Gardening Calendar For South Florida Area

Temperature: Average Daily High: 90, Low: 71; Record High: 99, Low: 53

Rainfall: Average: 7”, High: 25”, Low 1 ½”

Flowers to Plant

Black-eyed Susan, Celosia, Coleus, Gaillardia, Gazania, Morning Glory, Periwinkle, Portulaca, Salvia, Sunflower, Torenia, Zinnia.

Vegetables to Plant

Collards, Okra, Southern Peas, Sweet Potatoes.

Bulbs to Plant

Caladium, Crinum, Society Garlic, Spider Lily, Zephyr Lily.

June Bloomers

Allamanda, Bird-of-Paradise, Caladium, Canna, Crepe Myrtle, Daylilies, Firecracker Plant, Geranium, Gerbera Daisy, Hibiscus, Ixora, Jerusalem Thorn, Lantana, Oleander, Periwinkle, Plumbago, Roses, Royal Poinciana, Society Garlic, Southern Magnolia, Thryallis, Encyclia.

Orchid Care

Phalaenopsis and Vandas require special attention this month. Repot Phalaenopsis and make sure Vandas are secure in their basket.  With June rains comes the threat of overwatering and fungal or bacterial infections, be careful with overwatering and begin fungicide applications.  Bait for snails and slugs.  In this hot month, improve air circulation and increase light by lightly trimming trees around your plants.  Fertilizing orchids is not recommended for this month due to rains.

What To Do

• Fertilization: Follow all city, county, or state fertilizer codes. No fertilizer containing nitrogen or phosphorus can be applied in Sarasota County from June 1 to September 30.  Other nutrients may be applied at recommended rates, but stay at least 10 feet away from water bodies or wetlands. Choose organic or controlled-release fertilizers whenever possible.
• Irrigation: irrigate as needed unless it rains. Apply ½” to ¾” of water once or twice a week.  Established drought-tolerant species may not need irrigation.  Be sure to follow any current city, county, or Water Management District watering restrictions. To calibrate your irrigation system: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/LH026.
• Visually inspect each irrigation head monthly while the irrigation system is running.  Make sure heads are reaching their intended target plants, rotors are turning, clean any plugged nozzles, and repair any leaks.  Check mandatory rain shut-off devices to ensure they are operating properly.
• Inspect bahia grass lawns to control mole crickets. Check St. Augustine grass lawns periodically for chinch bugs.  Treat if necessary.
• Inspect oleanders and bougainvilleas for caterpillars and spray with Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) if necessary. Watch for whiteflies on gardenias, and aphids and mealy bugs on various shrubs. Use IPM (Integrated Pest Management) strategies to correct problems.  If a pesticide application is warranted, spray before 10 a.m. to avoid injury to plants, but do not spray plants which may be suffering from lack of water.
• Transplant palm trees June through September.
• Mow the lawn frequently. For most grasses, set the blade as high as it will go.
•  To help control nematodes in the fall vegetable Garden, prepare the soil now, water heavily, and cover with clear plastic. Leave the plastic in place until you are ready to plant.
• Prune any potentially hazardous trees before hurricane season to reduce the risk of wind damage.  Do not “hatrack” or “liontail” your trees, but evenly thin the canopy by up to 30%.  Remove any damaged or weak limbs, and prune back branches rubbing on buildings.

Temperature: Average Daily High: 91, Low: 73; Record High: 100, Low: 61

Rainfall: Average: 3”, High: 21”, Low: 2”

Flowers to Plant

Coleus, Dusty Miller, Gaillardia, Gazania, Impatiens, Periwinkle, Portulaca, Salvia, Torenia, Zinnia.

Vegetables to Plant

Collards, Okra, Southern Peas

Bulbs to Plant

Society Garlic

July Bloomers

Allamanda, Bird-of-Paradise, Bougainvillea, Caladium, Crepe Myrtle, Daylilies, Dwarf Poinciana, Firecracker Plant, Gerbera Daisy, Hibiscus, Ixora, Lantana, Oleander, Peltophorum, Periwinkle, Plumbago, Red Bauhinia, Roses, Society Garlic, Thryallis, Catasetum, Cattleya.

Fruits in Season

Avocado, Citrus (Valencias), Fig, Guava, Lychee, Mango, Pineapple.

