The Neighborhood Gardener – August

Magenta flowers on a tree

Happy gardening!

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Summer Vegetables, Part Deux

Long, thin, light purple eggplants, on top of other eggplants, some dark purple, some white, and even some that are orange As far as the more common edible garden plants go, there isn't much that can be planted in the heat of Florida's summers. August is when the number of edible plants you can start growing begins to kick off again. For some plants you can start a second crop, like eggplants, peppers, and tomatoes. Gardeners in Central and South Florida can start growing okra in August. In North and Central Florida, August marks the time you can plant squash again. Check out the infographic on UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions for more information on the edible plants that can be planted in August. More


Succulent Garden DIY

A wide, shallow pottery container filled with different succment plants, mostly green but one has red flowersWe've created a fast and fun video tutorial on creating a succulent garden. You can use practically any container, just be sure it has drainage holes. Next add your soil; either use a mix intended for succulents or mix soil and sand in equal proportion. Then get to adding plants. For the best-looking planter, vary colors and textures. Don't forget to include some succulents that will spill nicely over the edge of your container. Once you're done, admire your efforts and be sure to give your newly planted succulents some water. Watch our video on YouTube.


Hurricane Pre-pruning

Using a hand saw to prune a branch off a treeHurricane season started in June, but as the summer progresses it starts to kick up more. Healthy trees are a key part of making sure your home and landscape are ready should a hurricane head your way. When in doubt, look for a certified arborist to prune your trees. As far as palms go, avoid anything called "hurricane pruning" as this will do more harm than help to your tree. More


Wendy's Wanderings

Wendy WilberWhy did I ever plant these vines in my landscape? Have you ever asked yourself this question? It rang in my ears again this past week when I was cutting and pulling sky vine (Thunbergia grandiflora) off my citrus trees. "It looks pretty," they said. "It'll jazz up the back fence with purple flowers," they promised. "It's not too bad to control." File these under: fibs that plant friends have told me about vines. More


Plant of the Month: Wild Coffee

Tiny, deep wine-red fruits in a cluster on a green plantWild coffee is a Florida native shrub that gets its name from the small red fruits it produces which resemble true coffee beans, the difference being that wild coffee's fruits contain no caffeine. This shrub thrives in shade and is best grown in zones 9-11, as it is not cold-hardy. Aside from being attractive, wild coffee's berries also attract birds and other wildlife, while the flowers are one of the nectar sources for the rare Atala butterfly found primarily in southeast Florida. More


Fire Ants

A very close view of an ant specimenFire ants are notoriously painful pests. They build large nests, aggressively defend their areas, and are hard to get rid of. There are a variety of treatment options you can employ, and what is best for one landscape may not work well for another. Your local county Extension office can offer you the most individualized help. Read more about fire ants and various control methods.
(Photo of red imported fire ant by Pest and Diseases Image Library, Bugwood.org)


August in Your Garden

Orange crossandra flowersWith the heat of summer reaching its peak, the promise of more pleasant outdoor weather is just around the corner. You have a few options in terms of gardening; one is to continue planting your heat-tolerant flowers and herbs. Alternatively, you can wistfully admire your garden from the temperature-controlled comfort of your home, while planning for your fall garden when the temperatures truly begin to drop.

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.


What's Going On?

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