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South Florida Gardening Calendar

Sydney Park Brown and Kara Krueger

January

What to Plant

Annuals/Perennials/Wildflowers: Plants that perform well in garden beds and containers during the coolest months include impatiens, geranium, begonia, dianthus, and dusty miller. See

Herbs: Certain herbs will thrive now that temperatures are cooler, including parsley, tarragon, thyme, dill, and fennel. See

Vegetables: Many vegetables can be planted this time of year. This is the last month to plant Irish potatoes, beets, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, collards, kale, mustard, and turnips. See

What to Do

Landscape: It is a good time to plant woody shrubs. Remember “Right Plant/Right Place” and match the mature size with the location. Water frequently to get new plantings off to a good start. See

Trees: Prepare for hurricane season now by checking trees for damaged or weak branches and pruning if needed. Hire an ISA-certified arborist. See

Irrigation: Water plants if temperatures remain higher than normal and rainfall is scarce. See

Shrubs and trees: Prune non-spring flowering shrubs and trees this month to improve form.

Arbor Day: Celebrate Florida Arbor Day (the third Friday of January) by planting a tree in your yard or community. See

Crapemyrtle: Remove seed pods, crossing branches, and small twiggy growth to improve the appearance and form of the plant, if desired. Hard pruning is not required. See

Cold protection: Bring sensitive plants like orchids inside if frost or freeze is predicted. Thoroughly water and cover sensitive plants in the landscape 12–24 hours before a freeze. See

Pests: If scale insects are a problem, apply horticultural oil to citrus, shrubs, and deciduous fruit trees while plants are dormant. Apply copper spray to mangoes after bloom for management of Anthracnose disease. See

Cattleya orchid.
Figure 1. Cattleya orchid.
Credit: UF/IFAS

February

What to Plant

Annuals/Perennials/Wildflowers: Good performers in south Florida's mild winter include impatiens, verbena, coleus, and dianthus. See

Groundcovers: Consider replacing areas of grass with drought-tolerant, low-maintenance groundcovers. See

Vegetables: Winter vegetable gardening is in full swing. Last month to plant cantaloupes, cucumbers, eggplant, lettuce, peppers, spinach, and tomatoes for a late spring harvest. Protect crops in the unlikely event of frost or freeze. See

Eggplant.
Figure 2. Eggplant.
Credit: Tyler Jones, UF/IFAS

What to Do

Lawns: If local ordinances allow, fertilize lawn grasses to improve color or coverage. Choose a fertilizer (not a "weed and feed") with 0% or very little phosphorus unless a soil test indicates the need for it. A fertilizer with controlled-release nitrogen provides longer-lasting results. See

Shrubs and palms: Fertilize shrubs and palms by spreading fertilizer evenly over the soil surface and watering it in. Follow with a fresh layer of mulch to conserve moisture and reduce weeds. Delay pruning any cold-damaged branches until new growth starts. See

Pests: Begin a regular scouting routine to detect warm-season landscape pests like whiteflies, lubber grasshoppers, and Tuttle mealybugs on Zoysia lawns. This allows for early intervention and the use of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques. See

Avocados and mangoes: Disease-susceptible varieties of avocado and mango may require applications of copper fungicide. See

Citrus: Fertilize now if not done in January. The frequency and amount of fertilization depend on the age of the tree. See

Trees: Don't wait until hurricane season to check your trees. Hire an ISA-certified arborist to do an inspection. See

March

What to Plant

Annuals/Perennials/Wildflowers: Plant heat-tolerant flowering plants such as pentas, coleus, crossandra, gazania, vinca, gaillardia, caladiums, and zinnia that will last into fall. See

Herbs: In addition to their culinary value, many herbs are ornamental and attract butterflies to the garden. See

Vegetables: This is the last month to plant arugula, beans, cantaloupe, carrots, celery, sweet corn, endive, okra, radish, squashes, Swiss chard, and watermelon. See

Caladium.
Figure 3. Caladium.
Credit: Tyler Jones, UF/IFAS

 

What to Do

Shrubs and trees: Prune when new growth begins after the end of the dormant season. Prune after the last flowers fade but before new flower buds set.