Orchid Care

Begin fertilizing orchids weekly during this month with a balanced fertilizer like 20-20-20.  Begin scouting for thrips during the drier days.

What to Do

• Fertilization: Follow all city, county, or state fertilizer codes. No fertilizer containing nitrogen or phosphorus can be applied in Sarasota County from June 1 to September 30^th.  Other nutrients may be applied at recommended rates, but stay at least 10’ away from water bodies or wetlands. Choose organic or controlled-release fertilizers whenever possible.
• Irrigation: irrigate as needed unless it rains. Apply ½” to ¾” of water once or twice a week.  Established drought-tolerant species may not need irrigation.  Be sure to follow any current city, county, or Water Management District watering restrictions. To calibrate your irrigation system: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/LH026.
• Visually inspect each irrigation head monthly while the irrigation system is running.  Make sure heads are reaching their intended target plants, rotors are turning, clean any clogged nozzles, and repair any leaks.  Check mandatory rain shut-off devices to ensure they are operating properly. 
• Inspect ornamentals for insects and correct problems using IPM (Integrated Pest Management) strategies.  If a pesticide application is warranted, spray before 10 a.m. to avoid injury to plants, but do not spray plants which may be suffering from lack of water.
• Inspect St. Augustine grass lawns frequently for chinch bug damage and all lawns for caterpillars. Treat if necessary.
• Silken webbing on the trunks and branches of oaks or other trees is produced by harmless insects called bark lice (psocids). Do not worry about the insects. Use a forceful stream of water if you wish to remove the webbing.
• Pinch back leggy poinsettias to produce bushy plants. This is the last month to prune azaleas, if necessary.
• Propagate shrubs and vines by layering or from cuttings.
• Transplant palm trees.

Temperature: Average Daily High: 91, Low: 74; Record High: 99, Low: 61

Rainfall: Average 9”, High: 23”, Low: 2”

Flowers to Plant

Coleus, Dusty Miller, Impatiens, Periwinkle, Portulaca, Torenia, Zinnia

Vegetables to Plant

Collards, Corn, Eggplant, Okra, Pepper, Southern Peas, Tomatoes, Watermelon

August Bloomers

Allamanda, Bird-of-Paradise, Bougainvillea, Caladium, Crepe Myrtle, Firecracker Plant, Gerbera Daisy, Hibiscus, Ixora, Lantana, Oleander, Periwinkle, Plumbago, Red Bauhinia, Roses, Society Garlic, Thryallis, Phalaenopsis, Peristeria, Bulbophyllum.

Fruits in Season

Avocado, Fig, Grape, Guava, Mango, Papaya, Pineapple

Orchid Care

Start reducing fertilizer application to Dendrobium nobile species and hybrids, and any other orchid that require winter dormant periods. Cattleyas, Oncidiums and Brassias need more water this month, Paphiopedilums and Phalaenopsis should be kept drier.  Continue fungal sprays and bait for slugs and snails.

What to Do

• Fertilization: Follow all city, county, or state fertilizer codes. No fertilizer containing nitrogen or phosphorus can be applied in Sarasota County from June 1 to September 30^th.  Other nutrients may be applied at recommended rates, but stay at least 10’ away from water bodies or wetlands. Choose organic or controlled-release fertilizers whenever possible.
• Irrigation: irrigate as needed unless it rains. Apply ½” to ¾” of water once or twice a week. Established drought-tolerant species may not need irrigation.   Be sure to follow any current city, county, or Water Management District watering restrictions. To calibrate your irrigation system: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/LH026.
• Visually inspect each irrigation head monthly while the irrigation system is running.  Make sure heads are reaching their intended target plants, rotors are turning, clean any clogged nozzles, and repair any leaks.  Check mandatory rain shut-off devices to ensure they are operating properly. 

• Prepare the fall vegetable garden for planting in September. Add organic matter and turn or rototill. Do not add lime or dolomite unless the pH is below 6.0.
• Resharpen your mower blades if necessary to maintain a clean cut. Set the mower for the highest cut possible.
• Watch for chinch bug damage in St. Augustine lawns and watch all lawns for sod webworm infestations (the grass disappears as it is eaten by the caterpillars).  Treat if necessary.
• Inspect fruit trees and landscape plants for whiteflies, scale  insects, and mealy bugs.

