Garden Line

Horticulturist,
Bob Haehle

 Tropical South for You
Wednesday December 10, 2003

Garden Reminders:

Prepare for Cold Weather

Pay close attention to weather reports from now through the end of February. We have been spared major cold damage and not endured a freeze since 1989. Water plants well just before the cold weather is expected. Pull mulch back to allow radiation from the warmer soil. Cover tender plants with sheets and blankets. Plastic will turn plants mushy as they heat up too fast.

Plant Annuals and Vegetables

Continue to plant annuals and vegetables this month. The cool-weather vegetables that grow well now include cauliflower, lima beans, endive, kohlrabi, spinach, and turnips.

Mulch With Leaves and Grass Clippings

Use old leaves and grass clippings as mulch to provide nutrients, promote beneficial organisms in the soil, and improve soil quality. A woodsy type soil is the long-term benefit, along with better plant growth and health.

Be Alert to Different Types of Pests

Pest populations are dropping as the weather gets cooler. Slugs and snails remain active, so use organic Sluggo bait for control. Spider mites become more of a problem as the weather gets drier. Crotons, copperleaf, mangos, and avocados are subject to these pests.

Water New Plantings Daily

Water new plantings if no rain is forecast. New plantings need water every day for the first two to three weeks. Irrigate between 2 a.m. and 9 a.m. to minimize fungal problems. Established plants need 1 inch of water weekly.

Garden Variety:

Web Finds - Fancy Hibiscus

Winn Soldani's Fancy Hibiscus Web site features '5th Dimension' hibiscus along with many others. He offers many fine varieties of these colorful plants and can advise hobbyists on hibiscus care. You can order plants from the Web site, or call (800) 432-8332 for more information. http://www.fancyhibiscus.com

Books & Videos - Camellias

In Camellias (Timber Press, 2003; $19.95), authors Jim Rolfe and Yvonne Cave have created a most useful book for the camellia enthusiast. Beautiful photographs add interest to this thorough coverage of an interesting group of plants. The book includes 400 cultivars and species, along with notes on their hardiness. The southernmost camellia I know of is in Palm Beach at the Four Arts Garden. They can grow here with special care.

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For This Year's Garden Plant three rows of peas       Peas of mind       Peas of heart       Peas of soul Plant four of rows of squash      Squash gossip      Squash indifference      Squash grumbling      Squash selfishness  Plant four rows of lettuce       Lettuce be faithful       Lettuce be kind       Lettuce be obedient       Lettuce really love one another  Plant three rows of turnips      Turnip for meetings      Turnip for service      Turnip to help one another Water freely with patience and Cultivate with love.  There will be much harvest in your garden because you reap what you sow.  To conclude our garden we must have thyme Thyme for God Thyme for prayer Thyme for family and friends