass will remain long after steps are taken. Leaves on shrubs and trees
similarly will droop and lose their luster.
Raise cutting height of mower; taller turf encourages deeper roots.
Mow less frequently to reduce the moisture loss to respiration when leaves
are cut and keep mower blades sharp.
Add soil amendments to beds before doing any new planting; this will help
our sandy soil retain moisture.
Select drought-tolerant plants for new plantings. Drought-tolerant annuals
are globe amaranth, periwinkle, marigold, melampodium, Portulaca, Salvia,
and Verbena.
Mulch to maintain moisture in the soil around bedding plants, shrubs and
trees. There is free compost and mulch provided by the county at the old Bee
Ridge landfill and at the following parks:
Butler Park, 6205 West Price Blvd., North Port
Longwood Park, 6050 Longwood Blvd., Sarasota
Nokomis Community Park, 234 Nippino Trail, Nokomis
Shamrock Park, 3900 West Shamrock Drive, Venice
Upcoming educational classes:
“Poisonous Plants” at Shamrock Park, April 4 at 2:00 pm. Call 486-2706 or
861-9900 to register.
“Palms in the Landscape” at Twin Lakes Park, April 12 at 10:00 am. Call
861-9900.
“Stinging Insects” at Shamrock Park, April 18 at 2:00 pm. Call 486-2706 or
861-9900 to register.
“Landscaping for Wildlife” at Florida House Learning Center, April 25 at
2:00 pm. Call 316-1200.
“Growing Tropical Fruits” at Shamrock Park, May 2 at 2:00 pm. Call
486-2706 or 861-9900 to register.
“Citrus in the Urban Landscape” at Florida House Learning Center, May 9 at
2:00 pm. Call 316-1200.
Planting guide:
Vegetables & Herbs: Anise, basil, beans, borage, cantaloupe, chervil,
comfrey, corn, cucumber, cumin, horehound, lemon balm, marjoram, mint, okra,
oregano, peas, summer savory, sweet potatoes, tarragon and thyme.
Annuals: Amaranthus, aster, Celosia, Cleome, Coleus, Cosmos, dusty miller,
four o’clock, Gazania, geranium, Impatiens, Lobelia, morning glory,
Nicotiana, ornamental pepper, Pentas, periwinkle, Phlox, Portulaca, Salvia,
Torenia, Verbena and Zinnia.
Perennials: African iris, Amazon lily, Aztec lily, blue daze, blue-eyed
grass, blood lily, Caladium, Canna, Coreopsis, Crossandra, Dianthus,
Gaillardia, Gaura, Gerbera daisy, gloriosa lily, milkweed, Mexican heather,
Philippine violet, rain lily, Rudbeckia, Salvia, Scabiosa, shell ginger,
shrimp plants, Tithonia and Verbena.
Fruits in Season: Banana, blueberry, Carambola, citrus, (calamondin,
grapefruit, key lime, lemon, lime, and orange), kumquat, loquat, Mysore
raspberry and strawberry.
Blooming Plants: Amaryllis, avocado, azalea, bottlebrush, bougainvillea,
buddleia, confederate jasmine, dwarf Indian hawthorn, Jacaranda tree, Cordia
tree, Lantana, Macadamia, Magnolia, Nasturtium, orchid tree, rose, silk oak
tree, society garlic, Simpson’s stopper, trumpet tree, Turk’s cap, Viburnum
and wildflowers.
If you have questions concerning your landscape, please call or visit our
office at Twin Lakes Park on Clark Road east of I-75. The Master Gardener
Help Desk is open Monday-Friday from 9:00 am-Noon and 1:00-4:00 pm
(941-861-9807). Our satellite help desk at Selby Library is open Wednesdays
from 9:30 am-Noon.
(Patricia Porchey is a horticulturist with University of Florida/IFAS,
Sarasota County Extension. Website: http://sarasota.extension.ufl.edu)

By Patricia Porchey
There are no groundhogs here so we needn’t worry about the prediction for
six more weeks of winter. In fact, winter will soon be a distant memory as
March announces spring’s entrance for us. Except for a couple of cold nights
in the 30s, ours has been a mild winter. However, those cold nights did
leave winter’s signature - less cold-tolerant plants such as perennial
peanut, plumbago and porterweed are leafless or covered with bronzed leaves.
At first glance, these plants appear dead, however, upon closer inspection
leaf buds are breaking open and new growth is emerging. This new growth
provides the guidance needed to know where to prune off dead wood. Some
groundcovers such as perennial peanut will benefit from a mowing to remove
winter’s straggly growth.
Mail-order catalogs are very tempting with their profusely blooming
plants with impeccable beauty. One might erroneously consider trying tulips
and other bulbs meant for zones 7 and lower. But don’t despair because there
is an abundance of bulbs and bulbous-like plants to give you joy in your
Florida garden. Unlike the amaryllis sold in pots during the holidays, those
growing in your landscape are now ready to bloom giving you a bountiful
display. Others blooming this month are blood lilies, cannas, crinum lilies,
daylilies, and walking iris.
Gardening activities:
- Plants coming out of dormancy need fertilizer to get off to a healthy
start so this is the time to fertilize all landscape plants and lawns.
Always use a complete fertilizer, one that contains the three major
components (Nitrogen, Phosphorous and Potassium) and a list of minor
nutrients such as magnesium, iron, and manganese. An analysis of 8-2-8,
12-2-14, 15-0-15 or similar is recommended. Nitrogen and potassium should
have at least 30 percent in a slow-release form. Apply a maximum of one
pound of nitrogen per 1000 square feet. To determine the correct amount of
fertilizer to use, divide the first number on the bag (nitrogen) into 100;
this determines the number of pounds in this bag needed to supply one
pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet of lawn and landscape area.
- If you aren’t sure how much phosphorous is present in your soil, you
can have a soil test done at the Extension Office for a nominal fee.
- Fertilize fruit trees and palms if you didn’t do it in February. Use
fertilizer that is labeled for fruit trees and palms accordingly.
- Inspect the tender new growth on plants as this is a favorite site for
sucking insects such as aphids, mealybugs and scales. Choose a least toxic
control method such as horticultural soap or oil spray if insects are
present in threatening numbers. Even a strong burst of water will knock
many pests off your plants.
- Never spray your fruit trees while in bloom.
- As new fruit is setting on your fruit trees and when we are in a
drought, remember to give them a thorough watering every two to three
weeks.
- If your shrubs needing pruning, remove no more than 1/3 of the total
mass to maintain a healthy plant.
- Prune spring-blooming plants only after they finish blooming.
- Mulch to conserve moisture around your plants, but leave a few inches
of air space at the base of the plants.
Upcoming educational classes:
- "Palms in the Landscape" at Shamrock Park, March 7 at 2:00 pm. Call
486-2706 or 861-9900 to register.
- "Living Spring Baskets" at Twin Lakes Park, March 8 at 10:00 am. Call
861-9900.
- "Ants, Ants, Ants" at Shamrock Park, March 21 at 2:00 pm. Call
486-2706 or 861-9900.
Planting guide:
Vegetables & Herbs: Anise, basil, beans, beets, borage, cantaloupe,
chervil, comfrey, corn, cucumber, cumin, horehound, 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, Begonia, browallia, Celosia, coleus,
Cosmos, Dahlberg daisy, dusty miller, Gazania, geranium, Impatiens, Lobelia,
marigold, Nicotiana, ornamental pepper, 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, gladiolus, gloriosa lily, Mexican heather, milkweed, Pentas, rain
lily, Rudbeckia, Salvia, Shasta daisy, society garlic, spider lily, and
walking Iris.
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, bird of paradise, blue flag iris,
blue sage, bottlebrush, Bougainvillea, Buddleia, cape honeysuckle, Carolina
Jessamine, dwarf Indian hawthorn, flame vine, fuchsia skullcap, geranium,
lantana, mahoe, Mexican flame vine, orchid tree, Rhododendron, silk floss
tree, society garlic, Surinam cherry, Walter’s Viburnum and wildflowers.
If you have questions concerning your landscape, please call or visit our
office at Twin Lakes Park on Clark Road east of I-75. The Master Gardener
Help Desk is open Monday-Friday from 9:00 am-Noon and 1:00-4:00 pm
(941-861-9807). Our satellite help desk at Selby Library is open Wednesdays
from 9:30 am-Noon.

By Patricia Porchey
Is your lawn taking a winter break? Has its green color faded or does it
have a reddish appearance? Are you mowing less often? Does it require
watering less often? The answers to all the above is probably “yes.” In the
winter, growth and metabolism is reduced on most plants, including grass.
Bermuda, Bahia and St. Augustine may actually turn brown and go dormant if
the weather gets unusually cold, but dormancy is a natural state which
protects it until the weather warms. Come spring, new leaf growth will
emerge.
Cultural practices which promote cold injury are poor drainage and over
watering, excessive fall fertilizing and thatch buildup, insufficient
potassium in the fertilizer applied, growing in too much shade and mowing
too short. Improper irrigation practices are a source of many lawn problems.
Train your grass to be sturdier and more drought tolerant by watering only
when it needs moisture. By watering less, often the roots grow deeper and
are better able to handles stress. Dormancy reduces the need for water as
the roots are unable to absorb moisture in the same way as when they are
actively growing. In the winter, every 2-3 weeks is usually sufficient. Only
apply ¾ inch of water at each application. Run your irrigation system in the
early morning so the moisture on the leaves will evaporate and fungal
problems can be avoided. Check your rain sensor to insure it is operating
properly.
Fertilizer should not be applied until the danger of frost has passed –
usually the end of this month. Fertilizing is not recommended after mid
October tender new growth that it triggers is more susceptible to cold
damage. Redness in the leaf blades reflects low potassium. Select a
fertilizer that includes minor nutrients and has at least 30 percent of the
nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) in a slow-release form. These slow-release
fertilizers are safer environmentally, since they are less likely to leach N
into ground or surface water. Since most of our soils are high in
phosphorous, select a fertilizer that is low in P, but has K equal to or
greater that the N. If you aren’t sure how much phosphorous is present in
your soil, you can have a soil test done at the Extension Office. The three
large numbers across the fertilizer bag reflect Nitogen-Phosporus-Potassium.
Recommended proportions are 15-2-15 or 12-2-14. Apply up to one pound of
nitrogen per 1000 square feet. You can use either a drop or rotary spreader,
but avoid getting fertilizer on impervious surfaces such as driveways and
walks. Sweep it up or it may end up in a storm drain and eventually into our
waterways. Also avoid spreading fertilizer within 10-30 feet of a lake.
This is a good time to apply a pre-emergent herbicide to lawns or beds where
weeds, such as crabgrass, were a problem last year. And don’t disturb the
area once it is applied. When using an herbicide make sure it’s labeled for
your type of grass and the weeds you are trying to control are listed. If
your St. Augustine grass has been invaded by Bermuda grass, there is no
selective herbicide that will kill one grass only
Gardening activities:
Consider turning part of your expansive lawn area into beds or a vegetable
garden.
Prepare your spring garden beds.
Fertilize citrus and other fruit trees this month – approximately 8 pounds
for a mature tree.
As fruit sets on your fruit trees, water on a regular basis if there is no
rain.
Increase mowing height to encourage deeper roots and a warmer
microenvironment.
Upcoming educational classes:
“Landscaping for Wildlife” at Shamrock Park, February 7 at 2:00 pm. Call
486-2706 to register.
“Backyard Landscaping for Birds” at Twin Lakes Park, February 8 at 4 pm.
Call 861-9900.
“Tropical Fruits” at Twin Lakes Park, February 8 at 10:00 am. Call
861-9900.
“Pests in and Around the Home” at Shamrock Park, February 14 at 2:00 pm.
Call 486-2706.
“Your Florida Homescape” at Florida House, February 21 at 2:00 pm. Call
316-1200.
“Invasive Plants” at Twin Lakes Park, March 1 at 10:00 am. Call 861-9900.
Planting guide:
Vegetables & Herbs: Anise, basil. beans, beets, borage, cantaloupe, carrots,
catnip, celery, chervil, chives, collards, comfrey, coriander, corn,
cucumber, cumin, dill, eggplant, endive, garlic, kohlrabi, leek, lemon balm,
lettuce, marjoram, mint, mustard, onion, oregano, parsley, peas, pepper,
potato, pumpkin, radish, rosemary, sage, sweet potato, tarragon, tomato,
turnip, and watermelon.
Annuals: Ageratum, alyssum, Amaranth, Begonia, browallia, Calendula, Cosmos,
dusty miller, Gazania, geranium, Lobelia, marigold, nasturtium, pansy,
Petunia, Phlox, Salvia, snapdragon, Statice, stock, strawflower, and
Verbena.
Perennials: African iris, Agapanthus, Amaryllis, Amazon lily, aster, Aztec
lily, Caladium, Canna, calla lily, Clivia, Crinum lily, Dahlia, Dianthus,
foxglove, Gerbera, hollyhock, Shasta daisy, society garlic, spider lily,
Tithonia, Viola, and walking iris.
Fruits in Season: Banana, black sapote, carambola, cherimoya, citrus (calamondin,
grapefruit, key lime, lemon, lime, orange, and tangerine), Indian jujube,
kumquat, loquat, Mysore raspberry, papaya, and strawberry.
Blooming plants: Bush daisy, Bottlebrush, Bougainvillea, Carolina yellow
Jessamine, Chinese hat plant, fuchsia skullcap, Jatropha, Kalanchoe, lion’s
ear, mahoe, Mexican flame vine, orchid tree, palm grass, Poinsettia,
powderpuff plant, purple Tabebuia, silver trumpet Tabebuia, Thunbergia,
trumpet vine, Turk’s cap and Walter’s Viburnum, and yellow shrimp plant.
If you have questions concerning your landscape, please call or visit our
office at Twin Lakes Park on Clark Road east of I-75. The Master Gardener
Help Desk is open Monday-Friday from 9:00 am-Noon and 1:00-4:00 pm
(941-861-9807). Our satellite help desk at Selby Library is open Wednesdays
from 9:30 am-Noon.
(Patricia Porchey is a horticulturist with University of Florida/IFAS,
Sarasota County Extension. Website: http://sarasota.extension.ufl.edu)