Watch for caterpillars on oleanders and bougainvilleas.  Use IPM (Integrated Pest Management)

strategies to correct problems.

• Apply more mulch to plant beds if needed, to maintain to depth of 2/3 inches. Pull out weeds before they go to seed.
• Divide day lilies every 5 to 10 years.  Check for overcrowded tropical bulbs such as crinum or zephyr lilies.
• Palms may still be transplanted this month.
• Remove the grass around the trunks of trees and palms, or spray with herbicide, to avoid damage caused by mowers and trimmers.
• Apply a minor element spray to plants with yellowish foliage such as gardenias, ixoras, and other “acid-loving” plants.

Temperature: Average Daily High: 90, Low: 72; Record High: 98, Low 55

Rainfall: Average: 8”, High: 23”, Low: 2”

Flowers to Plant

Ageratum, Baby’s Breath, Dusty Miller, Impatiens, Marigold, Nasturtium, Periwinkle, Petunia, Pinks, Portulaca, Salvia, Statice, Verbena, Zinnia.

Vegetables to Plant

Beans, Broccoli, Cabbage, Collards, Corn, Cucumbers, Eggplant, Lettuce, Mustard, Onions, Peas, Pepper, Potatoes (Irish), Squash, Tomatoes, Turnips

Bulbs to Plant

Amaryllis, Calla, Gladiolus, Zephyr Lily

September Bloomers

Allamanda, Bird-of-Paradise, Bottlebrush, Bougainvillea, Caladium, Cape Honeysuckle, Coral-Vine, Crepe Myrtle, Dwarf Poinciana, Firecracker Plant, Gerbera, Hibiscus, Ixora, Lantana, Oleander, Periwinkle, Plumbago, Portulaca, Roses, Thryallis, Thunbergia, Turk’s Cap, Brassavola, Bulbophyllum, Vanda, Dendrobium, Cattleya.

Fruits in Season

Avocado, Banana, Fig, Grape, Guava, Papaya, Pineapple

Orchid Care

Continue to Fertilize Vandas and Phalaenopsis to encourage blooming.  Bait for snails and slugs and watch out for thrips, mites, or whitefly outbreaks.  Be aware of bacterial infections and use quaternary ammoniums such as Physan, Greenshield and RD-20.

What to Do

• Fertilization: Follow all city, county, or state fertilizer codes. No fertilizer containing nitrogen or phosphorus can be applied in Sarasota County from June 1 to September 30^th.  Other nutrients may be applied at recommended rates, but stay at least 10’ away from water bodies or wetlands. Choose organic or controlled-release fertilizers whenever possible.
• Irrigation: irrigate as needed unless it rains. Apply ½” to ¾” of water once or twice a week. Established drought-tolerant species may not need irrigation.   Be sure to follow any current city, county, or Water Management District watering restrictions. To calibrate your irrigation system: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/LH026.
• Visually inspect each irrigation head monthly while the irrigation system is running.  Make sure heads are reaching their intended target plants, rotors are turning, clean any clogged nozzles, and repair any leaks.  Check mandatory rain shut-off devices to ensure they are operating properly. 

• Begin planting the fall vegetable garden. Prepare the soil properly if that has not been done already. Most fall vegetables should be planted before October.
• Prepare the winter flower garden for planting in October, remove weeds and till.
• Continue to watch for signs of chinch bug damage in St. Augustine lawns, and caterpillars (sod webworms and fall armyworms) in all lawns.  Treat if necessary.
• On most citrus varieties some fruit splitting and fruit drop can be expected this time of year even with proper care. If the trees are healthy don’t worry about it.
• Bougainvilleas may be pruned lightly early in the month. Poinsettias should not be pruned after mid-September.

Continue to inspect landscape plants for whiteflies, scale insects, mealybugs, and caterpillars. Use IPM (Integrated Pest Management) strategies to correct problems.

• Inspect your sprinkler system and make any necessary repairs so it will be in good working order when the rains cease.