Mulch: Add mulch to plant beds to minimize weeds and conserve moisture during dry weather. A ring of mulch around trees will protect them from damage by lawnmowers and line trimmers. See

Pests: Monitor landscape plants for insects, especially for the presence of aphids on tender new growth. Insects become more active during warm weather. See

Fertilize: Fertilize lawns, palms, and ornamental shrubs if not done last month, but only if local ordinances allow See

Lawns: Identify damaging insects and spot treat early to prevent widespread damage. Turfgrass Pest Insects: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topics/insect_management_in_your_florida_lawn. Apply a preemergence weed killer (not a "weed and feed") to lawns to prevent germination of warm-season weed seeds. Apply when temperatures rise to 65°F for 4–5 days. Timing is important for good control. See:

Tropical and subtropical fruits: Add variety and interest to the landscape and meals with exotic fruits. See

Citrus: Squiggly lines in the younger leaves of citrus trees indicate Citrus Leaf Miner (CLM) insects, but there is seldom a need to manage them. Natural enemies in Florida usually keep them in check. See

April

What to Plant

Annuals/Perennials/Wildflowers: Liven up plant beds with heat-tolerant bloomers such as cannas, coleus, vinca, and portulaca. See

Herbs: Some herbs to plant now include basil and mint. See

Vegetables: Beans, Chinese cabbage, Southern peas, and sweet potatoes can still be planted. Mulch beds well and monitor irrigation if the weather is dry. See

Lady beetle.
Figure 4. Lady beetle.
Credit: UF/IFAS

What to Do

Plant for Butterflies: Plant flowers of different colors, shapes, sizes, and blooming seasons to provide nectar for adult butterflies and provide host plants for their caterpillars. See

Pests: Monitor insect activity and learn which bugs damage plants and which do not. See

Beneficial insects: Identify and conserve the good guys! Some insects play a key role in pest management and should be encouraged in your yard! See

Tomatoes: Watch for pests, disease, and nutritional disorders on developing tomato plants. See

Palms: Identify and treat environmental and nutritional disorders in palm trees. See

Oleanders: Inspect chewed or ragged leaves for oleander caterpillars at work. See

Fruits: Propagate fruit crops by air layering and grafting. See

Divide: Clumps of bulbs, ornamental grasses, or herbaceous perennials can be divided now to expand or rejuvenate garden beds or to pass along to friends. See

Shrubs: Choose from a wide variety of shrubs to add to the landscape now. Remember “Right Plant/Right Place” and match the mature size with the location. See

Frangipani/Plumeria Rust: This common fungus disease is active during warm months and first appears as orange-yellow pustules on the backsides of leaves. Remove and dispose of all infected leaves and any on the ground. Rust will not kill the plant but can defoliate it.

May

What to Plant

Annuals/Perennials/Wildflowers: Plants that can take summer heat include coleus, salvia, torenia, wax begonia, vinca, crossandra, ornamental pepper. See

Herbs: Plant heat-loving herbs, including basil, Mexican tarragon, ginger, summer savory, and rosemary. See

Vegetables: Sweet potatoes, boniato, hot peppers, and tropical "spinach" such as Sisso, Malabar, and New Zealand can be planted now. See

Canna.
Figure 5. Canna.
Credit: UF/IFAS

What to Do

Pests: Watch for thrips, scale, and mites on ornamental plants because they become more active in warm weather. See

Gardenias and ixora: Distinguish between the normal yellowing of older leaves and the yellowing of new growth, which usually indicates a micronutrient deficiency. See

Oleanders: Inspect chewed or ragged leaves for oleander caterpillars at work. See