By Patricia Porchey
Is your backyard somber and still in the winter? Would you like it to be
bustling with wildlife - abuzz with their chatter and playground-like with
their comings and goings? Up north, bird feeders often provided that
congregational site. Here where the ground doesn’t freeze, birds aren’t
forced to resort to feeders for food unless their native habitat has been
altered.
Homeowners can protect displaced wildlife by using plants, especially
natives, to simulate their natural habitat that has been destroyed by
development. Sometimes this is as easy as doing less maintenance. Instead of
using that electric hedge trimmer, use hand pruners to achieve a more
natural looking hedge that’s three to eight feet in height. If you want a
three-foot hedge, remember to select plants that only grow to that height at
maturity and the need to prune will be eliminated except for an occasional
errant branch. Birds prefer unpruned informal hedges and dense evergreen
hedges. Actually, birds prefer thorny hedges for nesting as it provides some
protection from predators. Left unpruned, these hedges are also allowed to
flower and set fruit to provide necessary food for wildlife.
Layering of plants – more than one row of plants and each row attaining a
different height from ground level to the lower branches of a tree canopy -
creates cover for wildlife. Even a brush pile hidden behind hedges can be
beneficial as both cover and as a food source. Snags, dead wood on trees,
left unpruned provide insects for woodpeckers and other birds and cavities
for nesting.
Sometimes less time spent manicuring your plants is better – you can have
endless hours of enjoyment watching nature do its thing and have the
personal satisfaction of being a steward of the land in your own backyard.
For more information, download the University publication, "Landscaping
Backyards for Wildlife: Top Ten Tips for Success"
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/UW/UW17500.pdf.
Gardening activities:
- Plant a tree for Arbor Day, January 20, 2006 to reduce heating and
cooling costs, remove air pollutants, reduce pollutant runoff from
irrigation, produce life-giving oxygen, and provide wildlife habitat for
birds, etc.
- Remove non-native invasive plants that destroy wildlife habitat.
- Convert expansive lawn areas into areas inviting to wildlife.
- Prepare beds for spring gardens.
- Fertilize vegetables and annuals monthly.
- Irrigate less often as the temperatures go down. Water turf every
10-14 days if there is no rain, but water annuals, perennials and
vegetables more frequently.
- Watch the weather forecasts and be prepared to protect cold-sensitive
plants on cold nights. Cover plants with commercial frost blankets,
burlap, grocery bags, cardboard boxes, sheets, or lightweight blankets.
- Water the soil, but not the leaves, the day before the cold front
arrives.
- Remember to remove protective coverings during sunny days.
Upcoming educational classes:
- "Tree Structure and Pruning" at Florida House, January 10 at 2:00 pm.
Call 316-1200 to register.
- "Sustainable Agriculture – An Introduction" at Twin Lakes Park,
January 18 at 2:00 pm. Call 861-9900.
- "Why Landscapes Fail" at Florida House, January 24 at 2:00 pm. Call
316-1200.
- "Citrus Galore" at Shamrock Park, January 17 at 2:00 pm. Call 486-2706
- "Citrus Galore" at Twin Lakes Park, January 25 at 10:00 am. Call
861-9900.
Planting guide:
Vegetables & Herbs: Beets, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower,
celery, Chinese cabbage, chives, collards, coriander, dill, eggplant,
endive, fennel, garlic, kale, kohlrabi, lettuce, mustard, onion, parsley,
peas, pepper, potatoes, radish, rosemary, sage, tomatoes, turnips, and
watermelon.
Annuals: Alyssum, ageratum, Calendula, dusty miller, geranium,
Lobelia, nasturtium, pansy, ornamental cabbage and kale, petunia, phlox,
snapdragon, Statice and Verbena.
Perennials: Agapanthus, Amaryllis, calla lily, Clivia, Crinum lily,
daylily, Dianthus, gloriosa lily, blue sage, Shasta daisy, society garlic,
Tithonia, Viola, and walking iris.
Fruits in Season: Avocado, banana, carambola, cherimoya, citrus (calamondin,
grapefruit, key lime, lemon, lime, orange, and tangerine), hog plum, Indian
jujube, kumquat, and papaya.
Blooming plants: Bougainvillea, Chinese hat plant, crown of thorns,
desert rose, Jatropha, Kalanchoe, lion’s ear, mango, Mexican flame vine,
orchid tree, poinsettia, porterweed, purple Tabebuia, red and yellow shrimp
plants, silver trumpet Tabebuia, thryallis, Thunbergia, and Turk’s cap.
If you have questions concerning your landscape, please call or visit our
office at Twin Lakes Park on Clark Road east of I-75. The Master Gardener
Help Desk is open Monday-Friday from 9:00 am-Noon and 1:00-4:00 pm.
(941-861-9807)
(Patricia Porchey is a horticulturist with University of Florida/IFAS,
Sarasota County Extension. Website:
http://sarasota.extension.ufl.edu)

By Patricia Porchey
Late fall in Florida juxtaposes deciduous trees such as red maple and
sycamore with their last show of color and orchid trees with their annual
bloom display. You might say we have the best of both worlds – fall color
although quite subtle compared to the intensity of northern forests and
gloriously blooming plants reminiscent of spring bursts.
These cooler days urge us to go into the garden and do chores the hotter
weather made us procrastinate. We’re inclined to get out the pruners and
clip away; however, it’s important to know what and if we should prune now.
Winter is a great time to prune cold hardy plants because it’s easier to see
the branch structure when these deciduous plants are barren of leaves. It’s
still wise to follow these mandates for when to prune:
- Prune young trees to encourage good limb structure.
- Remove dead, broken, and crossed branches.
- Remove braches touching structures as they can cause structural damage
as well as provide access for insects into the structure.
- Thin the canopy to allow air movement, but do not top trees as this
makes the trees more susceptible to damage from insects, disease and wind.
- Remove diseased branches with canker, galls, or "witches broom". Make
your cut six to twelve inches below the infected area. To avoid spreading
the disease to other plants, sterilize the pruners after each cut with a
solution of one part Pine Sol or its equivalent to three parts water.
- Remember to leave the "bark ridges ‘ at the top and the collar
swelling at the base of each branch cut to avoid leaving stubs.
If purchasing a live tree such as our native southern red cedar to
decorate for Christmas, here are some tips for success. The tree should be
kept indoors for only a short period, 7 to 10 days. The shorter the tree's
stay indoors, the better its chance of survival when planted outdoors.
Carefully decorate the tree - ornaments, tinsel, and lights (preferably the
miniature types) can be used. Don't apply flocking or artificial snow to the
tree. Keep the soil ball moist throughout the tree's stay indoors. Have a
site picked out for the tree prior to purchase. Don’t plant a red cedar with
a potential 25 feet spread and 40 feet height under an eave or too close to
the foundation even though it looks great right now.
Gardening activities:
- Remove seedpods and fronds that are brown from palms; however, do not
give palms a "hurricane cut" as this actually weakens the buds and exposes
them to wind damage.
- Root prune trees and large shrubs for transplanting in January or
February.
- Only fertilize turf with potassium in early December to increase its
cold hardiness.
- Plant cold tolerant annual flowers such as pansies, snapdragons,
alyssum, and dusty miller.
- Lightly fertilize vegetables and flowers monthly unless using a
slow-release fertilizer.
- Reduce watering during the winter months. Watering every two weeks
instead of weekly is usually sufficient for turf, trees and shrubs.
Vegetables and flowers will need more frequent irrigation.
- Mulch to conserve moisture around your plants, but leave some air
space at the base of the plants.
Upcoming educational classes:
"Holiday Plants" at Twin Lakes Park, December 7 at 10:00 am. Call
861-9900.
"Tree Structure & Pruning" at Florida House, January 10 at 2:00 pm. Call
316-1200.
"Why do Landscapes Fail?" at Florida House, January 24 at 2:00 pm. Call
316-1200.
Planting guide
Vegetables & Herbs: Anise, beets, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage,
carrot, cauliflower, celery, chervil, collards, coriander, dill, eggplant,
fennel, garlic, kale, kohlrabi, leek, lettuce, mustard, onions, peas,
parsley, potato, radish, rutabaga, sage, spinach, strawberries, Swiss chard,
thyme, and turnips.
Annuals: Alyssum, Begonia, Calendula, dusty miller, foxglove, geranium,
Impatiens, Lobelia, ornamental cabbage and kale, pansy, petunia, phlox,
Salvia, snapdragon, statice, 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.
Fruits in season: Avocado, banana, cherimoya, citrus (calamondin,
grapefruit, key lime, lemon, lime, orange, tangelo and tangerine), hog plum,
Indian jujube and kumquat.
Blooming plants: Allamanda, Bauhinia vine, bottlebrush, Bougainvillea,
Cape honeysuckle, Cassia, Chinese hat plant, Cordia, Jatropha, Kalanchoe,
lion’s ear, Mexican flame vine, Mexican sunflower, orchid tree, Philippine
violet, pipevine, poinsettia, red and yellow shrimp plants, rose, silver
trumpet tree, Turk’s cap, Thunbergia, and Tibouchina.
If you have questions concerning your landscape, please call or visit our
office at Twin Lakes Park on Clark Road east of I-75. The Master Gardener
Help Desk is open Monday-Friday from 9:00 am-Noon and 1:00-4:00 pm.
(941-861-9807)
(Patricia Porchey is a horticulturist with University of Florida/IFAS,
Sarasota County Extension, Community Services. Website:
http://sarasota.extension.ufl.edu)
University of Florida / IFAS
Sarasota County Extension
COMMUNITY SERVICES
Twin Lakes Park, 6700 Clark Rd.
Sarasota, FL 34241

