The Neighborhood Gardener – November
Growing Radishes with Children
Are you looking for something to entertain little ones over the holidays? Plant radishes with them Thanksgiving weekend and they'll be harvesting by winter break! We love the flavor but what we appreciate most about radishes are the rainbow of colors and short harvest time. They're easy to grow, too, making them a perfect first crop for young gardeners. Learn more about Raphanus sativus.
Iguanas as Garden Pests
Watch out for falling iguanas! As a result of the exotic pet trade, iguanas have made their home in South Florida. In this subtropical climate they are causing problems for homeowners and workplaces. These nuisance reptiles damage plants, leave a mess, and even bite or scratch if they feel threatened. This new article offers a number of strategies for homeowners to make their landscapes less attractive to iguanas.
Wendy's Wanderings
In Florida there is always color in our landscapes or natural areas. We are, as Ponce de Leon proclaimed us, "La Florida" — the land of flowers. When the rest of the country is leaf peeping we are enjoying the subtropical colors. I had the pleasure to stop into Mounts Botanical Gardens earlier this month for a quick visit only to have my visual senses knocked out by their silk floss tree in full bloom. Read on for more of Wendy's favorites for fall color.
Plant of the Month: Roselle
A relative of hibiscus and okra, this plant was once a very popular edible. Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) is native to Central and West Africa and is grown around the world. It does best in well-drained soil and full sun, and appreciates watering when rainfall is inadequate. A truly tropical plant, roselle is only cold hardy in zones 9-10. Learn more about the plant sometimes called "Florida cranberry."
MGV Book Club
Mark your calendars for November 19th at 1 pm! Next Friday is our final book club meeting of 2021 and you're invited. We'll be talking plants with "How Plants Work" author Linda Chalker-Scott and our host, Wendy Wilber. Please pre-register to join the conversation via our secure Zoom webinar or watch live on Facebook. You can also learn more about the book and the MGV club.
November in Your Garden
A long list of cool-season crops can be planted now including broccoli, onions, kale, and carrots. Turn off irrigation systems and water only if needed; plants need less supplemental watering in cooler weather. Watch for hornworms on poinsettias planted in the landscape. This pest can quickly defoliate a plant. Handpick or treat only the infested area.
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 Volunteer program or Extension office is having an event, be sure to share it with us.