Temperature: Average Daily High: 79, Low: 58; Record High: 91, Low:27

Rainfall: Average: 2”, High: 10”, Low: Trace

Flowers to Plant

Alyssum, Baby’s Breath,  Bachelor’s Button, Calendula, Geranium, Nasturtium, Nicotiana, Ornamental Cabbage and Kale, Pansy, Petunia, Phlox, Pinks, Scabiosa, Snapdragon, Statice, Stock, Verbena.

Vegetables to Plant

Beets, Broccoli, Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Chinese Cabbage, Collards, Endive, Kohlrabi, Lettuce, Mustard, Onions, Peas, Radish, Spinach, Turnips.

Bulbs to Plant

Amaryllis, Calla, Crinum, Daylily, Easter, Lily, Gladiolus, Spider Lily, Rain Lily.

November Bloomers

Allamanda, Bird-of-Paradise, Bottlebrush, Bougainvillea, Cape Honeysuckle, Floss Silk Tree, Golden Rain Tree, Hibiscus, Holly (berries), Hong Kong Orchid Tree, Ixora, Oleander, Periwinkle, Powderpuff, Pyracantha (berries), Roses, Thunbergia, Turk’s Cap, Phalaenopsis.

Orchid Care

Watch the weather forecast for occasional cool nights, protect cane Dendrobiums, Phalaenopsis and Vandas.  Water thoroughly before cool weather.  Most orchids will be ending their bloom cycle and should be evaluated for repotting needs.

Fruits in Season

Avocado, Banana, Carambola, Citrus, Papaya.

What to Do

• Fertilization: Follow all city, county, or state fertilizer codes. Nitrogen fertilizer must contain at least 50% slow-release nitrogen.  No more that 4 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 sq.ft. may be applied to turf or landscape plants each year, and no more that 1 pound of total nitrogen per 1,000 sq.ft. may be applied at any one time.  No more that 0.5 pounds of phosphorus per 1,000 sq.ft. may be applied to turf or landscape plants each year, and no more that 0.25 pounds of total phosphorus per 1,000 sq.ft. may be applied at any one time.  Other nutrients may be applied at recommended rates, but stay at least 10’ away from water bodies or wetlands.  Choose organic or controlled-release fertilizers whenever possible.
• Irrigation: irrigate as needed unless it rains. Apply ½” to ¾” of water once or twice a week. Established drought-tolerant species may not need irrigation.   Be sure to follow any current city, county, or Water Management District watering restrictions. To calibrate your irrigation system: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/LH026.
• Visually inspect each irrigation head monthly while the irrigation system is running.  Make sure heads are reaching their intended target plants, rotors are turning, clean any clogged nozzles, and repair any leaks.  Check mandatory rain shut-off devices to ensure they are operating properly. 

• Lawns may be over-seeded with ryegrass to keep them green through the winter. Do not plant ryegrass too thickly or you may kill the permanent lawn grass.
• Strawberries should be planted before the middle of the month.
• To control spider mites on fruit trees, junipers, Pyracantha, or other ornamentals, spray twice 5/6 days apart with Insecticidal Soap or any other miticide.

Check poinsettias regularly for hornworms and watch for caterpillars on oleanders and treat with Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) if necessary. 

• Plant flowering annuals for winter color.

Temperature: Average Daily High: 74, Low: 53; Record High: 89, Low: 20

Rainfall: Average: 2”, High: 8”, Low: Trace

Flowers to Plant

Alyssum, Baby’s Breath, Bachelor’s Button, Calendula, Candytuft, Geranium, Lobelia, Nasturtium, Nemesia, Nicotiana, Ornamental Cabbage and Kale, Pansy, Petunia, Phlox, Pinks, Poppy, Scabiosa, Snapdragon, Statice, Stock, Verbena.

Vegetables to Plant

Beets, Broccoli, Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Chinese Cabbage, Collards, Endive, Lettuce Mustard, Onions, Parsley, Peas, Radish, Spinach, Turnips.

Bulbs to Plant

Amaryllis, Calla, Crinum, Dahlia, Daylily, Easter Lily, Gladiolus, Spider Lily, Rain Lily.

December Bloomers

Allamanda, Bird-of-Paradise, Bougainvillea, Hibiscus, Holly (berries), Hong Kong Orchid-Tree, Jasmine, Periwinkle, Poinsettia, Powderpuff,  Pyracantha (berries), Roses, Turk’s Cap, Rhyncolaelia, Phalaenopsis.