By: Patricia Porchey
Fall in Florida brings thoughts of upcoming fruit and vegetable harvests.
New gardens are being planted and many fruits, especially citrus, will
mature in November. Shortened daylight has triggered leaf color changes in
deciduous plants such as bald cypress, beautyberry and frangipani. Last
week’s cold front lowered temperatures and, seemingly overnight, the citrus
are changing from green to orange and yellow.
The perfect fruit sold in gift baskets is not generally found in dooryard
gardens. Instead, it’s common to see citrus fruit with blemishes on the
rind. In the late summer and early fall it’s common to see fruit that is
brown and sometimes even black with a hardened rind. There is no remedy for
this because the damage was done at the onset of hot weather by citrus rust
mites. You can however, prevent this discoloration next year by spraying the
tree with horticultural soap or oil in June.
Other superficial blemishes observed are pock marks caused by the wind
whipping branches and thorns and scraped-out areas caused by katydids. In
these instances, as with the rust mites, the pulp is usually unaffected and
good to eat. A common blemish on leaves is caused by leaf miners, larval
insects that "mine" the interior of the leaf creating serpentine trails that
are visible on both sides of the leaf surface. This too is primarily a
cosmetic problem and there is no practical control.
Fruit splitting is primarily a problem at high temperatures during
periods of high humidity and rainfall from August thorough the fall. A
likely scenario is a dry period followed by a wet period when the fruit
expands, bursting the peel in a crack across the bottom. The best defense is
to provide adequate nutrition and moisture for fruit during its development.
Gardening activities:
- Plant colorful annuals and perennials for fall and winter color.
- Plant cool-season vegetables.
- Plant shrubs and groundcovers in lieu of grass.
- As temperatures drop, apply less irrigation to lawns and beds. Over
irrigating can lead to fungal problems.
- Install micro-irrigation in shrub and groundcover beds. Apply ½ -
3/4 inch of water weekly for shrubs, but more often for seasonal annual
plants.
- Now that the temperature has dropped below 85 degrees, herbicides
can be used on lawns without damaging the grass.
- Don’t prune shrubs that bloom in the spring or you’ll lose their
annual color display.
- You can prune year-round bloomers as long as you realize you will be
without blooms for a longer period than if you wait to prune in the
early spring.
- Replenish mulch cover to 3 inches.
- Give citrus trees their third fertilizing of the year if you didn’t
do it in October. A mature tree needs 3 separate 8 pounds applications
during the year.
Upcoming educational classes:
- Master Gardener plant sale and educational programs on Butterfly
gardening, Container gardening, Growing pond plants, Pond design and
Protecting our waterways at Florida House Learning Center, November 5 from
9:00 am – 2:00 pm. Call 861-9807 for more information.
- "Butterfly Gardening" at Florida House Learning Center, November 8 at
2:00 pm. Call 316-1200.
- "Ants, Ants, Ants" at Twin Lakes Park, November 9 at 10:00 am. Call
861-9900.
- "Snakes of Florida at Shamrock Park, December 1 at 2:00 pm. Call
486-2706.
Planting guide
Vegetables & Herbs: Anise, basil, beets, Borage, broccoli, Brussels
sprouts, cabbage, carrot, cauliflower, celery, chervil, collards, coriander,
dill, fennel, garlic, leek, lettuce, mustard, onions, parsley, peas, potato,
radish, rutabaga, sage, spinach, strawberries, Swiss chard, thyme, tomato,
and turnips.
Annuals: Ageratum, Alyssum, Begonia, Calendula, Celosia, Coleus,
cosmos, dusty miller, foxglove, geranium, Impatiens, Lobelia, marigold,
Melampodium, nasturtium, pansy, petunia, Salvia, snapdragon, and statice.
Perennials: African iris, aster, blue daze, bush daisy,
Chrysanthemum, cigar plant, Coreopsis, Dianthus, Gaillardia, Gerbera daisy,
Liatris, Mexican petunia, Pentas, Salvia, Scabiosa, Shasta daisy, society
garlic, and Verbena.
Fruits in Season: Atemoya, avocado, banana, carambola, citrus (calamondin,
grapefruit, key lime, lemon, lime, orange, tangelo and tangerine), kumquat,
papaya, pecan, persimmon, pomegranate, sea grape, and sugar apple.
Blooming plants: Allamanda, bottlebrush, Bougainvillea, Cape
honeysuckle, Cassia, Cordia, false dragonhead, firecracker plant, firespike,
goldenrod, Liatris, lion’s ear, oleander, Philippine violet, red and yellow
shrimp plants, Plumbago, rose, Salvia, thryallis, Turk’s cap, Thunbergia,
and Tibouchina.
If you have questions concerning your landscape, please call or visit our
new office at Twins Lakes Park on Clark Road east of I75. The Master
Gardener Help Desk is open Monday-Friday from 9:00 am-Noon and 1:00-4:00
pm. (941-861-9807).
(Patricia Porchey is a horticulturist with Sarasota County Extension
Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida.
Website: http://sarasota.extension.ufl.edu)

By: Patricia Porchey
Fall in Florida brings the promise of cooler days and nights. After a
seemingly long hot summer this will definitely be welcome to most. Of
course, some seasonal insects will be noticeable too. Lovebugs will be here
for a while longer. Goldenrain trees are blooming so the red and black
Jadera bug will be seen hanging around waiting to feast on the seeds that
will soon fall. This insect is considered a beneficial insect because if it
wasn’t here, there would be even more seedlings to remove from your
flowerbeds. Twigs are falling to the ground that look like they’ve been
pruned off. The twig girdler is at work laying her eggs on the fallen
branches. To prevent a recurrence next year, be sure and pick up the fallen
branches and compost them - the heat should destroy them. Winged ants are
mating. Close examination will reveal three segments on the body, which
distinguishes the ant from a termite. These insect invasions are only
temporary nuisances and require no treatment.
Other garden activities:
- Herbicides can be applied to lawns when the temperatures drop under 85
degrees.
- Fertilize lawn and landscape plants with a fertilizer such as 12-2-14
or 8-4-12 that contains at least 30 % slow-release nitrogen and potassium.
Apply no more than one pound actual nitrogen per 1000 sq. ft.
- Check irrigation systems to make sure heads are spraying properly.
Calibrate your irrigation system to apply ¾ inch of water once weekly to
turf.
- Install a rain shutoff device if your system has none or it’s
defective.
- Install micro-irrigation in shrub and groundcover beds.
- Mulch plants to retain moisture – apply 3 inches of organic mulch such
as melaleuca, eucalyptus, pine or recycled mulch. The county has free
recycled mulch available at the landfill and area parks. Call 861- for
more information.
- Thin trees to lessen damage from high winds (do not top).
- Trim brown fronds from palms (do not hurricane cut).
- Prune shrubs, except spring-blooming ones, up to 1/3 off the top.
- Divide perennials if overcrowded.
Upcoming educational classes:
- "Coastal Native Plants" at Shamrock Park, October 6 at 2:00 pm. Call
486-2706 to register.
- "Coastal Native Plants" at Twin Lakes Park, October 12 at 4:00 pm.
Call 861-9900 to register.
- "Spiders of Florida" at Twin Lakes Park, October 12 at 10:00 am. Call
861-9900.
- "Mosquitoes" at Florida House Learning Center, October 25 at 2:00 pm.
Call 316-1200 to register.
- "Pests in and around the Florida Home" at Twin Lakes Park, October 26
at 4:00 pm. Call 861-9900 to register.
- Master Gardener plant sale and educational programs on Butterfly
gardening, Container gardening, Growing pond plants, Pond design and
Protecting our waterways at Florida House Learning Center on October 22
from 9:00 am – 2:00 pm. Call 861-9807 for more information.
Planting guide
Vegetables & Herbs: Basil, beans, beets, Borage, broccoli, Brussels
sprouts, cabbage, carrot, cauliflower, celery, chervil, collards, coriander,
cucumber, cumin, garlic, leek, lettuce, mustard, onions, parsley, peas,
radish, rutabaga, spinach, strawberries, thyme, tomato, and turnips.
Annuals: Ageratum, Alyssum, Begonia, calendula, Celosia, Coleus,
dusty miller, geranium, Impatiens, Lobelia, marigold, Melampodium,
nasturtium, pansy, petunia, Salvia, snapdragon, and Zinnia.
Perennials: Agapanthus, Amaryllis, blue daze, bush daisy, calla lily,
Chrysanthemum, cigar plant, Coreopsis, Crinum lily, Dianthus, elephant ears,
Gaillardia, Gerbera daisy, gloriosa lily, iris, Liatris, Mexican petunia,
Pentas, Salvia, Shasta daisy, society garlic, Verbena, and whirling
butterflies.
Fruits in season: Atemoya, avocado, banana, carambola, citrus (calamondin,
lemon, and lime), fig, guava, hog plum, kumquat, muscadine grape, papaya,
pecan, persimmon, pomegranate, sea grape, sugar apple, and tamarind.
Blooming plants: Allamanda, bird-of-paradise, bottlebrush,
Bougainvillea, Cassia, Cordia, dwarf Poinciana, false dragonhead,
firecracker plant, firespike, goldenrain tree, lion’s ear, Mexican heather,
oleander, Philippine violet, red and yellow shrimp plants, rouge plant,
Plumbago, rose, Salvia, thryallis, Turk’s cap, Thunbergia, and Tibouchina.
If you have questions concerning your landscape, please call or visit our
new office at Twins Lakes Park on Clark Road east of I75. The Master
Gardener Help Desk is open Monday-Friday from 9:00 am-Noon and 1:00-4:00
pm. (941-861-9807).
(Patricia Porchey is a horticulturist with Sarasota County Extension,
Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida. Website:
http://sarasota.extension.ufl.edu)

By: Patricia Porchey - 05
Summer rains help reduce our insect populations by rinsing them off the
plants; however, intermittent dry periods are more conducive to insect
population explosions. Nevertheless, you can lessen your work by using
nature’s biological controls to eliminate these pests. You first must know
the difference between the "good guys" and the "bad guys."
For example, the seven-spotted lady beetle is easily recognized, but
there’s also a twice-stabbed lady beetle that is black with two red spots on
its wings. Most people don’t know that these beetles have a larval stage
where they don’t look anything like their adult stage. Some are elongated,
somewhat flattened, and covered with spines that are black with some
yellowish spots or bands. Others resemble tiny white mops and are often
mistaken for mealybugs when in reality they destroy mealybugs. So before
grabbing that insecticide, know whether it’s really bad – you can save time
and money and help keep our environment safer.
Visit the University of Florida Featured Creatures website for
pictures and information on these and other beneficial insects.
http://creatures.ifas.ufl.edu/
September is the time to go full throttle into planting your fall garden.
Here’s what you can do to improve your harvest:
- Remove weeds to eliminate competition for water and nutrients.
- Add organic soil amendments such as compost, humus, composted manures,
etc.
- Lay out a plan.
- Plant seeds or transplants.
- Monitor for pests and disease.
- Fertilize monthly with water-soluble or less often with slow-release
fertilizer.
Tilling or turning the soil to a depth of 6-8 inches will remove weeds
and improve aeration. This is the opportune time to incorporate soil
amendments also. Woody plant materials such as roots and stems and perennial
grass and weed pests are best raked from the garden instead of being turned
over.
The "Florida Vegetable Garden Guide" will help you select those varieties
that grow well in our area. It’s available in our office or on-line at
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/
Other garden activities:
- Thin trees to lessen damage from high winds (do not top).
- Trim brown fronds from palms (do not hurricane cut).
- Mulch plants to retain moisture (pine needles are falling now and make
excellent mulch).
- Apply chelated iron or iron sulfate to lawns to improve color (remove
it from walks and drives or it will stain).
- Treat lawns for chinch bugs and mole crickets as needed.
- Prune Poinsettias for the last time this year.
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, monstera, muscadine grape, papaya,
pomegranate, sea grape, and sugar apple.
Blooming plants: Allamanda, bird-of-paradise, bottlebrush,
Bougainvillea, Cassia, Cordia, crape myrtle, dwarf Poinciana, false
dragonhead, firecracker plant, firespike, golden raintree, Hibiscus, Ixora,
Lantana, marlberry, oleander, red and yellow shrimp plants, rouge plant,
Plumbago, rose, Salvia, thryallis and Tibouchina.
If you have questions concerning your landscape, please call or visit our
new office at Twins Lakes Park on Clark Road east of I75. The Master
Gardener Help Desk is open Monday-Friday from 9:00 am-Noon and 1:00-4:00
pm. (941-861-9807).
(Patricia Porchey is a horticulturist with Sarasota County Extension
Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida.
Website: http://sarasota.extension.ufl.edu)

