The Neighborhood Gardener – July

pale pinkish lavender crapemyrtle flowers with yellow tipped stamens visible

Happy gardening!

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Culantro

Long dark green leaf with saw toothed margin Culantro is a tasty alternative to cilantro as temperatures rise. Fun fact: Did you know culantro is a key ingredient in sofrito, also called recaito? This popular mixture of vegetables is the base of many Caribbean dishes. Plant culantro seeds this summer and in about three weeks you could be harvesting fresh herbs to use in your kitchen! Learn more about this cilantro-like herb that can take the heat and flavor your food. More

Heat Safety

Sun shining high in sky above pines, as seen from under the eaves of a buildingThe summer garden seems to have an endless amount of work to be done. But working outside during the summer can put gardeners at risk from the unforgiving Florida heat. Be sure to take the necessary precautions and try to work in the morning before the temperatures get too high. Read more about the warning signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, as well as some precautions you should be taking before heading outdoors. More


SunPatiens

A mound of plants with hot pink flowers in front of a park benchImpatiens may be a popular cool-season bedding plant, but for the same wow-worthy color in the heat, try SunPatiens®. Unlike traditional impatiens, this hybrid thrives in full sun and humid, hot weather. Plus, they aren't susceptible to downy mildew the way traditional impatiens are. SunPatiens® flower year-round in Florida. More
(Photo by Stephen Mills)


Wendy's Wanderings

Wendy WilberMost gardeners that I know grow at least a few vegetable plants, fruit trees, and herbs in their yard. Others have full blown mini-farms that are in max production through each growing season. For many years these edible growing activities have been relegated to the back yard. Never mind if the sunniest part of your yard was by the front walk — edible plants had to be grown in the backyard according to most Florida municipalities' regulations. But no longer. More


Plant of the Month: Ponytail Palm

Attractive palm tree-like plant in front yardThe ponytail "palm" might not be a real palm, but it is a great South Florida plant. This tree-sized succulent is a member of the agave family and is named for the long, delicate leaves that drape over the branches, giving it a "ponytail" effect. Being from the dry regions of Mexico, ponytail palm is well suited for rock gardens or for the cooler parts of the state, as a container houseplant. South Florida gardeners can plant ponytail palm in full or part sun in well-drained soil; it's hardy only in zones 10A to 11. More


Doveweed

Bright green grasslike weedDoveweed is an aggressive summer annual turfgrass weed. It resembles St. Augustinegrass in appearance, so this weed can grow unnoticed for some time. But doveweed doesn't just invade St. Augustinegrass, it also takes hold in Bermuda, hybrid Bermuda, and zoysiagrass. Doveweed usually prefers wet areas, so parts of your lawn that have poor drainage or are over-watered are prime spots for it to thrive. It can also cause contact dermatitis in some dogs. More
(Doveweed photo by John D. Byrd, Mississippi State University, Bugwood.org.)


July in Your Garden

Spikes of orange and red celosia flowersDespite the heat, some plants can still be planted, just be sure you're taking care to not overheat your body. Annuals like celosia, coleus, torenia, and ornamental pepper can handle Florida summers. And even in the middle of summer, butterfly lily and gladiolus bulbs can be planted.

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.