Orchid Care

Discontinue all watering to Dendrobium nobile types.  Watch the weather forecast for cold nights, protect cane Dendrobiums, Phalaenopsis and Vandas.  Water thoroughly before cool weather. 

Fruits in Season

Avocado, Banana, Carambola, Citrus, Papaya.

What to Do

• Fertilization: Follow all city, county, or state fertilizer codes. Nitrogen fertilizer must contain at least 50% slow-release nitrogen.  No more that 4 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 sq.ft. may be applied to turf or landscape plants each year, and no more that 1 pound of total nitrogen per 1,000 sq.ft. may be applied at any one time.  No more that 0.5 pounds of phosphorus per 1,000 sq.ft. may be applied to turf or landscape plants each year, and no more that 0.25 pounds of total phosphorus per 1,000 sq.ft. may be applied at any one time.  Other nutrients may be applied at recommended rates, but stay at least 10’ away from water bodies or wetlands.  Choose organic or controlled-release fertilizers whenever possible.
• Irrigation: irrigate as needed unless it rains. Apply ½” to ¾” of water once a week.  Established drought-tolerant species may not need irrigation.  Be sure to follow any current city, county, or Water Management District watering restrictions. To calibrate your irrigation system: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/LH026.
• Visually inspect each irrigation head monthly while the irrigation system is running.  Make sure heads are reaching their intended target plants, rotors are turning, clean any clogged nozzles, and repair any leaks.  Check mandatory rain shut-off devices to ensure they are operating properly. 
• Do not irrigate on nights when a hard freeze is predicted.
• Plant hardy trees, shrubs and vines.
• Be prepared to protect tender plants from frost by covering them if necessary.
• Check poinsettias regularly for hornworm infestations and treat with Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) if necessary. 
• Mow and fertilize ryegrass if planted in November.
• Pinch growing tips of annuals to encourage branching and remove faded flowers.
• Watch annuals for insect damage and spider mites and use IPM (Integrated Pest Management) strategies to correct problems.

Temperature: Average Daily High: 72, Low: 51; Record High: 88, Low: 20

Rainfall: Average: 2”, High: 8”, Low: Trace

Flowers to Plant

Alyssum, Anchusa, Arctotis, Baby’s Breath, Bachelor’s Button, Calendula, Candytuft, Cleome, Geranium, Lobelia, Nasturtium, Nemesia, Nicotiana, Ornamental Cabbage and Kale, Pansy, Petunia, Phlox, Pinks, Poppy, Scabiosa, Snapdragon, Statice, Stock, Verbena.

Vegetables to Plant

Beets, Broccoli, Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Chinese Cabbage, Collards, Eggplant, Endive,  Lettuce, Mustard, Onions Sets, Parsley, Peas, Pepper, Potatoes, Radish, Spinach, Turnips.

Bulbs to Plant

Amaryllis, Calla, Crinum, Dahlia, Daylily, Gladiolus, Gloriosa Lily, Spider Lily, Rain Lily.

January Bloomers

Bougainvillea, Flame Vine, Geranium, Holly (berries), Hong Kong Orchid Tree, Jasmine, Poinsettia, Powderpuff, Pyrancantha (berries), Turk’s Cap, Laelia, Myrmecophila.

Orchid Care

Orchids should be kept on the dry side this month, scout plants for mite outbreaks.  Watch the weather forecast for cold nights, protect cane Dendrobiums, Phalaenopsis and Vandas.  Water thoroughly before cool weather. 

Fruits in Season

Avocado, Citrus

What to Do

• Fertilization: Follow all city, county, or state fertilizer codes. Nitrogen fertilizer must contain at least 50% slow-release nitrogen.  No more that 4 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 sq.ft. may be applied to turf or landscape plants each year, and no more that 1 pound of total nitrogen per 1,000 sq.ft. may be applied at any one time.  No more that 0.5 pounds of phosphorus per 1,000 sq.ft. may be applied to turf or landscape plants each year, and no more that 0.25 pounds of total phosphorus per 1,000 sq.ft. may be applied at any one time.  Other nutrients may be applied at recommended rates, but stay at least 10’ away from water bodies or wetlands.  Choose organic or controlled-release fertilizers whenever possible.
• Irrigation: irrigate as needed unless it rains. Apply ½” to ¾” of water once a week.  Established drought-tolerant species may not need irrigation.  Be sure to follow any current city, county, or Water Management District watering restrictions. To calibrate your irrigation system: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/LH026.
• Visually inspect each irrigation head monthly while the irrigation system is running.  Make sure heads are reaching their intended target plants, rotors are turning, clean any clogged nozzles, and repair any leaks.  Check mandatory rain shut-off devices to ensure they are operating properly. 

