Fall Gardening 101

Theresa Badurek, Urban Horticulture Extension Agent

Agapanthus(Photo-UF/IFAS)

In the fall the weather will begin to cool and the rains will slow down.  (Hard to imagine these days, isn't it?) These conditions present several challenges for the home gardener, but there are some things you can do to prepare your garden (and yourself) for the cooler, drier weather.

If you use annuals in your landscape it may be time to replace some of the summer annuals.  In early fall (Sept.-Oct.) try plants like ageratum, coleus, celosia, zinnia, and wax begonia to give your landscape color into cooler weather.  Then once temperatures start to cool (Oct.-Nov.) you can plat petunia, pansy, snapdragon, dianthus, and alyssum.  When shopping for annuals choose compact plants with healthy leaves, good color, and lots of flower buds (they don’t have to be in bloom at the time of purchase).  For more information about gardening with annuals in Florida: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/MG/MG31900.pdf. 

Since annuals are seasonal they should make up focal areas in the garden, but not too much space, as they require a lot of energy and resources for such a short life-span.   Lots of bulbs like to get their start in these cooler months.  Plant agapanthus, amaryllis, and lilies now for blooms next spring and summer.  Divide and replant perennials and bulbs that have grown too large- be sure to do this by November so they can become established before the weather turns colder.  Add organic matter to new planting areas and monitor water needs during establishment.  For more information about dividing and propagating plants: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/mg108.

Cilantro (Photo-Iowa State University Extension)

Plant herbs that tolerate the warm temperatures of early fall, such as Mexican tarragon, mint, rosemary, and basil.  Later in the fall when the weather is cooler try parsley, cilantro, garlic, and thyme.  Since some herbs are annuals and some are perennials remember to group them accordingly so you won’t be disturbing the perennials when replanting the annuals.  Many herbs are also suited to planting in containers- but you must remember that those plants in containers will dry out faster than those in the ground and will need more irrigation attention.  For more information about growing herbs in your Florida garden: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/VH/VH02000.pdf. 

Cabbage (Photo-Purdue)

In this cooler weather (Oct.-Nov.) you can plant cool-season vegetable crops, such as celery, cabbage, lettuce, collards, and many others.  For more information about vegetable gardening in Florida, including suggested crops and their planting dates: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/VH/VH02100.pdf. 

In September or October, fertilize your citrus with a balanced fertilizer.  Many early season citrus varieties will be ready for harvest starting in October and November, such as ‘Navel’ and ‘Hamlin’ oranges, ‘Marsh’ grapefruit, ‘Orlando’ tangelos, ‘Meyer’ lemons, and more. 

If necessary, fertilize your St. Augustinegrass and bahiagrass lawns with a fertilizer containing at least 50% slow-release nitrogen and no phosphorous in early October.  Do not use a “weed and feed” product.  No lawn and landscape fertilizer containing nitrogen can be used in Pinellas County before October 1^st.  (For more info on the Pinellas County Fertilizer ordinance: http://www.pinellascounty.org/PDF/Fertilizer-Ordinance-Brochure.pdf.)  As the weather gets cooler the turf will not need as many nutrients so this is best applied in early October. 

Enjoy planning for this cooler season soon to come!