By: Patricia Porchey
Summer heat may mean staying indoors by a window or under the cover of a
lanai or shade of an oak tree. From these vantage points one can forget the
heat by being entertained by birds if one has the right landscape to attract
them. Here you can listen to the colorful cardinal’s clear whistled chorus
or our state bird, the mockingbird, mimics another’s tune. And what fun to
watch a mockingbird fearlessly chasing and pecking at other birds much
larger than himself in his territory or be enraptured by our tiniest bird,
the ruby-throated hummingbird, fluttering his wings so rapidly that they
appear as a blur while he darts in and out of flowers sipping nectar.
Provide the following to attract birds:
Nesting areas and materials – cover plants, bird houses, 15 foot snags.
Water – birdbath or mist.
Safe environment –free of roaming cats or dogs.
Reduce pesticide - protect beneficial insects and insects eaten by birds.
Food sources - shrubs and trees with seeds, fruits, flowers that attract
insects, feeders.
Native plants with berries and fruits: beautyberry, bird pepper, female
hollies, palms stoppers, viburnums, wax myrtle.
Nectar-rich native plants that attract hummingbirds: Coral bean, coral
honeysuckle, crossvine, firebush, necklace pod, scarlet sage, trumpet vine.
Summer rains considerations
Turn off irrigation systems when weekly rains occur as excess moisture
increases disease problems in plants.
Monitor lawns for disease problems - Bahia for dollar spot and St.
Augustine for brown patch and gray leaf spot.
Stake young trees if needed.
Note low areas and plant water-tolerant plants.
Many insects will be emerging from the soggy soil and their predators can
more easily attack them.
Fire ants will be relocating to higher ground.
Fall vegetable seeds can be planted at the end of the month.
Planting guide
Annuals: Begonia, Celosia, Coleus, Cosmos, Dahlia, dusty miller, marigold,
Portulaca, periwinkle, Salvia, and Zinnia.
Perennials: African iris, beach buttercup, blackberry lily, bush daisy,
Caladium, Coreopsis, firespike, Gaillardia, goldenrod, Iris, Jacobinia,
Kalanchoe, Mexican petunia, milkweed, Pentas, sages, society garlic,
Verbena, whirling butterflies.
Vegetables: Broccoli, celery, collards, corn, eggplant, okra, onions, pole
beans, pumpkin, southern peas, summer squash, and watermelon.
Blooming plants: Allamanda, bird-of-paradise, Bougainvillea, Cordia, crape
myrtle, golden raintree, goldenrod, Hibiscus, Ixora, Lantana, Magnolia,
Oleander, orange jasmine, yellow Poinciana, red and yellow shrimp plants,
rouge plant, Plumbago, roses, thryallis, and Tibouchina.
Fruits in Season: Avocado, banana, Barbados cherry, blueberry, carambola,
citrus (calamondin, lemon, and lime), cocoplum, fig, guava, kumquat, longan,
mango, monstera, muscadine grape, papaya, pineapple, sea grape, and sugar
apple.
If you have questions concerning your landscape, please call or visit our
new office at Twins Lakes Park, on Clark Road east of I75. The Master
Gardener Help Desk is open Monday-Friday from 9:00 am-Noon and 1:00-4:00
pm., 941-861-9807.
(Patricia Porchey is a horticulturist with Sarasota County Extension
Service, partner with the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences,
University of Florida. Website: http://sarasota.extension.ufl.edu)

By: Patricia Porchey
For many this month means sizzling temperatures and daunting humidity.
Enthusiasm to work outdoors wanes and the comfort of air-conditioning
provides a perfect venue to plan some landscape additions. One source for
new ideas are the Florida Plants of the Year chosen by a committee of
growers, horticulturists, retailers, landscape professionals and University
of Florida faculty. The plants for 2005 are Nun’s orchid, Phaius
tankervilliae, an orchid groundcover for partial shade; East Indian holly
fern, Arachniodes simplicor variegata, a fern groundcover for shade or
partial shade; Yellow elder, Tecoma stans, a large flowering shrub or small
tree; Princess flower, Tibouchina urvilleana, a flowering shrub for full
sun; Weeping yaupon holly, Ilex vomitoria ‘Pendula’, a single or multi-trunked
small tree; ‘Gold Mound’ golden dewdrop, Duranta erecta ‘Gold Mound”, a
globular-shaped small shrub for full sun; ‘Mona Lavender’ Plectranthus,
Plectranthus ‘Mona Lavender’, a perennial with lavender flowers and
purple-backed leaves; and ‘Sarah’ Anthurium, Anthurium ‘Sarah’, a
pink-flowering plant for shade or filtered light.
Princess flower’s dazzling purple flowers contrast well with its
silver-green foliage and it blooms year-round in mild winters. ‘Gold Mound’s
striking foliage sets it apart from the more familiar golden dewdrops with
green or variegated green and white foliage. Unlike the oftentimes-used
native ‘Schellings’ yaupon holly, the weeping yaupon holly has an abundance
of red berries in fall and winter. It would also be advantageous to include
other natives in your plant palette. However, they have some relatives that
are invasive so it’s important to know the scientific names of your
selections. For example, native groundcover wild petunia is Ruellia
caroliniensis whereas the non-native, Ruellia brittoniana reseeds profusely.
The salt-tolerant native marlberry, Ardisia escallonioides, has fragrant
flowers that attract butterflies and berries that attract birds, but is not
invasive like Ardisia crenata which reseeds profusely.
Vegetable gardening is very limited in the summer; however, it 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 water the bed well to make it moist
down to about 8-12 inches. Cover the whole bed with 4-6 mil of clear plastic
(NOT black plastic) and anchor it tightly on the edges. July and August are
the best months for this treatment because the goal is to reach temperatures
above 130 degrees for six weeks. Nematodes and other soil pests such as wilt
fungi, insects, and weeds are killed by prolonged exposure to these high
temperatures.
Gardening activities
Monitor bahia grass for mole crickets and St. Augustine for chinch bugs
and spot treat if necessary.
Weeds in lawns this time of the year are more difficult to control because
most herbicides are not recommended when the temperature rises above 85
degrees. Be sure to thoroughly read the label before applying any chemicals.
Fertilize annuals, perennials, shrubs and new trees as the summer rains
will quickly leach nutrients through the soil.
To “green up” the lawn without promoting growth or contributing to
polluted runoff, apply chelated iron or ferrous sulfate instead of lawn
fertilizer.
Remember to use sunscreen and protective clothing and avoid gardening in
the middle of the day.
Planting guide
Annuals: Celosia, coleus, cosmos, crossandra, Dahlberg daisy, gomphrena,
marigold, melampodium, nicotiana, periwinkle, portulaca, salvia, torenia,
wax begonia and zinnia.
Perennials: Beach buttercup, beach sunflower, blue daze, coreopsis, daylily,
gaillardia, Mexican heather, Mexican petunia, pentas, rudbeckia, salvia,
shrimp plant, society garlic, verbena, and whirling butterflies.
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, lion’s ear, magnolia, mimosa, natal plum, perennial peanut,
plumbago, rain lily, rose, royal Poinciana, 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 seagrape.
If you have questions concerning your landscape, please call or visit our
new office at Twins Lakes Park, on Clark Road east of I75. The Master
Gardener Help Desk is open Monday-Friday from 9:00 am-Noon and 1:00-4:00
pm., 941-861-9807.
(Patricia Porchey is a horticulturist with Sarasota County Extension
Service, partner with the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences,
University of Florida. Website: http://sarasota.extension.ufl.edu)
June Gardening Guide
By: Patricia Porchey
After last year’s horrific hurricane season, more attention is being paid
to storm preparedness this year. Lessons learned from damage last year –
which trees and growth habits made them more susceptible to wind damage. As
a result, there are many things a homeowner can do to prepare your landscape
to be more resilient to strong winds should they occur. It begins with plant
selection and location.
Preventative measures:
- Select trees to plant with good limb structure – spacing up and around
main stem.
- Avoid trees with co-dominant leaders and included bark.
- Avoid planting trees in restricted spaces – know the tree’s mature
size.
- Avoid planting too close to structures – a large tree should be at
least 25 feet from the foundation.
- Trees within 20 feet of construction activities are more apt to blow
over.
- Shallow-rooted trees are best planted in groups.
- Avoid species prone to damage.
- Avoid planting many trees of one species only.
- Select a species that can survive flooding in low areas.
- Prune young trees to encourage good limb structure.
- Remove dead, broken, diseased, and crossing branches.
- Thin the canopy to allow air movement, but do not top trees as this
makes the trees more susceptible to damage from insects, disease and wind.
- Only remove brown fronds from palms, and never "hurricane cut" as this
actually weakens the bud and exposes it to wind damage.
- Healthier plants withstand stress better than unhealthy ones, so
fertilize landscape plants with a fertilizer such as 12-2-14 that contains
at least 30% of both the nitrogen and potassium in a slow-release form.
Palms may need a supplemental application of manganese sulfate to prevent
frizzle top.
For more information on why trees fail and what homeowners can do to
prevent or reduce the damage caused by trees during hurricanes, Annemarie
Post is conducting a class "Hurricanes vs. Trees" at Extension’s Florida
House Learning Center on June 29, at 2:00 pm. The FHLC is located on the NW
corner of Beneva & Proctor Roads (on the Sarasota County Technical Institute
property). These programs are free, but you must register in advance due to
limited seating. Call the FHLC at 316-1200 to register.
Gardening activities
- Check for mole cricket damage in bahia and Bermuda lawns. The Larra
bicolor wasp is a natural predator. The extension service is distributing
southern Larraflowers which are the nectar plants for this beneficial
wasp.
- Check for chinch bug damage in St. Augustine lawns. Treat just the
problem area plus an additional five foot radius instead of the whole
yard.
- If rust mite damage was a problem on your citrus last year, spray a
less toxic solution such as horticultural soap now or in July.
- Amend beds with organic matter before planting summer annuals.
- As summer rains begin, get in the habit of only watering as needed.
Check your rain shutoff device to see that it is working properly.
Planting guide
- Annuals: Celosia, coleus, crossandra, gomphrena, marigold, melampodium,
nicotiana, periwinkle, portulaca, salvia, torenia, wax begonia and zinnia.
- Perennials: Blue daze, gaillardia, gazania, coreopsis, daylily, pentas,
ruellia, salvia, Shasta daisy, society garlic, Stokes aster and verbena.
- Herbs and Vegetables (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.
- Fruits in season: Banana, blueberry, carambola, cattley 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 myrtle, gardenia, gerbera, hibiscus, ixora,
Jerusalem thorn, magnolia, Mexican flame vine, ponytail plumbago, roses,
royal Poinciana, society garlic and thryallis.
If you have questions concerning your landscape, please call or visit our
new office at Twins Lakes Park, on Clark Road east of I75. The Master
Gardener Help Desk is open Monday-Friday from 9:00 am-Noon and 1:00-4:00 pm.
A new satellite service at Selby Library, open from 9:30-noon Fridays, is
available to answer walk-in questions. Satellite service has resumed at
North Port Library on Tuesdays from 1:30-3:30 pm.
(Patricia Porchey is a horticulturist with Sarasota County Extension
Service, partner with the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences,
University of Florida. Website: http://sarasota.extension.ufl.edu)
May Gardening Guide
By: Patricia Porchey
Coral honeysuckle and spiderwort are two native plants sparkling with
color at this time of the year. Both attract butterflies and coral
honeysuckle also attracts our ruby-throated hummingbird. In addition, as the
dry season continues, they are both drought-tolerant plants that sustain the
environment when other water-thirsty plants cannot.
Florida’s premier annual event for sustainable living, Efest 2005, is being
held on May 27 & 28 at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. It is dedicated
to demonstrating ideas and technologies that promote earth stewardship by
focusing on a vibrant economy, healthy people and environmental
preservation. Saturday’s venue feature lots of musical entertainment, over
70 exhibitors and speakers, food vendors and many hands-on children’s
activities.
One important component of sustainability is IPM, integrated pest
management. These are tools that homeowners can use to improve their quality
of life by reducing pesticide use and preventing problems in the landscape.
IPM criteria
Start by inspecting structures and surrounding areas to determine the
types of pests that may be a problem.
Understand that less than 1% of all insects are considered pests so learn
to distinguish between beneficial insects and pests. Understand the benefits
of a “pest” such as a mole and perhaps rethink the term “pest. “
Know the threshold of a pest insect and when treatment is warranted.
Apply a pesticide only when monitoring indicates it’s needed and then use
the least toxic method available
Follow label directions when applying a pesticide or fertilizer.
Eliminate potential insect invasions by installing the right plant in the
right place and providing it with the necessary space to grow properly.
Save our cypress forests by using alternative organic mulches such as
recycled landfill mulch (it’s free), eucalyptus, pine, or melalecuca.
Check your irrigation system to see that it is operating properly and not
overspraying onto the driveway or sidewalk.
Avoid over watering which can lead to nonpoint pollution and runoff into
our bays by calibrating sprinklers so an adequate amount only is applied.
Sarasota County still observes the once per week irrigation schedule for
lawns. Three quarters of an inch of water is allowed on Sundays if your
address ends in an odd number or a letter N- Z. If your address ends in an
even number or the letter A-M, you can water on Tuesdays. Only reclaimed
water users and micro-irrigation beds are exempt from the regulations.
Water early in the morning before 10:00 am rather than after 4:00 pm.
There will be less water lost to evaporation and wind drift.
Install a rain gauge and check to see if it’s operating properly.
Planting guide
Annuals: Ageratum, begonia, celosia, cleome, coleus, cosmos, crossandra,
dusty miller, four o’clock, gazania, marigold, morning glory, nicotiana,
periwinkle, portulaca, salvia, sunflower, torenia, verbena and zinnia.
Perennials: Blue daze, caladium, coreopsis, Dahlberg daisy, daylily,
gaillardia, gaura, gerbera daisy, kalanchoe, Mexican heather, pentas,
rudbeckia, salvias, shell ginger, shrimp plants, tithonia and verbena.
Vegetables and herbs: Anise, green beans, black-eyed peas, borage, catnip,
chervil, cilantro/coriander, comfrey, corn, cumin, dasheen, eggplant, lima
beans, horehound, marjoram, mint, okra, oregano, peas, summer savory, sweet
potatoes, tarragon and watermelon.
Fruits in Season: Banana, blackberry, blueberry, carambola, citrus, (calamondin,
grapefruit, key lime, lemon, and lime,), guava, kumquat, loquat, macadamia,
papaya, pineapple, Surinam cherry, and tamarind.
Blooming Plants: Amaryllis, Australian flame tree, beach buttercup, beach
sunflower, birds of paradise, bottlebrush, bougainvillea, crape jasmine,
daylily, devil’s backbone, duranta, gardenia, dwarf Indian hawthorn,
Jacaranda tree, Jerusalem thorn, ligustrum, magnolia, mandevilla, Mexican
flame vine, natal plum, necklace pod, pipevine, silk oak tree, society
garlic, silver trumpet tree, Simpson’s stopper, star jasmine, Texas sage,
wild coffee, yaupon holly and yucca.
If you have questions concerning your landscape, please call or visit our
new office at Twins Lakes Park, on Clark Road east of I75. The Master
Gardener Help Desk is open Monday-Friday from 9:00 am-Noon and 1:00-4:00 pm.
A new satellite service at Selby Library, open from 9:30-noon Fridays, is
available to answer walk-in questions. Satellite service has resumed at
North Port Library on Tuesdays from 1:30-3:30 pm.
(Patricia Porchey is a horticulturist with Sarasota County Extension
Service, partner with the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences,
University of Florida. Website: http://sarasota.extension.ufl.edu)
March Gardening Guide
By: Patricia Porchey

