Landscaping
to come, but many trees, shrubs, annuals and bulbs
grass may be turning brown due to the cold weather,
has an ordinance that prohibits homeowners from
applying nitrogen and/or phosphorous fertilizers to turf
shrubs. But fertilizing your shrubs will stimulate soft new
growth that likely will be damaged by future frosts, so
and a homeowner guidance
sheet are available on the
County Extension website
(extension.hernandocounty.
us).
What to Plant: Florida
celebrates Arbor Day on
the third Friday of January,
a little earlier than the
national day celebrated in
April, because January is
an ideal time to plant a tree
in Florida (the roots can
develop before hot weather
frozen like it is in many other
so consider commemorating it by planting a tree in
your landscape. Trees are excellent investments – they
can reduce home energy costs and add value to your
property, while providing shade, wildlife habitat, and
visual interest in your landscape. They also purify the
air, reduce CO2 levels in the atmosphere, and reduce
always, choose the right plant for the right place.
poinsettias that you received for Christmas, but you can
plant crinum, agapanthus, and gloriosa lily bulbs now,
as dianthus, pansy, petunia, viola, and snapdragon will
weather the cold and brighten your yard. Cool season
kale can be planted in containers or the ground. Fertilize
your annuals and vegetables every 4-6 weeks (the
fertilizer ordinance allows for this).
What to Do: Frosts and freezes are likely in January and
February, so be ready to cover your cold-sensitive plants
to minimize harm, and make sure the covers extend all
should be damaged by the cold, wait until spring to
prune them so that you can
accurately assess the extent
of damage and the location
too early, it will encourage
soft new growth that most
likely will be damaged by
subsequent cold snaps.
Hardwoods can be pruned
throughout the winter
but avoid pruning winter/
shrubs such camellias,
Eastern redbud, Eastern
dogwood, Chickasaw plum,
and Taiwan cherry lest you
before they have a chance
to bloom. (By the way,
consider planting any of these aforementioned shrubs
and small trees for an abundance of bloom in winter and
early spring.) Contrary to popular opinion, crape myrtles
do not require pruning (in fact, it is detrimental), but
removing seed pods, crossing branches and small twiggy
growth improves their appearance and form. To control
scale on citrus, shrubs, camellias, and deciduous fruit
trees, apply horticultural oil while the plants are dormant,
can store fruit on the tree, picking only what is needed.
Tangerines have the shortest life span on the tree. When
they start to turn puffy, they should be picked and used
quickly. Grapefruit can remain on the tree until June.
pg. 22 Silverthorn, Traditions Newsletter