The Neighborhood Gardener – September
Happy gardening!
Time for Figs
The fig is a handsome tree that bears delicious fruit. It can also be grown as a large shrub or planted in a container. Of all the kinds of figs, the "common" fig is the best for Florida. Look for varieties adapted to the state, such as 'Celeste' or 'Brown Turkey'. Fruit on Florida-Friendly varieties ripens between July and October, and their size and taste vary. Check out these fig recipes for ways to cook and eat them. Learn more.
Plant of the Month: Cigar Flower
Cigar flower has narrow, tubular flowers that range from deep orange to red, making them a
favorite with hummingbirds. Because of their shape and color, the flowers are said to resemble lit cigars. Cigar
flower grows as a perennial in South Florida, but gardeners in colder areas of Florida may wish to protect it from
freezing temperatures in winter. Plant your cigar flower in full sun or even in part shade, preferably in a well-drained, enriched soil.
More
September in Your Garden
Start the fall planting season now. Plant cool-season vegetable crops such as celery, cabbage, lettuce, and collards. Plant herbs that tolerate the warm temperatures of early fall, such as Mexican tarragon, mint, rosemary, and basil.
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? Friend: Paper Wasp
Paper wasps are considered beneficial by some gardeners because they feed on insects, including
caterpillars. However, they will attack if their nest is disturbed and each can sting repeatedly, so take care
when working around nests. Paper wasps typically build nests underneath eaves or in other protected areas on
structures or plants. More
Master Gardener Conference Registration Open
Registration for the 2011 Florida Master Gardener Continued Training Conference
is now open. The conference will be held October 24-26 at the Royal Plaza Hotel in Lake Buena Vista. This year's
conference will feature Dr. Bob Stamps from the Mid-Florida Research & Extension Center and noted
horticultural author Tom MacCubbin. Register today!
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Success Stories
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