Category Archives: Gardening

What to Plant Annuals/Bedding Plants: Plants that can take summer heat include salvia, angelonia, wax begonia, and ornamental pepper. See Annuals: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_annual_landscape_plants Bulbs: Planting early-, mid-, and late-blooming varieties of daylily ensures months of color from these low-maintenance plants. SeeDaylilies: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_daylilies and Bulbs for Florida: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_bulbous_flowers Herbs: Continue to plant heat-loving herbs, including basil, oregano,… Read More »

We all want a beautiful, flourishing, healthy landscape.  Before you go and spend a bunch of money at the garden center, here are a few things to consider so you won’t waste your time and money. USDA hardiness zone map Make sure the plant is for our zone. Pinellas County has two USDA hardiness zones. … Read More »

Released by UF/IFAS Extension   … Some dos and don’ts of gardening.                                       Plan to Enhance Your Shade Many landscapes have areas with tree canopies that lend themselves to becoming an attractive low maintenance garden area. Too often… Read More »

The Gardening Calendar gives Florida gardeners a monthly guide for what to plant and do in their gardens and includes links to useful gardening websites, all based on University of Florida research and expertise. According to this map Levy County is in the North Florida area. Gardening: What to Plant in January What to Plant… Read More »

Provided by UF/IFAS Americans love eating potatoes and farmers love planting them on Valentine’s Day, a tradition that seems to go back generations.  Potato planting time in North Florida is during the coolest months of January to March, although February 14th seems to be a popular planting day.  Look for seed potatoes at your local… Read More »

People often give and receive decorative plants during the holiday season. Many of these plants can last long past the holidays, but only if you care for them properly. Use the following tips to keep Christmas cactus, poinsettia, amaryllis, kalanchoe, and cyclamen healthy and vibrant long after the holidays are over. Light & Water Conditions… Read More »

Information provided by IFAS Solutions. While other states are experiencing nearly freezing temperatures in November, Florida provides cool, dry weather that is great for many plants. You can take advantage of Florida’s weather by following these planting suggestions based on the Florida climate zones. North Florida Bedding Plants: Try cool-season varieties such as pansy, viola,… Read More »

While September marks the beginning of fall, the summer’s blistering temperatures may not drop for some time. To see what you should plant this month, use these recommendations based on Florida’s climate regions. North Florida Bedding Plants: Gardeners in north Florida can freshen up and add color to their summer beds with ageratum, celosia, zinnia,… Read More »

Provided by UF/IFAS

Courtesy of UF/IFAS August What to Plant Annuals/Bedding plants: The hottest days of summer limit planting now to heat-tolerant vinca, gaillardia, bulbine, and coleus. SeeAnnuals: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_annual_landscape_plants Vinca – UF/IFAS Photo by Tyler Jones Bulbs: Aztec lily, butterfly lily, walking iris, and spider lily can be planted any time of the year, even late summer. See Bulbs for Florida: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_bulbous_flowers Herbs:… Read More »

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) wants to remind the public that August is Tree Check Month. This is the best time to spot the round, drill-like holes made by the Asian longhorned beetle (ALB), a highly destructive, invasive pest that destroys trees. It has not yet been confirmed… Read More »

Information provided by UF/IFAS

July brings some of the hottest temperatures throughout Florida, so residents should choose heat-tolerant plants when gardening. To see what you should plant this month, use these recommendations based on Florida’s climate regions. North Florida Annuals: Gardeners in north Florida should plant heat-tolerant annuals, such as ornamental pepper, tropical milkweed, and crossandra. Bulbs: Plant society… Read More »

July What to Plant Annuals/Bedding plants: As the heat continues, water annuals when needed to keep the soil evenly moist. See Annuals: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_annual_landscape_plants Mexican sage                                                            … Read More »

Information provided by UF/IFAS Native to the southeastern United States, Muscadine grapes have been cultured for more than 400 years.  Sometimes referred to as scuppernongs, Muscadines are an old-time southern favorite.  Although their insect and disease tolerance makes spraying pesticides unnecessary, pruning your Muscadine grape vines is needed for reliable production. After a grapevine has… Read More »