January

• January brings great prep time to plan and start your spring vegetables and flowers for your garden. The weather is typically dry and daytime temperatures rarely go above 85°F. The nights get cool, but rarely below freezing.

• Evaluate your citrus trees this month–which should be easy as navels and early-fruiting oranges are ready to enjoy- and inspect for pest, plant disease, freeze damage and nutritional deficiencies.

• Central and South Florida folks, go ahead and start watermelon seeds inside do they’re ready to be transplanted outside as soon as the weather turns. North Florida residents, you’ll need to wait until March. If you’ve planted ahead, carrots, broccoli, lettuce, beats and much more may all be maturing at this time. With the heat on hiatus, you can cut back on the amount of water you’re applying. Try skipping a week a month. Not only does this help reduce your household’s water use, you should notice a difference on your water bill too.

• With less time needed on lawn maintenance this month, take some time to inspect yard equipment and make any necessary repairs while your use is low. Be a weather watcher: Cover tender tropical and young plants when temperatures are expected to go below their survivability threshold. Be certain to uncover them when temperatures rise as they can also overheat.

• With the cool weather keeping outdoor activities to a relative minimum, take time now to enjoy your houseplants. Houseplants are a great addition to any indoor environment as they help filter volatile organic compounds and boost oxygen levels.

• Add annual-like plants that require a winter chill to flower well in the spring.

February

• Apply a pre-emergent weed killer (not a weed and feed) to lawns this month to prevent germination of warm season weed seeds.

• Begin planting warm season vegetables this month. Beans, peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes, and squash can be started while temperatures are cool. For specifics on what can be planted in each region of Florida, check out this awesome reference from UF/IFAS.

• Inspect irrigation heads and adjust irrigation based on rainfall.

• Orchids are showing their natural blooms and make an ideal bedroom plant as they are essentially nocturnal and create great oxygen while you are sleeping.

• Many types of Florida citrus are beginning to show their spring flowers. If you've not yet applied fertilizer, spread your favorite around the trees drip line. Follow the directions on the fertilizer bag.

• As your yard begins to emerge from their slight winter dormancy, monitor your garden's moisture paying specific attention to local water management and city codes.

• If you've been thinking about rearranging plants in your garden spaces, now is the time. Be careful to dig around the plant's root system and be certain to replant before the roots begin to dry out. Water sufficiently once replanted.

• This is a great time to add and prune your roses. Keep the plants to 3 to 7 main stems for best growth.

• It may be time to refresh your garden's mulch. Just about any kind is fine, but some gardener's prefer the eucalyptus mulch as it's a Florida product and is plentiful.

March

• Check sprinkler systems for efficient use of water.

• Plant summer bulbs, tubers, etc. to ensure great summer color. They're excellent choices for small areas where your grass won't grow. Best choices include lilies (blood, crinum, day, rain, spider), caladiums, cannas, elephant ears, amaryllis and society garlic.

• Your yard will grow rapidly this month! Take advantage of the natural growth and fertilize properly. Be certain ample iron is part of your mix to keep the area looking green and lush.

• Start replacing cool weather annuals with spring and summer varieties and now's a great time for tomatoes, cantaloupes, watermelon, corn and even pumpkins!

• Finish up remaining citrus on your trees and remove any uneaten fruits as they continue to draw nutrients that are needed for next year's fruits.

• It's tropical season, but cold spells can happen. Be prepared.

• Begin transplanting warm season vegetable seedlings outdoors when the soil has warmed and night temperatures stay above 50 degrees F.

• As the weather starts to change, it's tempting to start pruning! It's fine for evergreen shrubs and summer bloomers, but spring blooming plants already are preparing their blooms many times where you can't see them. For these items, wait for now!

• Get perennials in the ground to establish them.

April

• Cut back flowering shrubs as the blooms fade.

• Transplant items now before the weather turns hot replacing cool season plants with warm season plants.

• Fertilizer the lawn after new growth has started. Choose a fertilizer (not a "weed and feed") with little or no phosphorus unless a soil test indicates the need for it. A fertilizer with controlled-release nitrogen yields longer-lasting results.

• Monitor landscape plants weekly for insects as well as aphids on tender new growth.

• Give your bulbs a feeding once they have finished blooming and allow the foliage to remain until it begins to turn yellow.

• Fertilize fruit trees, nut trees and shrubs and mulch around trees and shrubs.

