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.

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



 

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 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.

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)
 

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:

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
 

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:

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)


 

By: Patricia Porchey

Gardening activities:

Upcoming educational classes:

Planting guide: