The Neighborhood Gardener
September 2025
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Coffee
Coffee is a major horticultural crop grown in over 80 countries around the world. Typically grown in tropical regions with high elevation, coffee can be grown in the southernmost parts of Florida. UF/IFAS researchers are even experimenting with coffee as commercial crop in the state. But this plant isn’t only desirable for its aromatic beans, it also works in the landscape as a specimen plant or small understory tree in wooded areas. Gardening Solutions has planting tips for gardeners in zones 10B through 11 to grow this beautiful shrub.
Gardening with Kids
A child comes running inside to deliver the good news: her sunflower seed has begun sprouting! She marvels at the magic of life and the world of plants. This connection to the land can inspire little ones to care for living things, learn to be responsible, get them outside, and experience joy and calm in an otherwise chaotic and ever-changing world. We have suggestions on how to start gardening with your children, including basic supplies, plants to grow, age-appropriate activities and more.
Lawn Shrimp
Have you ever found little shrimpy creatures in your pool drain or garage? They might be amphipods. These tiny crustaceans are often called “lawn shrimp” for their resemblance to their sea-faring cousins. Lawn shrimp are terrestrial and feed on decomposing leaves, roots and other organic matter, making them a crucial component of nutrient cycling in the soil. You probably won’t see them until they die and turn a dark brown or red color. Learn more about these oddities on Gardening Solutions.
Wendy’s Wanderings
I enjoy looking at home-selling websites like Zillow or Redfin, not because I’m shopping for a new home, but because I like to see the different ways people approach landscaping — especially what they’ve done with curb appeal. It’s a bit like people-watching, only with plants. Landscaping often reveals the difference between homes that feel inviting and well-maintained versus those where plant choices seem like an afterthought.
Plant of the Month: Jaboticaba
Jaboticaba (Plinia cauliflora) can stop you in your tracks. It’s not something that you see every day, with its otherworldly flowers and grape-like fruits that cling directly to the bark. Not only is it visually appealing, but its edible fruits are prolific throughout much of the year, once this slow-growing tree is mature. As a tropical plant, jaboticaba is a wonderful option for South Florida homes as a unique specimen in the landscape. Plant in full sun or partial shade with moist, well-drained soil.
September in Your Garden
In the fall vegetable garden, greens like collards, kale and mustard can be planted now, as well as squash and turnips. North Florida gardeners can start their strawberries towards the end of the month. Freshen up the flower beds with the fall colors of gaillardia, marigolds and tropical sage. Continue to monitor for lawn pests; fall armyworms, chinch bugs and sod webworms are still active this month.
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.