By: Patricia Porchey
As you get ready to replenish your landscape for spring, this is a good time
to inventory your existing plant palette for invasive exotics. In the 1970s,
nurseries and extension agents’ list of recommended trees to plant still
included Brazilian pepper, Carrotwood, and melaleuca. As a result of their
widespread planting and reseeding capabilities, these species are now
displacing our native Florida vegetation. In 1997 Sarasota County passed an
ordinance banning the importation, sale, propagation and planting of these
trees, as well as, Australian pine, Chinese tallow and beach naupaka.
Melaleuca Tree
Help protect our natural areas from these non-native invasive plants. The
county presently has no removal assistance for homeowners unless the trees
are in the right-of-way, but does encourage their removal. This is a good
opportunity to remove these offending trees and make room for fruit trees to
provide you with a more self-sustaining lifestyle.
Can you smell spring? Just lift your head and even without a breeze, the
aroma of citrus fills the air. Fragrant blooms also beckon from Chickasaw
plum and loquat before their fruit is set. Add too, sweet alyssum, jasmines,
Walter’s viburnum, and of course, roses. Remember to selectively prune
spring-blooming shrubs after they’ve bloomed instead of shearing them. Your
plants will retain their natural shape and will be less stressed.
One horticulture education program is being offered on March 22, at 1:00 pm
at Extension’s Florida House Learning Center. Annemarie Post will discuss
“Palms – Care & Maintenance.” A workshop introducing the public to
Horticultural Therapy will be held on March 23, at 10:00 am at FHLC.
Attendees will make nature-printed sachets and fill them with potpourri. The
FHLC is located on the NW corner of Beneva & Proctor Roads (on the Sarasota
County Technical Institute property). Both programs are free, but call the
FHLC at 316-1200 to register.
If you have questions concerning your landscape, please call or visit our
new office at Twins Lakes Park. The Master Gardener Help Desk is open
Monday-Friday from 9:00 am-Noon and 1:00-4:00 pm. A new satellite service at
Selby Library every Friday morning from 9:30-Noon is available to answer
walk-in questions.
Gardening activities
Amend planting beds, but not planting holes. Plants will grow roots and
get established more quickly with no amendments added to the planting hole.
Fertilize all landscape plants and lawns. Always use a complete
fertilizer, one that contains the three major components (Nitrogen,
Phosphorous and Potassium) and a list of minor nutrients such as magnesium,
iron, and manganese. An analysis of 8-2-8, 12-2-14, 15-5-15 or similar is
recommended. Nitrogen and potassium should have at least 30 percent in a
slow-release form. Apply a maximum of one pound of nitrogen per 1000 square
feet. To determine the correct amount of fertilizer to use, divide the first
number on the bag (nitrogen) into 100; this determines the number of pounds
in this bag needed to supply one pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet of
lawn and landscape area.
Prune dead branches injured by winter’s cold, as well as, any broken or
crisscrossing branches. If there are diseased branches with canker, galls,
or “witches broom”, make your cut six to twelve inches below the infected
area. After each cut, sterilize the pruners with a solution of one part Pine
Sol or similar product to three parts water.
Treat stumps of trees cut down with an herbicide to prevent regrowth.
Melaleuca should be shredded into mulch; University of Florida research has
shown it to be the most repellent mulch against termites.
Mulch to conserve moisture around your plants, but leave a few inches of
air space at the base of the plants.
Planting guide
Vegetables and herbs to plant: Anise, basil, beans, beets, borage,
cantaloupe, chervil, comfrey, corn, cucumber, cumin, horehound, 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 to plant: Ageratum, alyssum, begonia, browallia, celosia, coleus,
cosmos, Dahlberg daisy, dusty miller, gazania, geranium, impatiens, lobelia,
marigold, nicotiana, ornamental pepper, petunia, phlox, portulaca, salvia,
torenia, verbena, and zinnia.
Perennials to plant: African iris, Amazon lily, blood lily, blue daze,
caladium, canna, coreopsis, crinum lily, daylily, gaillardia, gerbera daisy,
gaura, gladiolus, gloriosa lily, Mexican heather, milkweed, pentas, rain
lily, rudbeckia, salvia, Shasta daisy, society garlic, spider lily, and
walking Iris.
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, amaryllis, bird of paradise, blue flag
iris, blue sage, bottlebrush, bougainvillea, buddleia, cape honeysuckle,
Carolina jessamine, dwarf Indian hawthorn, flame vine, fuchsia skullcap,
geranium, gerbera daisy, lantana, mahoe, Mexican flame vine, orchid tree,
rhododendron, silk floss tree, society garlic, Surinam cherry, trumpet
trees, Turk’s cap, and wildflowers.
(Patricia Porchey is a horticulturist with Sarasota County Extension
Service, partner with the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences,
University of Florida. Website:
http://sarasota.extension.ufl.edu)
February Gardening Guide
Vegetables are grown year-round in Florida, but spring
is the preferred season. As you will see from the extensive list below, many
seeds can be started in mid to late February - cool season vegetables such
as carrots, lettuce and potatoes, as well as, warm season plants such as
peppers, tomatoes, and watermelon. Consider growing “organic” this year by
only using natural materials instead of synthetic chemicals that may be
detrimental to your health and the environment. Simply choosing the proper
garden site and plant placement will eliminate many pest problems. For best
results, rejuvenate your plot with organic amendments such as compost,
composted manures, or peat humus.
Even though the average temperature this month is 62 degrees and the average
low is 49 degrees, don’t be misled into thinking that spring is here.
Interspersed with our warm sunny days are cold snaps so put off pruning
cold-tender plants until the end of this month when the weather prediction
is only for 40 degrees and above at night. However, you can prune crape
myrtle and other deciduous plants that flower on their new growth.
Gardening activities:
Fertilize citrus and other fruit trees this month – approximately 8 pounds
for a mature tree.
As fruit sets on your fruit trees, water on a regular basis if there is no
rain.
Fertilize lawns with 12-2-14, or comparable ratio, at a rate of no more
than 1 pound per 1000 square feet. The fertilizer should be complete with
minor nutrients and have at least 30 percent of the nitrogen (N) and
potassium (K) in a slow-release form. Slow-release (“water insoluble”) N and
K sources will provide color and growth for 60 days or more, depending on
the fertilizer. These fertilizer sources are safer environmentally, since
they are less likely to leach N into ground or surface water.
Apply a pre-emergent herbicide to lawns or beds where weeds, such as
crabgrass, were a problem last year. This product controls the germination
of new seeds; therefore, do not apply it to areas where seeds or bulbs are
to be planted later.
Satellite Services
Cooperative Extension has weekly horticultural outreach services to make it
more convenient for residents to receive our services when they are unable
to come to our office at Twin Lakes Park. We have a new location at Selby
Library in addition to our four locations in South County. Hours of service
are as follows: Selby Library, Friday, 9:30-noon; Elsie Quirk Library,
Tuesday, 9:30-noon; Al Goll Recreation Center, Tuesday, 1:30-3:30pm; Venice
Library, Thursday, 9:30-noon; and Jacaranda Library, Thursday, 1:30-3:30 pm.
To assist you in your landscaping, there is one horticulture education
program at Florida House Learning Center this month. The FHLC is located on
the NW corner of Beneva & Proctor Roads (on the Sarasota County Technical
Institute property). Wednesday, February 22, at 1:00 pm, retired Extension
Director, Michael Holsinger, will be discussing “Tropical & Subtropical
Fruiting Plants”. This program is free, but you must register in advance due
to limited seating. Call the FHLC at 316-1200 to register.
Vegetables & Herbs to plant: Anise, basil. beans, beets, borage, cantaloupe,
carrots, catnip, celery, chervil, chives, collards, comfrey, coriander,
corn, cucumber, cumin, dill, eggplant, endive, garlic, kohlrabi, leek, lemon
balm, lettuce, marjoram, mint, mustard, onion, oregano, parsley, peas,
pepper, potato, pumpkin, radish, rosemary, sage, sweet potato, tarragon,
tomato, turnip, and watermelon.
Annuals to plant: Ageratum, alyssum, amaranth, begonia, browallia,
calendula, cosmos, dusty miller, gazania, geranium, lobelia, marigold,
nasturtium, pansy, petunia, phlox, salvia, snapdragon, statice, stock,
strawflower, and verbena.
Perennials to plant: African iris, agapanthus, amaryllis, Amazon lily,
aster, Aztec lily, caladium, canna, calla lily, clivia, crinum lily, dahlia,
dianthus, foxglove, gerbera, hollyhock, shasta daisy, society garlic, spider
lily, tritonia, viola, and walking iris.
Fruits in Season: Banana, black sapote, carambola, cherimoya, citrus (calamondin,
grapefruit, key lime, lemon, lime, orange, and tangerine), Indian jujube,
kumquat, loquat, mysore raspberry, papaya, and strawberry.
Blooming plants: Bush daisy, Bottlebrush, bougainvillea, Carolina Jessamine,
Chinese hat plant, jatropha, kalanchoe, lion’s ear, mahoe, Mexican flame
vine, orchid tree, palm grass, poinsettia, porterweed, powderpuff plant,
purple tabebuia, rose, silver trumpet tabebuia, thunbergia, turk’s cap and
yellow shrimp plant.
(Patricia Porchey is a horticulturist with the Sarasota County Cooperative
Extension Service, part of the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences,
University of Florida. Website: http://sarasota.extension.ufl.edu)
January Gardening Guide
By: Patricia Porchey
Overall, it had been a mild autumn until the mid December cold fronts
ushered in wintry cold temperatures and brisk northerly winds. Temperatures
hovered above the freezing mark, but brought to mind the necessity of
thinking in terms of cold protection. Microclimate factors and the cold
hardiness of the plant will determine how much, if any, damage will occur.
Low areas, areas exposed to the north or northwest and dry areas are most
vulnerable. If cold-sensitive plants are also contending with this
environment, their susceptibility to cold damage, or even death, increases
tremendously. The following measures will help minimize cold damage to your
landscape plants.
Cold protection measures:
- Water the soil, but not the leaves. (Sprinkling leaves must be very
precise to be effective so is best left to commercial growers.)
- Move containerized plants under cover of a carport, Florida room or
garage.
- Move containerized plants under a tree canopy or to the south side of
a structure or fence.
- Mass containers together.
- Wrap the sidewalls of containers or pile mulch around them.
- Cover plants with commercial frost blankets (cover should extend to
the ground).
- Cover plants with burlap, grocery bags, cardboard boxes, sheeting, or
lightweight blankets.
- Cover with plastic only when used with supports to keep the plastic
from touching the leaves, creating a mini-greenhouse.
- Keep areas under cold-sensitive trees such as citrus barren so the
heat absorbed during the day can radiate back into the canopy at night.
- Light bulbs such as small Christmas lights can be strung; however, be
mindful of fire precautions - keep the lights away from coverings and
leaves.
- Soil banks may be used around young fruit trees (3-5 years). This is
similar to protecting the graft on your roses up north.
- Tree wraps only work to do more than prevent sunburn if of the
insulating type.
- If cold damage occurs, do not remove the damaged areas until spring as
this acts as protective covering for the remaining growth.
- Do not fertilize shrubs and trees as this will encourage new growth
which is then more susceptible to damage.
- Remember to remove protective coverings during sunny days.
Gardening activities:
- Plant cold-hardy annuals and bulbs for seasonal color.
- Fertilize vegetables and annuals monthly.
- Prepare beds and plant spring gardens.
- Irrigate less often as the temperatures go down. Water turf every
10-14 days if there is no rain, but water annuals, perennials and
vegetables more frequently.
- Prune temperate deciduous trees and shrubs.
- Transplant dormant trees and shrubs.
- Plant a tree for Arbor Day, January 21, 2004, to provide shade for
your home, wildlife habitat for birds, etc., remove air pollutants, and
reduce pollutant runoff from irrigation.
The Sarasota County Cooperative Extension Service has relocated its
offices to Twin Lakes Park. The park entrance is approximately ½ mile east
of I75 (exit 205) on SR 72 (6700 Clark Road). We are in the new Green Office
building overlooking the lake as you enter. The Horticulture Help Desk will
be open 9:00 am – Noon and 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday. Our
telephone number remains the same, 861-9800.
Vegetables & Herbs to plant: Beets, broccoli, cabbage, carrots,
cauliflower, celery, Chinese cabbage, chives, collards, coriander, dill,
eggplant, endive, fennel, garlic, kale, kohlrabi, lettuce, mustard, onion,
parsley, peas, pepper, potatoes, radish, rosemary, sage, tomatoes, turnips,
and watermelon.
Fruits in Season: Avocado, banana, carambola, cherimoya, citrus (calamondin,
grapefruit, key lime, kumquat, lemon, lime, orange, and tangerine), hog
plum, Indian jujube, and papaya.
Annuals to plant: Alyssum, ageratum, calendula, dianthus, dusty miller,
geranium, lobelia, nasturtium, pansy, ornamental cabbage and kale, petunia,
phlox, snapdragon, statice and verbena.
Perennials to plant: Agapanthus, amaryllis, calla lily, clivia, crinum
lily, daylily, gloriosa lily, blue sage, shasta daisy, society garlic,
tritonia, viola, and walking iris.
Blooming plants: Bougainvillea, Chinese hat plant, jatropha, kalanchoe,
lion’s ear, Mexican flame vine, orchid tree, poinsettia, porterweed, purple
tabebuia, red and yellow shrimp plant, silver trumpet tabebuia, thryallis,
thunbergia, and turk’s cap.
(Patricia Porchey is a horticulturist with the Sarasota County
Cooperative Extension Service, part of the Institute of Food and
Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida. Website:
http://sarasota.extension.ufl.edu)
December Gardening Guide
By: Patricia Porchey
Autumn becomes winter this month with the advent of shorter days and
cooler weather. This is great for our citrus because they lose their green
rind color and the pulp becomes sweeter. Unlike the perfectly colored fruit
in the commercial orchards, our dooryard fruit oftentimes have some
imperfections. Most of these are just cosmetic problems to the rind and
leaves and require no treatment. The pulp is not affected and remains
flavorful.
Nurseries are full of festive decorations now and Norfolk pines are
decorated with bows for the holidays. Just remember before planting that
cute "pine", it’s really an Araucaria heterophylla and it will grow
to 80 feet. It eventually towers over a single story home and becomes
completely out of proportion. It’s also susceptible to lightning strikes and
wind damage.
If you opt for a cut tree for the holidays, shake it before you buy it
and avoid those trees whose needles readily fall off. Color and fragrance
are other symptoms of freshness. After getting it home, cut the tree stump
about one inch above the original cut and place it in a bucket of water in a
cool, shady spot. After placing it indoors in a stand, be sure to keep the
stand filled with water.
Poinsettias are tropical plants that prefer temperatures arounmdn65
degrees at night and 75-80 degrees in the daytime. Avoid purchasing those
plants exposed to the hot sun and wind. Select poinsettias with tight green
buds in the center of the colorful bracts. These are the true flowers and
