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, Mexican tarragon, and rosemary. See Herbs: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_herbs
Vegetables: Swiss chard will take the heat as well as okra, southern pea, and sweet potato. See Vegetable Gardening in Florida: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_vegetable_gardening
What to Do
Pests: Insects become more active in warm weather. Watch for thrips, scales, and mites on ornamental plants. See Landscape Pest Management: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_landscape_pests
Gardenias: Yellowing of older leaves is usually normal; yellowing of new growth usually indicates a micronutrient deficiency. SeeGardenias at a Glance: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep338
Oleanders: Inspect chewed or ragged leaves for oleander caterpillars at work. See Oleander Pest Management:http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_oleander_ipm
Lawn insects: Watch for damage from chinch bugs in St. Augustinegrass and begin scouting for newly hatched mole crickets in bahiagrass lawns. See Turfgrass Pest Insects: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_turf_pest_insects
Tomatoes: Watch for pests, disease, and nutritional disorders on tomato plants. See Home Tomato Gardening: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_tomato_gardening
New plants: Produce more plants by air layering, grafting, division, or cuttings. See Seeds and Propagation (Lawn and Garden): http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_garden_propagation
Figure 5. Hibiscus
Credit:UF/IFAS Photo by Marisol Amador
[Click thumbnail to enlarge.]
Trees: Prepare for hurricane season by checking trees for damaged or weak branches and pruning if needed. Hire an ISA-certified arborist. See International Society of Arboriculture: http://isa-arbor.com/ and Pruning Landscape Trees and Shrubs: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_tree_pruning
Lawn Mowing: Encourage healthy growth and discourage insects, weeds, and diseases by mowing correctly. See Lawn Mowing: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_lawn_mowing