• This is a good time of year to plant citrus trees. Loosen the roots before planting or cut through any circling roots, and set the plant slightly higher than it grew in the container.
• Plant hardy vegetables such as peas and lettuce, Prepare to plant warm-season vegetables (beans, tomatoes, etc.) in late January or early February. Seeds may be sown in containers now for transplanting  later.
• Fertilize St. Augustine lawns, ornamental plants, and fruit trees including citrus this month or next.
• Pinch growing tips of annuals to encourage branching and remove faded flowers.
• Plant dormant trees and shrubs. Florida’s Arbor Day is the third Friday in January.
• Prune roses, grape vines, and deciduous fruit trees.
• Cover tender plants if necessary to protect them from frost.
• Reduce frequency of irrigation. Do not allow sprinklers to come on during nights that a freeze is expected.
• Prepare the soil properly before planting a spring flower garden. Cold-hardy annuals may be planted now but wait until early February before planting tender annuals such as marigolds.

Temperature: Average Daily High: 74, Low: 53; Record High: 89, Low:21

Rainfall: Average: 3”, High: 9½”, Low: Trace

Flowers to Plant

Ageratum, Alyssum, Amaranth, Anchusa, Arctotis, Baby’s Breath, Begonia, Calendula, Candytuft, Cleome, Cosmos, Dusty Miller, Gaillardia, Gazania, Geranium, Lobelia, Marigold, Nasturtium, Nemesia, Nicotiana, Ornamental Cabbage and Kale, Periwinkle, Petunia, Phlox, Pinks, Poppy, Salvia, Snapdragon, Stock, Strawflower, Verbena.

Vegetables to Plant

Beans, Beets, Cantaloupes, Carrots, Collards, Corn, Cucumbers, Eggplant, Endive, Kohlrabi, Lettuce, Mustard, Onion Sets, Peas, Pepper, Potatoes, Radish, Squash, Sweet Potatoes, Tomatoes, Turnips, Watermelon.

Bulbs to Plant

Amaryllis, Blood Lily, Caladium, Canna, Crinum, Dahlia, Eucharis, Gladiolus, Gloriosa Lily, Spider Lily Rain Lily.

February Bloomers

Azalea, Bougainvillea, Flame Vine, Geranium, Hibiscus, Holly (berries), Hong Kong Orchid Tree, Jasmine, Powderpuff, Pyracantha (berries), Turk’s Cap, Viburnum.

Fruit in Season

Citrus, Loquat, Strawberry

Orchid Care

Start thinking of spring repotting. Keep an eye out for leaf and flower diseases.  Watch the weather forecast for cold nights, protect cane Dendrobiums, Phalaenopsis and Vandas.  Water thoroughly before cool weather. 

What to Do

• Fertilization: Follow all city, county, or state fertilizer codes. Nitrogen fertilizer must contain at least 50% slow-release nitrogen.  No more that 4 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 sq.ft. may be applied to turf or landscape plants each year, and no more that 1 pound of total nitrogen per 1,000 sq.ft. may be applied at any one time.  No more that 0.5 pounds of phosphorus per 1,000 sq.ft. may be applied to turf or landscape plants each year, and no more that 0.25 pounds of total phosphorus per 1,000 sq.ft. may be applied at any one time.  Other nutrients may be applied at recommended rates, but stay at least 10’ away from water bodies or wetlands.  Choose organic or controlled-release fertilizers whenever possible.
• Irrigation: irrigate as needed unless it rains. Apply ½” to ¾” of water once a week.  Established drought-tolerant species may not need irrigation.  Be sure to follow any current city, county, or Water Management District watering restrictions. To calibrate your irrigation system: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/LH026.
• Visually inspect each irrigation head monthly while the irrigation system is running.  Make sure heads are reaching their intended target plants, rotors are turning, clean any clogged nozzles, and repair any leaks.  Check mandatory rain shut-off devices to ensure they are operating properly. 

