The Neighborhood Gardener – January

Happy new year, and happy gardening!

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Pruning Crapemyrtle

The crapemyrtle is a versatile, drought-tolerant plant that produces dazzling blooms all summer long. During the winter months, it's a living sculpture, adding form and texture to the landscape. Late winter is the optimal time to prune crapemyrtles. It's important that you know how to prune correctly so that you can avoid topping—a practice commonly known as "crape murder." More

Composting Workshops Take Out the Garbage

Composting workshops conducted by the Hillsborough County FYN team provide information to the public about all aspects of composting. Topics include the role of microorganisms, composting methods, maintenance and avoiding odor, and uses for compost. More

Plant of the Month: Tea Olive

Tea olive is a classic Southern shrub that blooms at various times of the year with tiny but amazingly fragrant flowers. Its glossy, evergreen leaves and dense growth habit make it well suited for screens and hedges. More

January in Your Garden

Plants that can be added to the garden during the coolest months include alyssum, calendula, carnation, pansy, petunia, dianthus, and snapdragons. Frost or freezes are likely this month and next in north and central Florida. Be ready to cover tender plants to minimize damage.

For more month-by-month gardening tips, check out the Florida Gardening Calendar. Three different editions of the calendar provide specific tips for each of Florida's gardening regions—North, Central, and South. More

Friend or Foe? Foe: Stinging Nettle

Stinging nettle, sometimes called firedweed, causes a painful, burning sensation to those who touch it. Apart from the tiny, stinging hairs covering its stems, it has few distinguishing characteristics, making it hard to avoid.
More

Featured Shows on Gardening in a Minute

• Adaptive Tools
• Treating Cold Damaged Plants
• Edible Flowers
• Ajuga
• Pruning Roses

 

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