should not have any yellow pollen being released. Place the plant in a warm,
well-lit and draft-free location in the home. Water only when the soil feels
dry as they tolerate drier conditions much better than wet.
In the early spring or late winter, poinsettias can be planted outdoors.
Select a sunny location that is away from any artificial light to insure a
colorful bract display next year. They are tolerant of most soils as long as
they are well drained.
Gardening activities:
- Plant cold tolerant annual flowers such as pansies, snapdragons,
alyssum, and dusty miller.
- Grow holiday cactus in well–drained soil and water frequently, but
don’t let the soil remain wet
- Root prune trees and large shrubs for transplanting in January or
February.
- Reduce watering during the winter months. Watering every two weeks
instead of weekly is usually sufficient for turf, trees and shrubs.
Vegetables and flowers will need more frequent irrigation.
- Do not fertilize turf in December and January, but vegetables and
flowers should be lightly fertilized monthly unless using a slow-release
fertilizer.
- As we enter the dry season, be conscious of having a 30 feet perimeter
around your home free of dead and dry plants if you live in a wooded area.
Vegetables & Herbs to plant: Anise, beets, broccoli, Brussels
sprouts, cabbage, carrot, cauliflower, celery, chervil, collards, coriander,
dill, eggplant, fennel, garlic, kale, kohlrabi, leek, lettuce, mustard,
onions, peas, parsley, potato, radish, rutabaga, sage, spinach,
strawberries, Swiss chard, thyme, and turnips.
Fruits in Season: Avocado, banana, cherimoya, citrus (calamondin,
grapefruit, key lime, kumquat, lemon, lime, orange, tangelo and tangerine),
hog plum, and Indian jujube.
Annuals to plant: Alyssum, begonia, calendula, dusty miller,
foxglove, geranium, impatiens, lobelia, ornamental cabbage and kale, pansy,
petunia, phlox, snapdragon, statice, strawflower, and verbena.
Perennials to plant: African iris, aster, blue daze, blue sage,
buddleia, bush daisy, candytuft, dianthus, gerbera daisy, pentas, salvia,
scabiosa, Shasta daisy, verbena and viola.
Blooming plants: Allamanda, bauhinia vine, bottlebrush,
bougainvillea, Cape honeysuckle, cassia, Chinese hat plant, cordia,
firecracker plant, firespike, ixora, jatropha, kalanchoe, lion’s ear,
Mexican flame vine, Mexican sunflower, orchid tree, Philippine violet,
pipevine, poinsettia, red and yellow shrimp plants, rose, salvia, silver
trumpet tree, turk’s cap, thunbergia, and tibouchina.
(Patricia Porchey is a horticulturist with the Sarasota County
Cooperative Extension Service, part of the Institute of Food and
Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida. Website: http://sarasota.extension.ufl.edu)
November
Gardening Guide
By: Patricia Porchey
“In reducing the total proportion of a garden in grass we might remove the
critical need to water so often. Make your foundation plantings around the
house wider…. Redesign your gardens in the direction of reducing turf 90% of
your yard to 30-40 or 50% of the total. Shrub borders can help you conserve
water that might otherwise be needed each week.” This is an excerpt from a
column written on November 10, 1974, by Ed Pastorius, Sarasota County
Cooperative Extension Agent. Water conservation was just as important then
as it is now.
As we enter these drier months, this may be the perfect time to consider
landscape changes. Has your lawn been anything but perfect this summer? Do
you need a sea of grass to mow or would colorful shrubs and groundcovers be
a viable alternative? Visit the model Florida Yard at Extension’s Florida
House Learning Center and see examples of native and drought-tolerant
non-native plants that will provide an aesthetically pleasing landscape.
To assist you in your landscaping, there are horticulture education programs
at Florida House Learning Center and Twin Lakes Park this month. The FHLC is
located on the NW corner of Beneva & Proctor Roads (on the Sarasota County
Technical Institute property) and TLP is located ¼ mile east of I75 on Clark
Road (exit 203). These programs are free, but you must register in advance
due to limited seating. Call 861-9800 to register.
Nov. 10: “Ants, Ants, Ants” with our entomologist, Dr. Fred Santana.
Nov. 17: “Spice Up Your Life” shows you how to grow and enjoy using herbs
and spices. Presenters are Dr. Carolyn Gregov and Patricia Porchey.
Gardening activities:
Plant colorful annuals and perennials for fall and winter color.
Plant shrubs and groundcovers in lieu of grass.
Install micro-irrigation in shrub and groundcover beds. Apply ½ - 3/4 inch
of water once weekly for shrubs, but more often for seasonal annual plants.
Don’t prune shrubs that bloom in the spring so you don’t miss their annual
color display.
You can prune year-round bloomers as long as you realize you will be
without blooms for a longer period than if you wait to prune in the early
spring.
Replenish mulch cover to 3 inches.
Give citrus trees their third fertilizing of the year if you didn’t do it
in October. A mature tree needs 3 separate 8 pounds applications during the
year.
Most citrus leaf and fruit spots are treated as cosmetic and don’t need to
be sprayed. If you do have a concern, take a sample to the Cooperative
Extension office.
Vegetables & Herbs to plant: Anise, basil, beets, borage, broccoli, Brussels
sprouts, cabbage, carrot, cauliflower, celery, chervil, collards, coriander,
dill, fennel, garlic, leek, lettuce, mustard, onions, parsley, peas, potato,
radish, rutabaga, sage, spinach, strawberries, Swiss chard, thyme, tomato,
and turnips.
Fruits in Season: Atemoya, avocado, banana, carambola, citrus (calamondin,
grapefruit, key lime, kumquat, lemon, lime, orange, tangelo and tangerine),
papaya, pecan, persimmon, pomegranate, sea grape, and sugar apple.
Annuals to plant: Ageratum, alyssum, begonia, calendula, celosia, coleus,
cosmos, dianthus, dusty miller, foxglove, geranium, impatiens, lobelia,
marigold, melampodium, nasturtium, pansy, petunia, salvia, snapdragon, and
statice.
Perennials to plant: African iris, aster, blue daze, bush daisy,
chrysanthemum, cigar plant, coreopsis, dianthus, gaillardia, gerbera daisy,
liatris, Mexican petunia, pentas, salvia, scabiosa, Shasta daisy, society
garlic, and verbena.
Blooming plants: Allamanda, bottlebrush, bougainvillea, Cape honeysuckle,
cassia, cordia, false dragonhead, firecracker plant, firespike, goldenrod,
liatris, lion’s ear, oleander, Philippine violet, red and yellow shrimp
plants, plumbago, rose, salvia, thryallis, turk’s cap, thunbergia, and
tibouchina.
Patricia Porchey is a horticulturist with the Sarasota County Cooperative
Extension Service, part of University of Florida; Institute of Food and
Agricultural Sciences. Website: http://sarasota.extension.ufl.edu
October Gardening Guide
By: Patricia Porchey
Fall is in the air…or so the calendar states. When the temperature is
85-90 degrees everyday, it’s hard to believe. Where is that extraordinary
brilliant fall foliage on deciduous plants preceding the leaf drop? Autumn
color and subsequent leaf drop are triggered by two environmental changes,
cooler air temperature and shorter day length. Temperate plants may respond
to one variable or both. Our Suncoast area trees that are showing signs of
fall, leaf color change and leaf drop, are responding to the shortened
daylight hours. When temperatures stay warm, the color display is less
dramatic.
These are the last months of the hurricane season and its passage will be
a relief after such a destructive season. If trees were lost as a result of
the storms, re-evaluate the site before replanting. Did you have large trees
planted too close to structures or walks? Trees whose root systems are too
restricted are more apt to blow over during forceful winds. Before making
your tree selections, know their mature size and if they are prone to having
a weak structure. And consider planting large canopy trees farther away from
structures to prevent future damage.
October usually ushers in cooler and drier weather with an average of 75
degrees and only 2.6 inches of rain. This makes for pleasant gardening
conditions and an opportunity to re-assess problem areas in your landscape.
Gardening activities:
- Plant more shade and fruit trees.
- Remove sub-par turf under trees and replace it with mulch or
shade-tolerant groundcovers.
- Replace water-loving plants with those that require less
supplemental irrigation.
- Group plants together that have similar water and light
requirements.
- Transplant plants that need more sun from shady locations and
vice-versa.
- Prune overgrown shrubs, but not those that bloom in the spring.
- Divide perennials.
- Replenish mulch cover to 3 inches.
- Install micro-irrigation in shrub and groundcover beds.
- Calibrate your irrigation system to apply ¾ inch of water once
weekly to turf areas. Check the rain shutoff device to insure it is
working properly.
- Fertilize lawn and landscape plants with a fertilizer such as
12-2-14 or 8-4-12 that contains at least 50 % slow-release nitrogen and
potassium. Remember to avoid applying high-nitrogen fertilizers before
cold weather comes.
- Monitor for twig girdlers in trees. Control next year’s hatch by
picking up and destroying fallen branches and twigs.
- Check off-color patches in the lawn for sod webworm damage. Spot
treat affected areas with Bacillus thuringiensis (B.t.), a
biological control for worms and caterpillars.
Vegetables & Herbs to plant: Basil, beans, beets, borage, broccoli,
Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrot, cauliflower, celery, chervil, collards,
coriander, cucumber, cumin, garlic, leek, lettuce, mustard, onions, parsley,
peas, radish, rutabaga, spinach, strawberries, thyme, tomato, and turnips.
Fruits in Season: Atemoya, avocado, banana, carambola, citrus (calamondin,
lemon, and lime), fig, guava, hog plum, kumquat, muscadine grape, papaya,
pecan, persimmon, pomegranate, sea grape, sugar apple, and tamarind.
Annuals to plant: Ageratum, alyssum, begonia, calendula, celosia, coleus,
dusty miller, geranium, impatiens, lobelia, marigold, melampodium,
nasturtium, pansy, petunia, salvia, snapdragon, and zinnia.
Perennials to plant: Agapanthus, amaryllis, blue daze, bush daisy, calla
lily, chrysanthemum, cigar plant, coreopsis, crinum lily, dianthus, elephant
ears, gaillardia, gerbera daisy, gloriosa lily, iris, liatris, Mexican
petunia, pentas, sages, Shasta daisy, society garlic, verbena, and whirling
butterflies.
Blooming plants: Allamanda, bird-of-paradise, bottlebrush, bougainvillea,
cassia, cordia, dwarf Poinciana, false dragonhead, firecracker plant,
firespike, golden raintree, lion’s ear, Mexican heather, oleander,
Philippine violet, red and yellow shrimp plants, rouge plant, plumbago,
rose, salvia, thryallis, turk’s cap, thunbergia, and tibouchina.
(Patricia Porchey is a horticulturist with the Sarasota County
Cooperative Extension Service, part of the Institute of Food and
Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida. Website: http://sarasota.extension.ufl.edu)
September Gardening Guide
By: Patricia Porchey
As northern gardeners are winding down their vegetable gardens in
preparation for cold winter temperatures, we are preparing our cool season
garden. Our mild winter temperatures enable us to plant many vegetables now
– both warm and cool season.
The optimum garden soil is well-drained and fertile with a pH between
5.8-6.5. Our sandy fill soils will benefit from the following:
- Remove weeds to eliminate competition for water and nutrients.
- Add organic soil amendments such as compost, humus, composted manures,
etc.
- Lay out a plan.
- Plant seeds or transplants.
- Monitor for pests and disease.
- Fertilize monthly.
Tilling or turning the soil to a depth of 6-8 inches will remove weeds
and improve aeration. This is the opportune time to incorporate soil
amendments also. Woody plant materials such as roots and stems and perennial
grass and weed pests are best raked from the garden instead of being turned
over.
Do a soil test to determine pH. It was common up north to add lime to
acidic soils, but here it is not added unless the pH is under 5.5. If the pH
is over 7, elemental sulfur will temporarily lower the pH, but if the pH is
between 5.5 – 7.0, no adjustments are needed. Fertilize the garden with a
complete fertilizer such as 6-6-6, 10-10-10 or 15-15-15. In addition to N,
P, and K, other elements, such as calcium and magnesium, are needed by
vegetables in fairly large amounts. Organic fertilizers derived from well
composted poultry, cow, horse, or sheep manures can be used. However, they
don’t always contain all the major and minor nutrients, so may need to be
supplemented with applications of nutrient-specific fertilizers.
The "Florida Vegetable Garden Guide" will help you select those vegetable
varieties that grow well here, as well as, providing a list of spacing and
harvest information. If these cultural recommendations are followed, there
will be fewer insect and disease problems. And experiment with planting some
herbs and vegetables with your landscape ornamentals.
If you have trees and shrubs damaged by the hurricane winds, securely
stake them in their original position. Fill in any resulting air pockets
with soil and water every two weeks unless it rains. Remove broken branches
with clean even cuts, but retain upper branch ridges and the lower branch
collar. If you have more questions, call the Cooperative Extension Service
at 861-9800 or you can access publications on-line at http//:edis.ifas.ufl.edu.
Vegetables & Herbs to plant: 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.
Fruits in Season: Atemoya, avocado, banana, carambola, citrus (calamondin,
lemon, and lime), fig, guava, kumquat, monstera, muscadine grape, papaya,
pomegranate, sea grape, and sugar apple.
Annuals to plant: Ageratum, alyssum, begonia, calendula, celosia,
coleus, cosmos, dusty miller, marigold, melampodium, periwinkle, portulaca,
salvia, and zinnia.
Perennials to plant: 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, sages, society garlic, verbena,
whirling butterflies.
Blooming plants: Allamanda, bird-of-paradise, bottlebrush,
bougainvillea, cassia, cordia, crape myrtle, dwarf Poinciana, false
dragonhead, firecracker plant, firespike, golden raintree, hibiscus, ixora,
lantana, marlberry, oleander, red and yellow shrimp plants, rouge plant,
plumbago, rose, salvia, thryallis and tibouchina.
(Patricia Porchey is a horticulturist with the Sarasota County
Cooperative Extension Service, part of the Institute of Food and
Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida. Website: http://sarasota.extension.ufl.edu)
August Gardening Guide
By: Patricia Porchey
During the "dog days of summer", it’s sometimes hard to get motivated to
work in the yard. However, if one avoids the heat of the day and works only
in the morning and early evening hours, much can be accomplished.
Remembering to use sunscreen and wearing light colored clothing and a hat to
protect your skin will also make garden chores more enjoyable. Leave the
midday to enjoy your accomplishments.
Your landscape can provide a vast playground for wildlife activity – birds
are chortling and making nests, rabbits are nibbling on almost everything,
and butterflies are floating effortlessly among the flowers, stopping
frequently to sip nectar. There is nothing more amazing than watching
butterflies go thru their life cycle right in your garden. Discover what
plants they need for their larvae to feed on (most species are plant
specific) and plant those along with numerous nectar plants. The Cooperative
Extension has a bulletin, Butterfly Gardening in Florida, to assist you and
Master Gardeners to advise you on site location, etc.
If rabbits are devouring your favorite flowers, Auburn University has a Hot
Pepper Solution recipe that takes the fun out of eating for deer and
rabbits. Once the pepper spray is applied on the leaves and they’ve had a
bite, they seem to remember how unsavory it was and don’t return. The Auburn