• Make sure you water if the rains are not regular.

• Keep an eye out for insect infestations, particularly grasshoppers and treat accordingly.

• Now is a good time to start sunflowers from seed. Sunflowers are a great way to teach schoolchildren about gardening and the earth as the plants are easy to grow and grow well, providing a great reward for the kids!

• Plant the last of your corn, melons and other spring crops and move to more tropical vegetables in the Southern areas of the state. Crops that need only 50 days can still be planted.

May

• As soon as the rainy season kicks in, it's the perfect time to begin planting trees, shrubs, vines and other great plants including heat-tolerant annuals such as marigolds, portulaca, salvia, verbena, purslane. The rain should help moisten the ground,  but be certain there's ample water to kick-start your new landscape additions.

• Warmer weather means yard insects. While it's tempting to mass treat (and many times over-treat) your yard, you'll do better "scouting" for signs of trouble and then treating your problem zones as needed. Insecticide manufacturers have a well-diversified arsenal of products to help you. Just remember that not all bugs are bad. Generally, bad bugs are found in groups or leave ample damage to problem zones. Insecticide manufacturers have a well-diversified arsenal of products to help you. Just remember that not all bugs are bad.

• Some shrubs are likely to be overgrown after the spring surge. Time to trim these up! Nip back lanky growth and check for dead or declining branches - but never more than 1/3 of the plant's mass.

• Encourage good bugs and yard critters by creating a healthy landscape. Birds, lizards, frogs, bees and butterflies will flock to the right plants. Visit your local garden center for plants ideal for these good yard visitors.

• Hurricane Season is just around the bend. Inspect your trees, palms and other plants that may be in need of pruning.

• Enjoy the show: May brings a wealth of blooms frequently seen throughout the state including Tabebuia, Bougainvillea, Crape Myrtle and Wisteria - just to name a few.

• Start an herb garden. Try Basil, Chives, Dill, Sage, Sweet Marjoram, Mint and Thyme.

June

• It's officially hurricane season. If you have not done so already, inspect your trees, palms and other plants that may need pruned. Take care of these items now instead of waiting until a storm is approaching.

• Florida's sandy soil does not hold nutrients well. Heavy rains, while you may be able to turn off your irrigation all together, they help leech away needed nutrients. Check your plants and grass for signs of nutritional deficiencies and respond accordingly. Pay specific attention to palms and cycads as they are heavy feeders.

• Insects continue to be on the prowl. Be sure to scout for damage and signs of problems and spot-treat as necessary.

• If you are still looking to plant some veggies, try starter plants of Collards, Okra, Peanuts, Pumpkins, Spinach, Southern Peas, Squash, Sweet Cassava, Sweet Potatoes, Cherry Tomatoes, and herbs such as Basil, Chives, Dill, Ginger, Marjoram, Mint, Oregano, Sage & Thyme.

• June is a great time to sit back and plan garden activities and landscape additions.

July

• With the stifling heat, now is the most recognizable time to appreciate the cooling qualities of your or your neighbor's shade trees. If your yard is vacant of large trees, take note which areas would best accommodate a tree. Consider shade canopy on the house or play areas as well as where the A/C unit is placed in your analysis.

• Insect issues may be on the rise. Inspect your property for standing water to help minimize breeding zones for mosquitoes. Watch your grass for signs of chinch bugs and apply insecticide promptly.

• Heavy July rains have likely leached needed nutrients from your yard and its plants. Fertilize as needed. Consider experimenting with traditional as well as organic products as your yard's needs tend to change.

• If you're a tropical plant appreciator, summer is the best time to add the tropical flair to your outdoor spaces. They don't mind the heat and the color adds great summer splash! You might opt to plant them in containers so they can easily be moved to sheltered areas when winter arrives.

August

• You may notice an increase in ants this month. Spot treat as needed in lieu of mass treating your entire property.

• Florida's heat is at its peak! While we can head inside to escape, your plants can not! Look for signs of heat stress and combat as needed with hand watering. Plants with recent nutritional issues and young plants are most susceptible. Be sure to monitor your irrigation system's zones and timings to make the most of the water you're applying.

• With the stifling heat, now is the most recognizable time to appreciate the cooling qualities of your or your neighbor's shade trees. If your yard is vacant of large trees, take note which areas would best accommodate a tree. Consider shade canopy on the house or play areas as well as where the A/C unit is placed in your analysis.

