The Neighborhood Gardener – April

Brunfelsia pauciflora

Happy gardening!

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Peaches Don't Have to Come From a Can

Peach, variety UF2000Georgia may be known for its peaches, but here in Florida we can also grow these tender stone fruits. Well, at least all gardeners north of Fort Meyers can give it a try. While you will need a variety that requires fewer chill hours (in the 300-hours range), there are still plenty of options for those interested in growing peaches in the Sunshine State. More


Petscaping

Murphy the Australian shepherd, photo by Jennifer Sykes all rights reserved."Landscaping" is a common term, but have you heard of "petscaping"? This new term is being batted around by businesses interested in reaching out to the 60 percent of Americans who own pets. "Petscaping" looks at creating a landscape that is both beautiful to look at and safe for our furry family members. More


Wendy's Wanderings

Wendy WilberIn my gardening classes I often ask, "Who has really good soil?" Most times the silence tells the truth about Florida's soils. Other times, one or two hands will go up and I can tell by their faces that these are gardeners that work on building their soil all year round. Organic matter helps to increase the moisture-holding capacity of the soil, as well as the nutrient-hold ability of the soil. A great garden starts with great soil; that is truly where it all begins. More


Support Tree Research with a Specialty License Plate

A partial glimpse of the license plateThe Florida Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture has a specialty license plate that supports tree research, such as the work by UF/IFAS researchers on the urban tree-planting program. And, for a limited time, if you purchase a new Trees Are Cool license plate, you can get a voucher for a free seminar. More


Plant of the Month: Loropetalum

pink flowers of loropetalumA long way from its native home in the Himalayas, loropetalum is a Florida-Friendly shrub that blooms in spectacular fashion come springtime. Most often found with reddish-bronze foliage, this evergreen (or perhaps "everbronze") usually sports pink frilly flowers this time of year. Loropetalum will grow best in full sun, but can also be grown in partial shade. This eye-catching shrub prefers acidic and well-drained soils. More


April in Your Garden

air potato beetleWhile you continue to plant warm season vegetables, be on the lookout for pests. It's important to protect the beneficial insects in your landscape, so before applying pesticides, be sure to identify the culprit behind your plant damage and use the proper treatment method.

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.


Fertilizer

Bag of lawn fertilizerIt's around this time of year that people start thinking about and applying fertilizer. Fertilizer provides specific nutrients for your plants, and it's available in a variety of forms. Inorganic fertilizers are mined or synthesized, while organic fertilizers are derived from living organisms. Remember, the best fertilizer is the one that provides your plants with what they need, so getting a soil test is really the ideal first step. Either way you start, make sure you look for a slow-release fertilizer with low phosphorous.


What's Going On?

If your Master Gardener program or Extension office is having an event, be sure to share it with us.