The Neighborhood Gardener

March 2026

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Pollen and Allergies in Florida

Spring in Florida can feel like a brief affair, bringing mild temperatures that invite us outside to take advantage. But the season also brings pollen, which can be very disruptive for those with allergies. While pollen is essential for seed production of flowering plants, it can cause significant health-related issues for humans. You might be surprised which plants actually produce the pollen resulting in watery eyes and stuffy noses. We list the culprits causing misery and share tips on reducing your exposure in a new article in Gardening Solutions.

Petscaping

“Petscaping” is just a fancy term for landscape design that makes special consideration for pets. The idea is to protect beloved animals from harm while also keeping your cherished plants safe from curious — and sometimes destructive — pets. From toxic plants to creative barriers and mulch choices, Gardening Solutions has the “do’s” and “don’ts” of petscaping, all to help you create a space you and your animal companion can enjoy in safety and harmony.

Keeping Your Florida Soil Productive and Healthy

Good, healthy soil is the basis for any plant’s success. Monitoring your soil’s productivity and adjusting management along the way can make a huge difference in the garden. This earthy substance is not just a mixture of particles; it’s teeming with life and functions as a medium for nutrient and water uptake and more. This expanded article describes the range of soils found in Florida and what the term “soil health” actually means. It also explains how you can measure the health of your landscape’s soil and offers steps on improving it if necessary.

Wendy’s Wanderings

“When life overwhelms you, head straight to the garden and let it overwhelm you too.”
I recently shared this quote with a friend because it made me laugh out loud. It also reminded me of the long list of seasonal chores waiting for me in the yard — tasks that, once completed, make the garden a much more enjoyable place to relax and recharge. March is a wonderful transition month in Florida gardens, and a little attention now can set the stage for a successful growing season.

Plant of the Month: Oakleaf Hydrangea

Looking for a blooming native plant that thrives in the shade? Look no further than oakleaf hydrangea. Hydrangea quercifolia is a coarse-textured shrub that works well as an understory plant below large trees like live oaks. In addition to its large leaves resembling an oak tree’s, each spring and summer it puts up huge cone-shaped clusters of white flowers that will stay on the plant for months. Best suited for zones 5a-9b, oakleaf hydrangea will perform best if planted in fertile, well-drained soil, in partial to almost full shade.

March in Your Garden

Spring officially begins this month and much can be grown. In the vegetable garden, plant green onions, beans, peas and more. Choices for freshening your flowerbeds is practically endless, but we like native milkweeds, sunflowers and rudbeckias. Prune flowering shrubs only after the last flowers fade but before new flower buds set. Mandatory water restrictions are in place throughout most of the state, so be sure to put the right plant in the right place and check with your local government about watering times.

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.