Lawns: Mow at the recommended height; mowing too short encourages weeds. Watch for damage from chinch bugs in St. Augustinegrass and begin scouting for newly hatched mole crickets in bahiagrass lawns. Prevent or minimize disease by following proper cultural practices when caring for lawns. See

Tomatoes: Watch for pests, disease, and nutritional disorders on tomato plants. See

Trees: Prepare for hurricane season by checking trees for damaged or weak branches and pruning if needed. Hire an ISA-certified arborist. See

June

What to Plant

Annuals/Perennials/Wildflowers: Flowering plants that can take full sun during the increasingly sizzling summer months include portulaca, vinca, pentas, and some coleus. See

Palms: Summer's warm, rainy months are the perfect time to plant palms. Make sure not to cover the trunk with soil. See

Herbs: Plant heat-loving herbs, including basil, ginger, cilantro, garlic chives, Cuban oregano, turmeric, Mexican tarragon, lemon grass, and rosemary. See

Vegetables: Plant tropical vegetables, such as pigeon peas, boniato, calabaza, and chayote this month. See

Vinca.
Figure 6. Vinca.
Credit: Tyler Jones, UF/IFAS

What to Do

Pests: Monitor the landscape and garden weekly for harmful insects. Knowing which plants are frequently attacked can aid in early detection. See

Irrigation: Watch for drought stress and water as needed if rainfall has been spotty. Focus on new plantings and follow watering restrictions. When rains begin, shut down the irrigation system. See

Propagation: Produce more plants by air layering, grafting, division, or cuttings. See

Palms and cycads: June kicks off Florida's hurricane season, but so-called "hurricane" or "pineapple" pruning is not recommended. For information on the correct way to prune palms See

Pruning: Lightly prune summer-flowering shrubs, like hibiscus, oleander, and ixora, during the warmer months to increase blooming. See

Fertilizer bans: Numerous municipalities in South Florida prohibit the application of fertilizer to lawns and/or landscape plants during the summer rainy season (June–September). Does an ordinance exist in your area? See

Lawns: Check frequently for damaged areas and keep insects in check with prompt treatment. Trouble-shoot yellow and brown lawn patches for chinch bugs, disease, or lack of water. Take time to determine the cause so your remedy is effective. Rejuvenate areas where grass does not grow well by replacing it with versatile groundcovers. See

Soil solarization: Clean up your vegetable garden and use summer heat to solarize the soil for fall vegetable planting. It takes 4–6 weeks to kill weeds, disease, and nematodes, so start now. See

Lightning safety: Be safe outdoors during summer storms. See

July

What to Plant

Annuals/Perennials/Wildflowers: Summer bloomers include vinca, coleus, pentas, gaillardia, blue daze, salvias, and ornamental pepper. See

Herbs: While summer is too hot to start most herbs from seeds, others, such as oregano and mint, do well if started from small plants. See

Vegetables: Plant tropical vegetables, such as boniato, calabaza, and chayote this month. See

Palms: Continue planting palms while the rainy season is in full swing. Support large palms with braces for 6–8 months after planting. Never drive nails directly into a palm trunk. See

Oranges.
Figure 7. Oranges.
Credit: UF/IFAS

What to Do

Trees: Hurricane season is upon us, but don't "hurricane" or "pineapple" prune palms. For all tree and palm pruning, hire an ISA-certified arborist. See

Lawns: Determine the cause of any lawn problems before taking action. If an insect is the culprit, treat only the affected area. Rule out disease or sprinkler malfunction. See

Fertilizer Bans: Numerous Florida municipalities prohibit applying fertilizer to lawns and/or landscape plants during the summer rainy season (June–September). Does such an ordinance exist in your area? See

Vegetable garden: Use summer heat to solarize the soil for fall vegetable planting. It takes 4–6 weeks to kill weeds, disease, and nematodes, so start now. See

Irrigation: Summer rains typically provide ample water for plants. Over-irrigating can lead to root rot and waste water and money. Install an inexpensive rain shutoff device that will override an irrigation system when it rains. If one is already installed, check that it is operating properly. See 

