{"id":2069,"date":"2024-05-10T14:11:14","date_gmt":"2024-05-10T18:11:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu\/mastergardener\/?page_id=2069"},"modified":"2025-03-19T14:45:07","modified_gmt":"2025-03-19T18:45:07","slug":"2023-august","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu\/mastergardener\/resources\/newsletters\/2023-august\/","title":{"rendered":"Newsletter August 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 August<\/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\/plumbago.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu\/images\/mgv\/plants\/plumbago680.jpg\" alt=\"Cluster of simple five-petaled plumbago flowers that are pale lavender-blue\"\/><\/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\">Florida&#8217;s Oaks<\/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\/white_oak_fall100.jpg\" alt=\"A white oak tree in the fall so all of its leaves are red and orange\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Florida is home to many types of oak trees, both common and rare. They are economically important, provide visual interest in the landscape (especially in the fall), and supply wildlife with a food source and cover.&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu\/plants\/trees-and-shrubs\/trees\/florida-oaks\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Read on to learn more about a few of our favorite oaks, and perhaps find a few that would be suited to your yard!<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cherry Tomatoes<\/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\/cherry_tomatoes.jpg\" alt=\"Several round red cherry tomatoes in a small green basket\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>The spring planting window for large-fruited tomatoes can be short \u2014 after the chance of frost, but before temperatures get too high for fruit to set. However, cherry tomatoes give most Florida gardeners the chance to plant and enjoy tomatoes throughout our hot summers. There are many varieties to choose from, including the popular Everglades tomato that is particularly hardy and flavorful.&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu\/plants\/edibles\/vegetables\/cherry-tomatoes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Learn more about the best cherry tomato varieties for Florida gardens.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Groundcovers for Shade<\/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\/frog_fruit100.jpg\" alt=\"A super close view of the teeny tiny flowers of fruit fruit, a groundcover.\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>While we may be gardening in the Sunshine State, many gardeners still face the challenge of growing in the shade. Fear not, there is a right plant for every place. Many groundcovers are an excellent alternative, especially in shady spots where turf does not thrive. Groundcovers also help increase soil moisture, while preventing weeds and soil erosion.&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu\/design\/landscaping-for-specific-sites\/groundcovers-for-shade\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Check out our list of recommended groundcovers for shade (bonus: the majority are native).<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" 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>The Southern live oak (<em>Quercus virginiana<\/em>) is our featured plant this month. This interesting tree has long captivated my curiosity. They have very dense, strong wood and can seal off rot more efficiently than other oaks. Their lumber for ship building was so valued that naval live oak reservations were established to preserve the trees for future use. To the delight of my travel companions I have been known to drive miles out of our way to visit special live oaks.\u00a0Find out what live oak was worth the drive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Plant of the Month: Live Oak<\/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\/mehrhof_oak.jpg\" alt=\"Live oak photographed from far away so as to fit it in the frame as it's wider than it is tall\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>The live oak is one of those plants that is inseparable from Florida\u2019s identity. Since they live for hundreds of years, several generations get to enjoy each majestic, sprawling tree that is draped with moss. These trees provide many ecosystem services, and they are an excellent choice for homeowners who are searching for sturdy, wind-resistant trees. If you&#8217;ve got the room, live oaks can be planted in zones 7B through 10B.&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu\/plants\/trees-and-shrubs\/trees\/live-oaks\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Learn more about&nbsp;<em>Quercus virginiana<\/em>.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">MGV Book Club<\/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\/founding_gardeners_book_cover100.jpg\" alt=\"A close look at a lime swallowtail caterpillar rearing up and showing off its fake red horns\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>We\u2019re wrapping up our virtual MGV book club next Friday, August 18 at 1 pm, with a live Zoom meeting! This is an opportunity for us to discuss the book and connect with you in real time. Whether you\u2019ve been following along with us this summer or maybe you read the book a year ago, all are welcome to join the discussion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"month\">August 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\/vegetables\/peppers.html\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu\/images\/mgv\/newsletter\/pepper_cayenne.jpg\" alt=\"red cayenne pepper on the plant\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>The hottest days of summer limit planting now to only heat-tolerant annuals like vinca, salvia, celosia, and coleus. It&#8217;s time to start your fall vegetable garden; consult the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu\/plants\/edibles\/what-to-plant-in-august\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">What to Plant in August infographic<\/a>\u00a0on Gardening Solutions. Pinch back poinsettias and mums before the end of the month to allow time for buds to form for winter bloom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For more month-by-month gardening tips, check out the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/edis.ifas.ufl.edu\/entity\/topic\/lawn_and_garden\" 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-2069","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu\/mastergardener\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2069","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=2069"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu\/mastergardener\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2069\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5749,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu\/mastergardener\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2069\/revisions\/5749"}],"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=2069"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}