In The Garden - What to Plant
Start seeds in pots for March planting.
When planting anything add a little product designed to aid in development of primary and secondary roots and that contains beneficial microbes. Fox Farm’s Bush Doctor Kangaroots is one such product containing a complex blend of bacteria and mycorrhizae.
Annuals/Bedding plants:
Good performers in mild winter weather include impatiens, verbena, dianthus, strawflower, and lobelia.
Flowers that can take a chill include dianthus, pansy, viola, and dusty miller.
Annuals with moderate to high salt tolerance include:
Begonia,
Calendula
Cape Daisy
Dusty Miller
Gaillardia
Gazania
Geranium
Kalanchoe
Ornamental Cabbage Ornamental Kale
Petunia
Snapdragon
Vinca
Zinnia
Bulbs: Many bulbs can be planted now including Amazon lily, crinum, and agapanthus. Divide large, crowded clumps and provide adequate water for establishment. If unusually low temperatures are in the forecast protect them with mulch. Provide adequate water for establishment. See Bulbs for Florida
Flowering plants: Many trees and shrubs will be in bloom, including red maple (Acer rubrum) and star magnolia (Magnolia kobus var. stellata). See Southern Tree Fact Sheets
Herbs: Almost any herb can be planted now. Many plants bought from big box nurseries have been treated with Neonicotinoid, systemic pesticides, which will kill pollinators. Fortunately, growers are now required to include a label indicating treatment. Don't forget to place a shallow bowl or saucer of water in your garden for hard-working pollinators and provide something for them to rest on, such as a rock or shell.
Herbs That Attract Butterflies
Butterflies prefer flowers planted in areas with good sun and little or no wind.
Dill
Chives
Thyme
Marjoram
Catnip (grow in pots)
Mint
Yarrow
Parsley
Herbs That Attract Bees
Single-petal flowers make it easier for bees and other pollinators to gather nectar.
Basil
Lemon balm
Lavender
Borage
Sage
Savory
Chamomile
Rosemary
Dill
Lamb's ears
Thyme
Dandelion
Herbs That Attract Hummingbirds
Hummingbirds prefer tubular blossoms
Bee balm, Lavender, Pineapple sage, Mint, Rosemary, Catnip
Vegetables: Winter vegetable gardening is in full swing. Last month to plant cantaloupes, cucumbers, eggplant, lettuce, peppers, spinach, and cherry tomatoes for a late spring harvest. Protect crops in the unlikely event of a frost or freeze. See: Vegetable Gardening in Florida: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_vegetable_gardening
Groundcovers: Consider replacing areas of grass with drought-tolerant, low-maintenance groundcovers.
See The Florida-Friendly Landscaping™
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