Nature Coast Botanical Gardens & Nursery

Last Updated 12/08/11

What to Plant

Bedding Plants

There is still time to add some color that will last into spring. Some cool season plants to consider are alyssum, dianthus, dusty miller, geraniums, pansies and Johnny jump-ups. Petunias, snapdragons, sweet pea and verbena should also do well.

Veggies

Continue to plant cool season crops such as beets, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, lettuce, onions, radishes, turnips and all sorts of greens to include, spinach, collard greens, mustard. Some herbs to consider now are anise, chervil, chives, coriander, dill, fennel, parsley, sage and thyme. Start seeds for warm weather plants about 6 weeks before our last frost is expected

 Ferilization

Veggies and annuals should be fertilized every 4 to 6 weeks. Fertilizers should not be applied to other plants until spring

Pruning

Do not prune landscape plants now. Do continue to deadhead annual however, to promote continued bloom

Broccoli & Cabbage in a raised bed

Meyer lemon - 

Hopefully your citrus withstood our freeze

Landscape Chores

Perennials

Wait to cut back your freeze damaged plants until new growth begins to appear

Pest Ccontrol

Temperatures should be low enough now to safely use dormant oil to control scale and mealybugs. Watch for aphids, and treat with insecticidal soap as needed. Bt is a a safe and effective control for cabbage worms. Look for holes in the leaves and treat if necessary. Avoid pesticides unless they are needed, and always read directions carefully and follow them to the letter.

Irrigation

With cooler weather plants and lawns need less supplemental watering. Water deeply but less often. Water only as needed.