Pests on ornamental plants: Warm months often mean more insect pests. Inspect plants often and intervene early. See

Tropical fruit trees: Check for damage to fruit or leaves and take action to minimize the effect of insects and/or disease on developing fruit or the overall health of the tree. See

August

What to Plant

Annuals/Perennials/Wildflowers: The hottest days of summer limit planting to heat-tolerant vinca, coleus, pentas, salvia, and celosia. Remove spent blooms, cut back, and fertilize flowering plants to extend the bloom season. See

Herbs: Herbs that are best started from plants (not seeds) include ginger, Mexican tarragon, turmeric, and rosemary. See

Vegetables: Start seeds of eggplant, okra, peppers, pumpkin, squashes, and tomatoes for the fall garden. See

Mexican sage.
Figure 8. Mexican sage.
Credit: Tyler Jones, UF/IFAS

What to Do

Palms: Check older fronds for yellowing, which may indicate a magnesium or potassium deficiency. Apply an appropriate palm fertilizer if fertilizer ordinances permit. See

Vegetables: Solarize the vegetable garden for 4–6 weeks in preparation for fall planting if not done in July. See

Ornamental plants: Rapid growth and leaching rains may result in nutrient deficiencies in some plants. Fertilize to correct if ordinances permit (see below). See

September

What to Plant

Annuals/Perennials/Wildflowers: If summer beds need refreshing, try scarlet sage, coleus, pentas, celosia, mandevilla, and wax begonia for color into fall. See

Herbs: Plant herbs that tolerate the warm temperatures of early fall, such as Mexican tarragon, mint, rosemary, and basil. See

Vegetables: September opens the door for more vegetables to plant. See

Shrubs: Consider placing native shrubs, like beautyberry, marlberry, firebush, and dahoon holly, where you can view the birds that enjoy them. See

Cabbage, cauliflower, and broccoli.
Figure 9. Cabbage, cauliflower, and broccoli.
Credit: Tyler Jones, UF/IFAS

What to Do

Lawns: Continue to monitor the lawn for signs of insect damage. Fall armyworms, chinch bugs, mole crickets, and sod webworms are still active this month. See

Fertilizer bans: Numerous Florida municipalities prohibit applying fertilizer to lawns and/or landscape plants during certain months. Does such an ordinance exist in your area? See

Vegetable gardens: Prepare the fall vegetable garden if not done in August. Using transplants from your local garden center will get the garden off to a fast start, but seeds provide a wider variety from which to choose. See

Divide and replant: Some clumping plants may need dividing. Add organic matter to planting beds and monitor water needs during establishment. See

Irrigation: Check that irrigation systems are providing good coverage and operating properly before summer rains taper off. See

Citrus: Fertilize citrus with a balanced fertilizer either this month or in October. Use controlled-release nitrogen because rain will not leach it from the soil too quickly. See

October

What to Plant

Annuals/Perennials/Wildflowers: Even though temperatures are still warm, begin planting for the cooler months ahead. Impatiens, alyssum, and dianthus are good choices for the fall/winter garden. See

Herbs: A wide range of herbs can be planted from seed or transplants this month. Some to try include dill, fennel, parsley, and cilantro. See

Vegetables: Easy crops that can be grown now include beans, broccoli, carrots, collards, lettuce, green onions, peppers, radishes, spinach, and tomatoes. See

Strawberries.
Figure 10. Strawberries.
Credit: UF/IFAS

What to Do

Frangipani/Plumeria Rust: This disease causes yellow spots and premature leaf drop but does not affect the long-term health of the plant. Removing, raking, and disposing of infected leaves may slow the infection.

