The Neighborhood Gardener – September

The white pin-cushion-looking flower of buttonbush

Wishing all of our readers safe and sound.

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After the Storm: Hurricane Cleanup

Rainbow-style satellite image of hurricane Irma as of Sept 7, 2017 from NOAA.orgHurricane Irma has devastated communities in Florida and the Caribbean. For those fortunate enough to have their houses spared, the first step is usually to check out the landscape. Clean-up after a storm is often a massive undertaking. Many jobs should be left to professionals, but if you do take on smaller jobs yourself, make sure you have the right tools and safety gear. For more tips, read "Cleaning Up After a Hurricane" on Gardening Solutions.


Succulents

Succulent plant growing in a mug shaped like a foxSucculents are unique and low-maintenance plants with fleshy leaves and stems. They are generally found in arid or semi-arid climates and other harsh environments. Echeveria, Sedum, Sempervivum, and Kalanchoe are four genera of succulents popular for growing both indoors and out. There are literally thousands of succulent cultivars, varying widely in form, size, color, and shape, so we'll only scratch the surface of options in this article. More


Succulent Garden DIY

Different succulent plants in a clay potGot the urge to try growing succulents? We’ve got a fun little tutorial for setting up your own succulent container. With just a few supplies—even a container you might have laying around—you can create a unique plant focal point for your home or landscape. More


Plant of the Month: Avocado

Two green smooth avocados still hanging on the treeTrendy and nutritious avocados can be grown in South Florida! There are many avocado varieties; the ones best for growing in Florida are green-skinned and are lower in fat and calories than their Hass counterparts. And while laurel wilt is a disease that has the potential to really hurt Florida’s avocado industry, it may still be worth it for you to try growing an avocado tree in your yard depending on where you live.  More


Irritating Plants

Immature poison oak photo by Larry Korhnak, UF/IFASDo you know which plants in your area might have the potential to leave you itching and uncomfortable? Four native plants—poison ivy, poison oak, poison sumac, and poisonwood—are known for the severe skin rash they cause in those who come into contact with them. Be sure you know where these plants can be found, and what they look like, in order to keep yourself out of an unfortunate spot. More


September in Your Garden

Yellow and orange spikes of celosiaSeptember can be an exciting time in the garden. Perhaps you're starting your fall vegetable seeds, or making the transition in the annual planting beds from warm season to cool weather selections. Now's the time to plant fall herbs that can still handle Florida's warm September temperatures, like 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.


What's Going On?

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