Seasonal Gardening Tips
813-884-3797
Winter 2009
The winter months may be wetter than normal this year due the El Nino weather pattern. Generally speaking, as the weather gets cooler you can reduce the frequency of your watering to every 5 to 10 days.
Ornamental plants and trees need approximately 1 in. of water or rain per week. Lawns need 1/2 to 3/4 in. of water when showing signs of wilting (like blue gray coloring or folded blades). Both the City of Tampa and Hillsborough County currently restrict residential watering to one day a week.
For the lawn....In December or January we recommend applying Fertilome Winterizer fertilizer. Winterizer contains the analysis of 10-0-14 w/trace elements. A higher ratio of potash creates a stronger root system for winter hardiness and a plush spring lawn. If weeds are a problem in your yard, now is a good time to apply Fertilome Weed n’ Feed for St. Augustine or Fertilome Weed-Out for Bahia (and other grass types).
If you have experienced some "die back" from pests or fungus there is likely some thatch accumulated in the lawn. We have a great product called Natural Guard Soil Activator that provides an easy and natural way to compost thatch returning valuable nutrients to the soil. You may also want to consider filling in the dead areas with winter rye seed. One pound of rye seed will fill in an area approximately 200 square feet. After seedling, fertilize and water frequently for the first week. Rye grass stays green and beautiful throughout the winter months.
Pick up a copy of our Lawn Maintenance Schedule or request one be e-mailed to you. It's a great tool for the do-it-yourself homeowner for use in keeping their lawn healthy and weed free.
For the garden....Give gardening gifts for the holidays like an admired plant, a book on gardening, or a garden tool. We have beautiful wind chimes, gazing balls, and other lawn ornaments here at the nursery. We carry the EarthBox growing system used to grow vegetables or herbs in a self watering container. This is a great gift for someone contemplating growing some of their own food. We also have gift cards available during the holidays and throughout the year for that special someone.
December is a good month to plant winter annuals. We recommend feeding your annuals with a slow release fertilizer called Osmocote. Slow release fertilizers work best as it provides continual feeding for up to 8 weeks. Keep your annuals lightly pruned, removing 1/2 in. to 1in. from most stems to encourage blooms on the newer growth.
The colder months are ideal for planting or transplanting woody trees and shrubs. We recommend that you use Fertilome Root Stimulator any time you plant or transplant. Root Stimulator reduces transplant shock and promotes root formation and development.
Citrus trees should be fertilized in January using a "Citrus Special" type fertilizer at the rate of 1lb. per year of tree age (maximum 10 lbs.). Fertilize an area twice the diameter of the tree canopy. Winter is also the time to prune deciduous fruit and ornamental plants as well as crape myrtle trees.
Protect tender plants during the threat of frost by covering them with cotton cloth or frost barrier fabric. Be sure the cover reaches the ground as this will help to trap heat radiating from the ground. If you must use plastic cover, be sure it does not touch the plant.
***********************************************************************************************************
Check periodically for the presence of pests on your plants, especially new growth. Below is a general guide that identifies the pest and the appropriate insecticide.
Aphids, Lacebugs / Malathion Oil or Acephate
Scale / Malathion Oil
Mites / Kelthane
Bagworms, Leafminer, Borers / Borer, Bagworm, Leafminer Spray
Whitefly / Malathion Oil or Acephate
Thrips / Acephate or Carbaryl
Caterpillars / Thuricide
Spray 2-3 times at 7 day intervals until the pest is eliminated. If you are unsure of the pest, we invite you to bring a leaf or branch from your plant to the nursery and we can identify the insect and suggest the correct product.
*********************************************************************************************************** What to plant in the winter.......Annuals that do well this time of year include alyssum, begonias, dusty miller, impatiens, petunias, snapdragons, vinca, and begonias. Vegetables include eggplant, tomatoes, peppers, and strawberries. Herbs include basil, chives, lemon balm, mint, oregano, rosemary, and thyme.
With every season Green Thumb Nursery has a variety of annuals, perennials, shrubs, trees, vegetables, and herbs. Check out the nursery page for information on plants that are usually available here at the nursery. Stop in to see us and add some new color and variety to your landscaping.
If you have questions about your lawn or garden email us at info@greenthumbnursery.comor use the Contact Us page of our website.Enjoy your winter landscaping.
lnk