Hot Pepper Solution contains the following: 2 tablespoons cayenne pepper, 6
drops dish detergent (NOT with a degreaser!), and 1 gallon of water. Test a
small area first as some plants are sensitive to soap. This spray may also
deter squirrels, cabbageworms, and moth larvae; yet, it doesn’t affect
birds.
Lawns can look forlorn in the summer with chinch bugs in St. Augustine
grass, mole crickets in Bahia grass and heavy rains inducing disease
problems in both. Monitor for both chinch bugs and mole crickets by applying
2 gallons of water containing 1-2 ounces of a mild liquid soap on a two feet
square area of turf to flush them out. Both will surface to get out of the
solution. If they are present, apply a least toxic product labeled for their
control and follow the label instructions.
Primary diseases of St. Augustine are brown patch and gray leaf spot; you
may also see some lime mold, but this is not a disease, so control is
unnecessary. Disease in St. Augustine often occurs when lawns are over
watered and over fertilized.
During and shortly after the heavy summer rainy season, we recommend turning
off your irrigation system. A rain gauge is required on automatic irrigation
systems to prevent irrigating during periods of sufficient rainfall, but
sometimes the system will still run when the ground is still saturated from
previous heavy rains.
Annuals to plant: Begonia, celosia, coleus, cosmos, dahlia, dusty miller,
marigold, portulaca, periwinkle, salvia, and zinnia.
July Gardening Guide
By: Patricia Porchey
How many of us said to ourselves upon arriving in Florida, "Everything
here grows like a weed!" The onslaught of summer rains makes the additional
growth even more dramatic. For some, this lush tropical foliage is paradise,
whereas, for others it is seen as insurmountable work. And lest we forget,
the weeds are definitely growing like weeds.
If that "right plant" was planted in the "right place," minimal pruning
will be needed because its mature size was planned for. However, if pruning
is needed, the rule of thumb to minimize stress to the plant is to only
remove up to 1/3 of the total growth of the plant. This rule applies to
lawns as well – remove no more than 1/3 of the leaf blade per mowing. When
St. Augustine grass is no taller than 6-6 ½ inches, mow it down to a height
of 3 ½-4 inches. Remember to keep mower blades sharp as dull blades will
shred leaf tips and add stress to the lawn. It is also recommended that
grass clippings be left on the lawn instead of being bagged.
Weeds in beds can be controlled manually by hand pulling or covering them
up with layers of newspaper topped with mulch to remove their light source.
Non-selective herbicides, such as RoundUpä and
other glyphosate-based herbicides, injure or kill plants that are sprayed,
even when accidentally sprayed. Some "hard to kill" weeds, such as sedges,
may require a selective herbicide, one with those specific weeds listed on
the label as controlled weeds. Weeds in lawns this time of the year are more
difficult to control because most herbicides are not recommended when the
temperature rises above 85 degrees. Be sure to thoroughly read the label
before applying any chemicals.
Vegetable gardening is very limited in the summer; however, it 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 water the bed well to make it moist
down to about 8-12 inches. Cover the whole bed with 2-6 mil of clear
plastic (NOT black plastic) and anchor it tightly on the edges. July is the
perfect month for this treatment because the goal is to reach temperatures
above 130 degrees for six weeks. Nematodes and other soil pests such as wilt
fungi, insects, and weeds are killed by prolonged exposure to these high
temperatures.
Other gardening activities:
- Monitor Bahia grass lawns for mole crickets and St. Augustine for
chinch bugs and spot treat if necessary.
- Address bare spots in lawns. If the lawn is more than 50% bare spots
and weeds, consider replanting or, better yet, consider planting
alternatives to grass.
- To "green up" the lawn without promoting growth or contributing to
polluted runoff, apply chelated iron or ferrous sulfate instead of lawn
fertilizer.
Annuals to plant: Celosia, coleus, cosmos, crossandra, Dahlberg daisy,
gomphrena, marigold, melampodium, nicotiana, periwinkle, portulaca, salvia,
torenia, wax begonia and zinnia.
Perennials to plant: Beach buttercup, beach sunflower, blue daze,
coreopsis, daylily, gaillardia, Mexican heather, Mexican petunia, pentas,
rudbeckia, salvia, shrimp plant, society garlic, verbena, and whirling
butterflies.
Blooming plants: Allamanda, beautyberry, bird of paradise, blackberry
lily, crape myrtle, crossvine, dwarf Poinciana, firespike, frangipani,
golden dewdrop, horsemint, magnolia, mimosa, orange jasmine, perennial
peanut, plumbago, rose, royal Poinciana, 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 seagrape.
(Patricia Porchey is a horticulturist with the Sarasota County
Cooperative Extension Service, part of the Institute of Food and
Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida. Website: http://sarasota.extension.ufl.edu)
June Gardening Guide
By: Patricia Porchey
June in Florida signals the start of summer and two important weather
patterns – afternoon and evening showers and thunderstorms and the start of
the hurricane season (June thru November). June 2003, however, was not
typical – we received 12 inches of rain, a new high for rainfall. It
replaced the old record high of 7.4 inches set in 1992.
Even though last year’s rain was the result of a tropical depression, not
a hurricane, the resulting flooding was devastating to many of our landscape
plants. Foliar and root-rotting fungal diseases were common, as well as
plant death in some instances. The damage was not always immediate;
sometimes, symptoms appeared weeks or months later.
Here are some tips to minimize damage should flooding or excessive winds
occur:
- Install a rain shutoff device on your irrigation system (this is
required by law). Or, check to see if your existing device is working
properly.
- Improve drainage in areas where water gathers after sprinklers run or
during heavy rains. A good alternative is to install plants in those areas
that can tolerate "wet feet."
- Water plants only when symptoms indicate they need it. Remember plants
can also "wilt" from too much water or too much sunlight.
- Prune dead branches on trees and those branches touching structures.
- Prune palm seedpods and those fronds that are brown. However, do not
give palms a "hurricane cut" where green fronds are removed. This practice
stresses and weakens the palm.
- Healthier plants withstand stress better than unhealthy ones, so
fertilize landscape plants with a fertilizer such as 12-2-14 that contains
at least 50% of both the nitrogen and potassium in a slow-release form.
Palms may need a supplemental application of manganese sulfate to prevent
frizzle top.
- Install new plants in the landscape, but remember the principle of
"right plant, right place." Match the plant requirements with the existing
soil and sunlight conditions as well as water availability and drainage.
There will be no educational programs at Extension’s Florida House
Learning Center during the summer, but classes will resume in September.
However, the house and gardens will remain open for touring. Summer hours
are Tuesday – Friday, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm, and Saturday, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm.
The "Model Florida Yard" is always open. The FHLC is located on the
NW corner of Beneva & Proctor Roads (on the Sarasota County Technical
Institute property). Admission is free.
Annuals to plant: Celosia, coleus, crossandra, gomphrena, marigold,
melampodium, nicotiana, periwinkle, portulaca, salvia, torenia, wax begonia
and zinnia.
Perennials to plant: Blue daze, gaillardia, gazania, coreopsis,
daylily, pentas, ruellia, salvia, Shasta daisy, society garlic, Stokes aster
and verbena.
Herbs and Vegetables (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.
Blooming plants: African tulip tree, Australian flame tree, allamanda,
bird of paradise, canna, crape myrtle, gardenia, gerbera, hibiscus, ixora,
Jerusalem thorn, magnolia, plumbago, roses, royal Poinciana, society garlic
and thryallis.
Fruits in season: Banana, blueberry, carambola, cattley guava, citrus
(calamondin, key lime, lemon and lime), Jackfruit, fig, kumquat, lychee,
macadamia, mango, papaya and pineapple.
(Patricia Porchey is a horticulturist with the Sarasota County
Cooperative Extension Service, part of the Institute of Food and
Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida. Website:
http://sarasota.extension.ufl.edu)
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Front Page
May Gardening Guide
By: Patricia Porchey
May brings thoughts of maypoles decorated with flowering garlands and
colorful ribbons blowing in the breeze. Add gleeful children singing while
they wind and unwind the colored ribbons and it’s a May Day celebration.
This same jubilation is visible in our landscapes as all the profusion of
new growth and flowers dominate where there were previously only shades of
green.
This month is typically dry, however, so irrigation is necessary for most of
the non-native plants coloring our landscapes. Sarasota County still
observes the once per week irrigation schedule for lawns. Three quarters of
an inch of water is allowed on Sundays if your address ends in an odd number
or a letter N- Z. If your address ends in an even number or the letter A-M,
you can water on Tuesdays. Only reclaimed water users and micro-irrigation
beds are exempt from the regulations. It is best to irrigate in the morning
before 10:00 am rather than after 4:00 pm.
Here are some water management guidelines to keep your landscape healthy
during this dry month:
Water early in the morning. There will be less water lost to evaporation
and wind drift.
Irrigate deeply at long intervals rather than frequent shallow waterings.
This will promote deeper, more extensive root systems in landscapes with
deeper root zones.
Install micro-irrigation in beds of flowers, shrubs, trees, and
vegetables. This can cut water usage up to 50% when used properly.
Mulch around trees and shrubs to control weeds that compete for water.
Mow grass high, 3-4 inches for Bahia and St. Augustine grasses.
Avoid unnecessary applications of pesticides that require “watering in.”
To assist you in your landscaping, there are horticulture education programs
at Extension’s Florida House Learning Center this month. The FHLC is located
on the NW corner of Beneva & Proctor Roads (on the Sarasota County Technical
Institute property). These programs are free, but you must register in
advance due to limited seating. Call the FHLC at 316-1200 to register.
May 1: “Rain Barrel/Compost Workshop, How to Make One for your Home”
demonstrated by Dee Cissel and Angela Polo.
May 5: “Universal Design” with Robert J. Black. Learn how to eliminate
physical barriers in your home so it‘s usable by every family member.
May 12: Entomologist, Dr. Fred Santana, will discuss “Pests Around Florida
Homes”.
May 19: “Florida Yards & Neighborhoods” with Valerie Ollinger. Learn how
to save time and money by planting the right plant in the right place.
May 26: “Stinging Insects” will be discussed by Dr. Fred Santana.
Springtime tasks include:
Plant heat-tolerant annuals and vegetables.
Fertilize annuals, roses and vegetables monthly.
Fertilize palms with a complete palm fertilizer every 3-4 months to
prevent nutrient deficiencies. Use a fertilizer higher in potassium and
containing micronutrients, with at least 50% slow release.
Monitor Bahia grass lawns for mole crickets and treat if present.
Monitor St. Augustine lawns for chinch bugs and spot treat if present.
Fertilize lawns with a complete fertilizer, such as 12-2-14, with at least
50% of the nitrogen in a slow-release form.
Monitor for pests on landscape plants, such as oleander caterpillars on
oleander and lacebugs on azaleas.
Treat powdery mildew on roses.
Do not apply pesticides during the heat of the day or when it is windy.
Annuals to plant: Ageratum, begonia, celosia, cleome, coleus, cosmos,
crossandra, four o’clocks, gazania, marigold, morning glory, periwinkle,
portulaca, salvia, sunflower, tithonia, torenia, verbena, and zinnia.
Perennials to plant: Blue daze, bush daisy, coreopsis, caladiums, daylily,
Gerbera daisy, gaillardia, gladiolus, Dahlberg daisy, kalanchoes, milkweed,
pentas, ruellia, rudbeckia, salvias, society garlic, walking iris, and
yarrow.
Vegetables: Black-eyed peas, bush beans, chayote, dasheen, eggplant, lima
beans, okra, peppers, southern peas, sweet corn, sweet potatoes, and
watermelon.
Blooming plants: Allamanda, Australian flame tree, beach buttercup, beach
sunflower, birds of paradise, bottlebrush, bougainvillea, canna, conferate
jasmine, daylily, gardenia, roses, hibiscus, ixora, Jacaranda, Jerusalem
thorn, lantana, oleander, plumbago, prayer plant, ruellia, shrimp plants,
silk oak tree, southern magnolia, star jasmine, and whirling butterflies.
Fruits in season: Banana, blackberry, blueberry, citrus, guava, kumquat,
loquat, macadamia, papaya, pineapple, strawberry, Surinam cherry, and
tamarind.
(Patricia Porchey is a horticulturist with the Sarasota County Cooperative
Extension Service, part of the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences,
University of Florida. Website: http://sarasota.extension.ufl.edu)
April Gardening Guide
By: Patricia Porchey
Spring is in full force – pleasant mild daytime temperatures and cool
nights. It’s show time for spring blooming shrubs such as azalea, gardenia,
buddleia, Walter viburnum and dwarf Indian hawthorne. New foliage is
abundant and year-round bloomers, such as bougainvillea, firebush,
firecracker, ixora, jatropha, oleander, and plumbago, continue contributing
their brilliant colors. Some plants have their annual explosion of new
fronds this month – cycads, king and queen sagos, cardboard plant and our
native coonties. The Asian cycad scale continues to be a problem pest on
sagos. To get it under control requires bi-weekly spraying with
horticultural oil, alternating with strong blasts of water spray to knock
off the dead scales. Then inspect monthly to attack new infestations if they
occur. Removing infested fronds should never occur on a regular basis.
This is an opportune time to remove dead and worn-out plants in your
landscape and replace them with new selections. Before planting, amend beds
with organic matter such as compost, composted manure, peat humus, etc.
These amendments improve growing conditions by conserving moisture,
moderating soil temperature and improving soil texture. Also consider
converting shrub and tree irrigation zones to micro-irrigation. Low volume
drip, bubbler, or micro-spray emitters will water only the root zone; thus,
less water will be lost to evaporation. Do-it-yourself kits are now readily
available at garden centers, or licensed irrigation contractors can be
consulted for bigger jobs.
After your new selections are installed, add mulch to retain moisture in
the soil and prevent existing weed seeds from germinating.
Springtime tasks include:
- Monitoring potential pest-infested plants such as Florida red scale
and mealybugs on Coonties, lacebugs on azaleas and avocado, oleander
caterpillars on oleanders, whiteflies and thrips on gardenias, and spider
mites on junipers.
- Fertilizing those landscape plants not yet fertilized this spring.
Palms, citrus and acid-loving plants need a specific formulated fertilizer
and suffer from deficiencies if an inappropriate fertilizer is used.
- Seeding or over-seeding Bahiagrass and Bermudagrass now.
- Planting hummingbird-attracting plants because the ruby-throated
hummingbirds start breeding this month. Native plants with nectar-sipping
flowers are coral honeysuckle, firebush, and tropical red scarlet sage.
- Installing micro-irrigation in flower and shrub beds.
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Our Town Flowers
Pictorial

