Regional Reminders
July 12, 2001
Tropical South
By Robert Haehle
Ft. Lauderdale, FL

Plant Trees & Shrubs

Continue planting trees and shrubs while the wet season is still upon us. Planting now will reduce the amount of watering you'll have to do to these new plantings. However, the heat is too much for planting most annual flowers. Only plant the toughest annuals now such as torenia, marigold, and zinnia.

Sterilize the Soil

Cover the vegetable garden with clear plastic anchored down with stones to heat up and sterilize the soil once spring crops are finished producing. The soil temperatures can reach 135^oF under the plastic, high enough to kill insects, weed seeds, and many diseases. June to October is the best time to do this technique in Florida.

Propagate Hibiscus

Now is a good time to propagate hibiscus, ligustrum, calliandra, and other woody plants from cuttings. Take a 4 to 6 inch long cutting form the branch tip, dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder and stick the cutting in a pot filled with moistened potting mix.

Check Irrigation Pipes

Even though we're getting into the wet season, sometimes July surprises us with a mid-summer drought. Make sure all irrigation pipes and heads are in good working order. Clean and replace those that don't provide adequate coverage to lawns and gardens.

Plan Fall Gardens
In some ways summer in the Tropics is like winter in temperate climates. People tend to stay inside and do the acceptable minimum work outside. This is a good time to plan fall and winter gardens by reading gardening books and doing some research on the internet.