• If you're growing blueberries, be certain to trim back your bushes after harvesting.

• If weeds are taking over, take charge by hand picking, spot treating with herbicide and replenish the mulch to 2" to 3" to help prevent their establishment.

September

One of Florida's wetter months, your plants may not be showing flowers but are showing lush growth. Look below your plants for accelerated weed growth. You may need to re-mulch once the rains have stopped. 

• As you transition your containers from summer plants to fall, be certain to add grasses to the mix as they add not only texture, but movement as the wings sway their blades... and they require minimal care.

• It's time to start your winter seedlings! Consider trying: Beans, Beets, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Chinese Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Collards, Cucumbers, Eggplants, Escarole, Kale, Lettuce, Mustard, Onion Sets, Peas, Peppers, Radishes, Romaine, Rutabagas, Spinach, Squash, Strawberries, Sweet Corn, Swiss Chard, Tomatoes and Turnips. And for herbs, try: Anise, Basil, Marjoram, Parsley, Sesame and Thyme.

• If you have formal hedges, now is the time for their final shaping for the year.

• Prune bougainvillea

• Are your herbs declining? Trim and dry now for use during the holidays.

October

• Farmers throughout Florida have already been plowing and planting their seeds in anticipation of the upcoming vegetable growing season. Very soon the vegetables we buy in the market will be marked "Florida Grown" rather than "Product of ...".

• October is the time for planting these great little fruits. Keep your plants' soil moist by watering every two to three days and be certain to fertilize appropriately. Be on the lookout for caterpillars, slugs, thrips, mites and snails looking to snack on your plants.

• Rose growing in Florida can be difficult; however there are a few easy steps to ensure you're as successful as possible. Prepare your soil by adding dry cow manure and peat moss. Select roses locally to ensure best growing and blooming success.

• Winter veggies are on! Beets, Broccoli, Cabbage, Celery, Chinese Cabbage, Carrots, Collards, Cucumbers, Escarole, Kale, Kohlrabi, Leek, Lettuce, Mustard, Okra, Onion Sets, Parsnips, Peppers, Pumpkins, Rhubarb, Romaine, Rutabagas, Spinach, Squash, Strawberries, Sweet Corn, Swiss Chard, Tomatoes and Turnips are all great vegetables to consider starting this month for a great winter's harvest!

•  Many of the fall grasses have formed their inflorescent this month. To extend your garden's reach, these can be trimmed and dried for use in other displays this month for a great winter's harvest!

• Much of Florida's citrus begins to ripen and can be enjoyed from tree to table!

November

• Cool, dry weather sets in this month making it one of the best times in Florida to enjoy your outdoor living space. North Florida sees some fall color change and throughout the state, native and ornamental grasses begin to turn brown. 

• The chill in the air helps to lessen the bug populations of aphids, beetles, cutworms, cabbage worms, mole crickets, leaf rollers, hoppers and other yard dwellers. Be on the lookout for pests and treat accordingly should you encounter an infestation.

• Migratory birds can be found passing through on their way further south. Fill bird feeders to help them with their success and to catch a glimpse of these visitors.

• Consider a regular feeding of 6-6-6 fertilizer applied around the drip line of the tree. While many packages will provide instruction, a good rule of thumb is one pound of fertilizer per each year of the tree's age. The nutritional boost will add to the fruit that's been forming. The weather change should allow a break from fertilization. Consider a composted manure or balanced liquid fertilizer for your plants to help set them on path for a successful abundance of blooms.

• Flower buds on your Poinsettias will begin to open and many tropical plants will begin to bloom. Color will be just about everywhere.

December

• If you began your winter vegetable and herbs a few months ago, you should soon be reaping the harvest! As your plants fruit and develop, keep a keen eye for hungry critters! 

• With the cool weather slowly (very slowly…) creeping in, we should take time now to enjoy our houseplants. Houseplants are a great addition to any indoor environment as they help filter volatile organic compounds and boost oxygen levels.

•  As we say goodbye to hurricane season, we see the onset of the dry December and the possibility of freezing temperatures. Watering your plants well the night BEFORE a hard freeze can help insulate the ground. However, if the freeze is a short event, you may do more long-term damage than short-term good.

• Move mulch away from young plants as, contrary to what you might think, the mulch actually makes these plants freeze more quickly.

•  Bring the garden into your holiday happenings: use your dried herbs in the kitchen and trim your holly!