Bird of Paradise |

Gardenia bush |

Gold tree |
Passion flower |

Jacaranda tree |

Mexican petunia |
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Gardening Resources
University of Florida Tree lessons
from past hurricanes
A study done by Mary L. Duryea in 1995 after Hurricanes Erin
and Opal, highlighted wind resistance to a variety of North Florida trees. Now
while we have several different trees here in warmer Southwest Florida, the
information gathered from this study on the trees we have in common can still
be useful.
Damage observed to trees was reported in different ways including uprooting,
crown damage (branch damage) and/or breaking at the main stem. Within the
category of conifers, slash pines and longleaf pines survived the winds fairly
well. However, even though there was fair wind resistance noted, many of these
pines suffered from long-term stress that allowed certain bark beetle and
borer outbreaks to occur months and years later. The live oak also did very
well with less than 2 percent of the trees showing any damage in the tree
crown. The sabal palm was also noted as having superior wind resistance with
up to 100 percent standing after the hurricanes making it almost "immune" to
these storms. Southern magnolias also fared well with less than 10 percent
damage noted. Some of the candidates for worse wind resistance were laurel
oak, red maple, southern red cedar and sweetgum.
Beyond good tree selection based on hurricane-resistance, many other practices
that ensure a more stable tree are important. Site analysis is a must. A
sampling of cultural conditions before you plant a tree may include
examination of the soil characteristics, proximity to a building or overhead
wires, existence of underground lines or obstructions, adequate rooting space
to support a good root system, height of the water table, etc. Proper pruning
is also very important as it can reduce tree damage from a hurricane. It is
important to note however, that this type of pruning does not include topping"
of trees, hurricane cuts on palms and excessive crown thinning -- all are not
recommended.
At this point in time, many of us probably view trees as a problem. However,
as we work through recovery, we must still consider the benefits that trees
provide our community including energy conservation, reduction of stormwater
runoff, habitat for wildlife and of course beautification. Proper tree
selection, detail to site analysis and pruning will help make future trees
safer for a healthier urban forest. It should also be noted that Dr. Duryea
conducted a similar survey in Southwest Florida soon after Hurricane Charley.
The results of this study should also be helpful.
For more information on all types of tree information, please contact our
Master Gardeners on the Plant Lifeline at 764-4340 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Our office is located at 25550 Harborview
Road, Suite 3 in Port Charlotte. Our Plant Clinics are available across the
county:
Englewood/Charlotte Public Library 9 a.m. to noon every Monday. Publix Punta
Gorda Crossing 9:00 a.m. to noon the third Friday of the month.
Resources: Duryea, M. L. (1997) Wind and Trees: Surveys of the Tree Damage in
the Florida Panhandle after Hurricanes Erin and Opal. The University of
Florida Extension Service, IFAS. Gilman, E. F. (2002) Site Evaluation Form for
Selecting the Right Tree for Your Planting Site. The University of Florida
Extension Service, IFAS.
Perennial Peanut (Arachis glabrata) Excellent l ow-growing
groundcover alternative to turf with masses of yellow flowers during warm
months. Grows best in sunny areas. Drought tolerant.
Oak Leaf
Hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia) Sarasota County is at the
Southern edge of its range. Plant bears large, fragrant white bloom clusters.
Foliage has good fall color in its northern range. Does well in shade. Mature
height is 5'-8'; and spread is 5'-6'.
Simpson's Stopper (Myrcianthes fragrans) An evergreen Florida native shrub
with small glossy leaves and small white fragrant flowers
in late spring. Following berries are reddish-orange attractive to birds.
Upright growth habit and sensitive to freezes in inland areas.
Bismarck Palm (Bismarckia n obilis)Massive,
robust palm with large silver-blue fronds. Sensitivity to freezes in our area
would limit its use to barrier islands.
Orange Plume(Justicia spicigera) Bears bright orange tubular
flowers during the warm months. Evergreen. May
be tender to freezes in inland
areas. Grows 4'-6' tall and 2'-4' wide.
Giant Plume Ginger (Curcuma
elata) This perennial bears a bright pink inflorescence in spring as large
leaves emerge. Bloom can be cut for long-lasting flower indoors. This ginger
can reach 7'-8' tall. Tolerates shade.
Robin Holly (Ilex x 'Robin') We are at the edge of its
Southern range. Can grow more than 10'
tall and 6'-8' wide in ideal conditions. Evergreen, with large dark green
spiny leaves with reddish-maroon new growth. |