{"id":2061,"date":"2024-05-10T13:58:35","date_gmt":"2024-05-10T17:58:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu\/mastergardener\/?page_id=2061"},"modified":"2025-04-28T15:31:45","modified_gmt":"2025-04-28T19:31:45","slug":"2023-october","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu\/mastergardener\/resources\/newsletters\/2023-october\/","title":{"rendered":"Newsletter October 2023"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<section class=\"fullwidth-text-block\"><div class=\"container px-0\"><div class=\"row align-items-start\"><div class=\"col-12\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Neighborhood Gardener \u2013 October<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"intro\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu\/plants\/ornamentals\/swamp-sunflower.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu\/images\/mgv\/plants\/swamp_sunflowers680.jpg\" alt=\"Webmaster Jennifer never tires of this photo of a wall of golden swamp sunflowers in October\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/visitor.constantcontact.com\/d.jsp?m=1102118090358&amp;p=oi\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sign up for our e-newsletter<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.constantcontact.com\/safesubscribe.jsp\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu\/images\/mgv\/newsletter\/safe_subscribe_logo.jpg\" alt=\"safesubscribe logo\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Coffee<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu\/images\/mgv\/newsletter\/coffee_fruit_seeds_natlas.jpg\" alt=\"Open palm of hand holding three red coffee fruits and three pale tan coffee seeds\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Although coffee is typically grown in tropical regions with high elevation, it can also be grown in the southernmost parts of Florida. The small trees feature tiny fragrant flowers, shiny green foliage, and of course, the red fruits from which we process coffee beans.&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu\/plants\/trees-and-shrubs\/shrubs\/coffee\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">This new article from Gardening Solutions has instructions on planting coffee and how to harvest and prepare the beans.<\/a><br><em>(Photo of coffee fruits and seeds courtesy of Natasha Atlas)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Soapberry<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu\/images\/mgv\/newsletter\/soapberry_soap.jpg\" alt=\"A glass bottle of honey colored liquid soap made from soapberry\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Looking to add more functional ornamentals to your landscape? Soapberry is an attractive tree that also supplies fruits for making soap. We have two species that will thrive in Florida, but both trees produce berries that can be turned into dish soap, laundry detergent, shampoo, and more.&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu\/plants\/trees-and-shrubs\/trees\/soapberry\">This new article on soapberry has growing advice and includes a video tutorial on making the soap.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Keystone Plants<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu\/images\/mgv\/newsletter\/carolina_willow_keystone100.jpg\" alt=\"Naturally shaped slate pavers spaced far enough apart for grass to grow in between\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>We all know that native plants are a valuable addition to the landscape. However, there is a certain category of native plants that is most crucial: keystone plants. By incorporating keystone plants into your landscape, you can do your part in sustaining our declining insect and bird populations. Learn why keystone plants are so important in a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu\/plants\/floridas-keystone-plants\">new article from UF\/IFAS Gardening Solutions.<\/a><br><em>(Photo: Coastal plain willow is a larval host plant for several butterflies.)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Wendy&#8217;s Wanderings<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu\/images\/mgv\/newsletter\/wendy100.jpg\" alt=\"Wendy Wilber\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>My neighborhood is going crazy with fall decorations and I am inspired by their creativity. There are displays of pumpkins, skeletons, witches, and ghosts. It got me thinking about the real ghosts you might encounter in Florida. Not the spooky kind \u2014 the botanical kind. But you will have to get out your hiking shoes and have a little luck to see a couple of them.\u00a0Ready to get spooky? Read on for Wendy&#8217;s ghost story.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Plant of the Month: Coral Bean<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu\/images\/mgv\/newsletter\/coral_bean_flower100.jpg\" alt=\"A spike of red tubular flowers\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Native coral bean adds interest to the landscape from spring through fall. Vibrant red flowers are followed by black seed pods that crack open to reveal striking crimson seeds. If you\u2019re hoping to attract hummingbirds to your yard, this is the plant for you. Coral bean can be planted in zones 8 through 11. As for the seeds, they&#8217;re very pretty \u2014 and very poisonous, so be sure to keep them away from kids and pets.&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu\/plants\/ornamentals\/coral-bean\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Learn more about&nbsp;<em>Erythrina herbacea<\/em>.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Shampoo Ginger<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu\/images\/mgv\/newsletter\/shampoo_ginger_cones.jpg\" alt=\"Pinecone-shaped red showy bracts of shampoo ginger\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Shampoo ginger brings a tropical flair to the landscape and can be used in the shower. The foliage resembles other ornamental gingers, but in the spring, the flowers appear within bracts that resemble red pine cones. As the name implies, squeezing these cones causes them to release a clear liquid that can be used as shampoo! It thrives in zones 9 through 11 and will die back in the winter.&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu\/plants\/ornamentals\/shampoo-ginger\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Lather up and learn more about&nbsp;<em>Zingiber zerumbet<\/em>.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"month\">October in Your Garden<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft\"><a href=\"https:\/\/gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu\/plants\/edibles\/fruits\/strawberries.html\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu\/images\/mgv\/newsletter\/strawberry_tyler100.jpg\" alt=\"Big red strawberry\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>It&#8217;s truly, finally gardening season in Florida. October is the month for planting cool-loving annuals like dianthus, impatiens, and pansies. It&#8217;s also a great month for planting vegetables like beets, broccoli, leafy greens, and radish. And don&#8217;t forget the strawberries\u2014this is Florida&#8217;s short window for planting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For more month-by-month gardening tips, check out the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/edis.ifas.ufl.edu\/topics\/calendars?audience=homeowner\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Florida Gardening Calendar<\/a>. Three different editions of the calendar provide specific tips for each of Florida&#8217;s gardening regions\u2014<a href=\"https:\/\/edis.ifas.ufl.edu\/publication\/EP451\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">North,<\/a>&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/edis.ifas.ufl.edu\/publication\/EP450\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Central,<\/a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/edis.ifas.ufl.edu\/publication\/EP452\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">South.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What&#8217;s Going On?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>If your Master Gardener Volunteer program or Extension office is having an event, be sure to&nbsp;<a href=\"mailto:jsykes@ufl.edu\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">share it with us.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu\/mastergardener\/events\/\">Events Calendar<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":0,"parent":1989,"menu_order":27,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"featured_post":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-2061","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu\/mastergardener\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2061","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu\/mastergardener\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu\/mastergardener\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu\/mastergardener\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/9"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu\/mastergardener\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2061"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu\/mastergardener\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2061\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6103,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu\/mastergardener\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2061\/revisions\/6103"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu\/mastergardener\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1989"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu\/mastergardener\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2061"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}