Lawns: Control winter weeds in lawns before they appear. Preemergence herbicides must be applied at the right time to be effective. Apply when nighttime temperatures are 55°F–60°F for 4–5 days. Mow lawngrass at the recommended height; mowing too short encourages weeds and stresses the turf. See

Ornamental trees and shrubs: Under-performing plants might need fertilizer. This is the last month of the year to fertilize shrubs and trees. Controlled-release fertilizer provides nutrients over a longer period. See

Lawn fertilization: Fertilize lawns if needed and permitted by local ordinances. See

Strawberries: Prepare beds and set strawberry plants this month. Strawberries also make a colorful and tasty container planting. Either way, water daily until plants are established. See

Palms: Palms have unique nutritional needs. Select a fertilizer that contains controlled-release nitrogen, potassium, and magnesium. See

Oleanders: Control oleander caterpillars by pruning off infested leaves or spraying with BT (Bacillus thuringiensis). See

November

What to Plant

Annuals/Perennials/Wildflowers: Create a display of fall colors with cool-season plants. Some examples include impatiens, verbena, petunia, salvia, and cape daisy. See

Herbs: Continue planting herbs from seeds or plants. Some herbs that prefer the cooler, dryer weather include cilantro, dill, fennel, parsley, sage, and thyme. See

Vegetables: Lots of choices exist for November, including beans, broccoli, kale, snow/English peas, and strawberries. See

Hydroponic lettuce and herbs.
Figure 11. Hydroponic lettuce and herbs.
Credit: UF/IFAS

What to Do

Frangipani/Plumeria Rust: This disease causes yellow spots and premature leaf drop but does not affect the long-term health of the plant. Removing, raking, and disposing of infected leaves may slow the infection.

Perennials: Divide and replant overgrown perennials now so that they establish before the coolest weather arrives. See

Lawns: As temperatures cool, watch for lawn diseases. Cultural practices such as reducing nitrogen fertilizer and irrigation are key to managing Large Patch disease. Lethal Viral Necrosis (LVN), a virus disease of St. Augustinegrass, begins to appear when the temperature dips to 65°F and below. See

Scale insects: Take advantage of lower temperatures to apply horticultural oil sprays to control scale insects. See

Irrigation: Turn off systems and water only if needed. Plants need less supplemental watering in cooler weather. See

December

What to Plant

Annuals/Perennials/Wildflowers: To add color to the winter garden, plant masses of begonia, impatiens, petunias, alyssum, and geranium. See

Bulbs: Amaryllis is a popular plant for the holiday season. It can be forced to bloom now or planted outdoors for spring blooms. See

Herbs: Plant herbs that thrive in cool weather. Some examples include parsley, thyme, sage, dill, fennel, and cilantro. See

Vegetables: Reliable cool-season vegetables to plant this month include broccoli, carrots, kale, green onions, and others. See

Beach Sunflowers
Figure 12. Beach Sunflowers
Credit: Tyler Jones, UF/IFAS

What to Do

Frangipani/Plumeria Rust: This disease causes yellow spots and premature leaf drop but does not affect the long-term health of the plant. Removing, raking, and disposing of infected leaves may slow the infection.

Irrigation: Irrigate if the weather has been warm and dry. Monitor plants for signs of stress and water only as needed. See

Lawn Disease: Continue monitoring for Lethal Viral Necrosis (LVN) and Large Patch fungal disease until May. Proper cultural practices are key for control. See

Houseplants: Inspect regularly for pests on indoor plants. Keep in mind that plant-specific temperature, light, and humidity are key to ensuring that indoor plants thrive. See

Soil test: Consider performing a soil test if plants do not perform as desired or if new plantings are planned. See

Compost/mulch: Use fallen leaves and other plant debris as mulch and/or as the carbon ingredient needed for successful composting. See

Landscape and garden pests: Continue monitoring and treat as needed. While cooler weather means fewer pests, some populations increase at this time of year. See

Holiday trees: Consider enjoying a live southern red cedar and then plant it in the landscape when the holidays are over. See

What to Do Every Month

UF/IFAS Resources for Gardeners