The Neighborhood Gardener
October 2025
Pictured: Silk floss tree (Ceiba speciosa). | Sign up for our e-newsletter
Organic Vegetable Gardening
Organic gardening is more than simply replacing synthetic fertilizers and pesticides with natural alternatives. It is a comprehensive term that also describes gardening from an ecological perspective. This philosophy supports the health of not only the plants, but also soil microbes and beneficial insects so that the whole system is thriving. While there are currently no options to certify your home garden as “organic,” there are general practices you can follow to make your garden more sustainable.
Florida Spiders: Arachnids in the Garden
While gardening, you might encounter a whole manner of critters, including the eight-legged variety. Florida’s spiders are both interesting and beneficial, preying on pest insects and keeping certain populations from getting too high. Despite some trepidation from gardeners, these creatures are mostly non-aggressive and shy. But it’s still important to understand the differences between the species and how to identify them.
Goth Gardening
Put on that black eyeliner and spiked choker, blast some haunting tunes and wander through the macabre garden. Flecked with dark and alluring flowers and foliage, this collection of plants is sure to bring back the dead. Black and purple tones can set the mood for a dreary night, while nocturnal flowers and ghostly blooms can reflect the light from the full moon. Check out these frightening plants to add to your goth garden.
Wendy’s Wanderings
This is the time of year when we see pumpkins and gourds in stores and fall displays. Last week, while touring a community garden, I was reminded of another large squash — because I bonked my head on it as I walked under an arbor! It was a luffa, about three feet long, and it saw me before I saw it. If you have some vertical space in your garden, consider growing this fascinating cucurbit. The luffa is unique because it can be eaten when young, and when mature and dried, it transforms into a biodegradable sponge.
Plant of the Month: Beautyberry
If you’re looking for a dazzling plant to attract birds to your yard, look no further than beautyberry (Callicarpa americana). Found growing in Florida hammocks and woodland areas, this native shrub has striking, bright purple fruits that add jubilant color to the landscape. If not devoured first by birds or small mammals, the fruits will remain for several weeks after the plant drops its leaves. Beautyberry can be planted any time of the year in zones 8a to 10b. This shrub is drought tolerant once established and thrives in summer’s heat. It fruits best in full sun but will grow in shade.
October in Your Garden
Even though temperatures are still warm, begin planting for the cooler months ahead. Vegetables that can be grown now include carrots, green onions, lettuce and radishes. And October is strawberry-planting time! This month is the only planting window that applies to all of Florida, so now’s your best chance. “No-chill” bulbs like amaryllis, gladiola and society garlic (pictured) can be planted now as well.
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.