• Plant the spring vegetable garden, including warm season vegetables such as beans and tomatoes.
• Fertilize all ornamental plants, fruit trees and St. Augustine lawns, unless this is done in January.
• Fertilize bahia grass lawns this month or next.
• Apply a minor element nutritional spray to citrus this month or next.
• Mulch in shrub beds should be 2 or 3 inches deep.
• Transplant dormant trees and shrubs. Plant fruit trees and landscape plants. ( This is a good time of year to plant citrus trees.)
• This is the last month to plant cool season annuals such as calendulas, petunias, or snapdragons.
• Wait at least a month before pruning frost-damaged plants.
• Hardy shrubs may be pruned now and tender shrubs after the middle of the month, except for spring- flowering shrubs such as azaleas and gardenias.

Temperature: Average Daily High: 82, Low: 61; Record High: 93, Low: 37

Rainfall: Average: 2½”, High: 10”, Low: Trace

Flowers to Plant

Begonia, Celosia, Coleus, Cosmos, Dusty Miller, Gaillardia, Gazania, Globe Amaranth, Marigold, Morning Glory, Nicotiana, Periwinkle, Portulaca, Rudbeckia, Salvia, Sunflower, Torenia, Verbena, Zinnia.

Vegetables to Plant

Beans, Cantaloupes, Collards, Mustard, New Zealand Spinach, Okra, Peanuts, Pumpkin, Southern Peas, Squash, Sweet Potatoes, Turnips.

Bulbs to Plant

Blood Lily, Caladium, Canna, Crinum, Eucharis, Gloriosa Lily, Society Garlic, Spider Lily, Rain Lily

April Bloomers

Amaryllis, Azalea, Bottlebrush, Bougainvillea, Cape Honeysuckle, Citrus, Confederate Jasmine, Gardenia, Geranium, Gerbera Daisy, Hibiscus, India Hawthorn, Jacaranda, Jerusalem Thorn, Lantana, Oleander, Orchid Trees, Plumbago, Roses, Silk Oak, Tree of Gold, Wildflowers, Phalaenopsis, Oncidium.

Orchid Care

Increase watering and fertilizer.

Fruits in Season

Citrus, Loquat, Peach, Strawberry

What to Do

• Fertilization: Follow all city, county, or state fertilizer codes. Nitrogen fertilizer must contain at least 50% slow-release nitrogen.  No more that 4 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 sq.ft. may be applied to turf or landscape plants each year, and no more that 1 pound of total nitrogen per 1,000 sq.ft. may be applied at any one time.  No more that 0.5 pounds of phosphorus per 1,000 sq.ft. may be applied to turf or landscape plants each year, and no more that 0.25 pounds of total phosphorus per 1,000 sq.ft. may be applied at any one time.  Other nutrients may be applied at recommended rates, but stay at least 10’ away from water bodies or wetlands.  Choose organic or controlled-release fertilizers whenever possible.
• Irrigation: irrigate as needed unless it rains. Apply ½” to ¾” of water once or twice a week. Established drought-tolerant species may not need irrigation.   Be sure to follow any current city, county, or Water Management District watering restrictions. To calibrate your irrigation system: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/LH026.
• Visually inspect each irrigation head monthly while the irrigation system is running.  Make sure heads are reaching their intended target plants, rotors are turning, clean any clogged nozzles, and repair any leaks.  Check mandatory rain shut-off devices to ensure they are operating properly. 

