As Floridians, we are all too familiar with counting down the days until the summer heat is over with and the temperatures start to drop. This new weather brings different needs for your Florida lawn and garden. The cooler weather with less rain changes how you care for your lawn and other vegetation.
Here is a list of tips and tricks to keep in mind in order to properly care for your plants in cooler weather:
- Lawns: Over the summer months, it is not uncommon to have to cut your lawn on a weekly basis. However, once cooler temperatures start to take over, you can space your lawn cuttings out to twice a month.
- Ornamental plants: Many condos and HOAs have bougainvillea in numerous locations. In order to maintain the plant, you do not have to water or fertilize it until the beginning of May. If you feel the need to give the plants one last feeding, make sure you are using a high potash solution with very little nitrogen.
- Freezing temperatures: Even though we live in Florida, we have experienced a few nights here and there with temperatures that dip into the 20’s and 30’s. If the temperatures drop this low, it is crucial that you cover your plants and other vegetation. Old sheets and newspapers work the best, as they can simply be laid over the plants.
Roses, strawberries, and a variety of vegetables are in season during the fall months, so keep an eye out at your local grocery store for the “Florida Grown” sticker that will soon grace many of the foods that we eat. While it lasts, it is important to enjoy the season and the colder weather.
Do you have any tips for keeping your plants happy and healthy during the cooler months? We want to know! Let us know in the comment section below.