• Prune azaleas and other spring-flowering shrubs, if needed, as soon as they finish blooming.
• Inspect roses weekly to control black spot and powdery mildew, and fertilize every 3 to 4 weeks.
• Watch for spider mites on junipers, pyracantha, and other plants. Inspect gardenias for whiteflies and oleanders for caterpillars, and treat if necessary.  Use IPM (Integrated Pest Management) strategies to correct problems.
• Apply manganese sulfate to weak or yellow queen palms, royal palms, and king sagos, up to 5 pounds for a mature palm.
• Pinch growing tips of annuals to encourage branching and remove faded flowers.
• Fertilize all landscape plants unless this was done in March and apply a minor element nutritional spray to “acid-loving” plants, especially those that are yellowish.
• Air-layer trees and shrubs to get more plants.
• Sharpen mower blades and tune the engine. For most Florida grasses, set the mower blade as high as you can.
• Remove thatch from excessively spongy St. Augustine grass lawns by vertical mowing. Dethatching of bahia grass is usually unnecessary.

Temperature: Average Daily High: 87, Low: 66; Record High: 98, Low: 45

Rainfall: Average: 3”, High: 10½”, Low: Trace

Flowers to Plant

Celosia, Coleus, Cosmos, Dusty Miller, Gaillardia, Gazania, Marigold, Morning Glory, Nicotiana, Periwinkle, Portulaca, Salvia, Sunflower, Torenia, Verbena, Zinnia.

Vegetables to Plant

Collards, Mustard, New Zealand Spinach, Okra, Peanuts, Pumpkins, Southern Peas, Sweet Potatoes, Turnips (for greens).

Bulbs to Plant

Caladium, Crinum, Eucharis, Gloriosa Lily, Society Garlic, Spider Lily, Rain Lily.

May Bloomers

Allamanda, Australian Flame Tree, Bird-of-Paradise, Bottlebrush, Bougainvillea, Caladium, Canna, Confederate Jasmine, Daylilies, Gardenia, Geranium, Gerbera Daisy, Hibiscus, Ixora, Jacaranda, Jerusalem Thorn, Lantana, Oleander, Plumbago, Roses, Silk Oak, Society Garlic, Southern Magnolia, Flowering Annuals

Fruits in Season

Blackberry, Blueberry, Citrus, Peach.

Orchid Care

Monitor for soft or black rot on sympodial orchids.

What to Do

• Fertilization: Follow all city, county, or state fertilizer codes. Nitrogen fertilizer must contain at least 50% slow-release nitrogen.  No more that 4 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 sq.ft. may be applied to turf or landscape plants each year, and no more that 1 pound of total nitrogen per 1,000 sq.ft. may be applied at any one time.  No more that 0.5 pounds of phosphorus per 1,000 sq.ft. may be applied to turf or landscape plants each year, and no more that 0.25 pounds of total phosphorus per 1,000 sq.ft. may be applied at any one time.  Other nutrients may be applied at recommended rates, but stay at least 10’ away from water bodies or wetlands.  Choose organic or controlled-release fertilizers whenever possible.
• Irrigation: irrigate as needed unless it rains. Apply ½” to ¾” of water once or twice a week. Established drought-tolerant species may not need irrigation.   Be sure to follow any current city, county, or Water Management District watering restrictions. To calibrate your irrigation system: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/LH026.
• Visually inspect each irrigation head monthly while the irrigation system is running.  Make sure heads are reaching their intended target plants, rotors are turning, clean any clogged nozzles, and repair any leaks.  Check mandatory rain shut-off devices to ensure they are operating properly. 
• Prune any potentially hazardous trees before hurricane season to reduce the risk of wind damage.  Do not “hatrack” or “liontail” your trees, but evenly thin the canopy by up to 30%.  Remove any damaged or weak limbs, and prune back branches rubbing on buildings.

• Fertilize all ornamental plants, fruit trees, and St. Augustine grass lawns in May or early June.
• Inspect for mole crickets in bahia grass lawns. Use IPM (Integrated Pest Management) strategies to correct problems.
• Watch for powdery mildew. Watch for caterpillars on oleanders, whiteflies on gardenias and jasmine, spider mites on junipers and pyracantha, and mealybugs on king sagos and other plants. Use IPM (Integrated Pest Management) strategies to correct problems.  If a pesticide application is warranted, spray before 10 a.m. to avoid injury to plants, but do not spray plants which may be suffering from lack of water.
• Prune poinsettias regularly to produce bushy plants.
• Remove grass around palms and tree trunks to avoid damage caused by mowers or string trimmers. Remove grass and weeds underneath young citrus and shade trees.
• To propagate new plants, air-layer shrubs and vines, or start new plants from cuttings.