Florida Gardening in July

It’s hot, it’s mid summer, it’s July in Florida.  July is difficult for us Central Florida gardeners and our plants.  We’re wondering what to plant that will tolerate the heat and how to maintain what is living in our gardens.  Let’s explore what you can do this month in your garden.

What to Plant

July is too hot to start all plants from seed.  Okra, Southern peas, and Pumpkin are some of the only edibles that will do well when planted this time of year.  For the best success, small plants will be better than starting from seed. Summer annuals, such as celosia, coleus, torenia and ornamental peppers, are great additions to your summer garden.  Gladiolus and some lilies can be planted from bulbs during July. Palms also do really well when planted during the hot, rainy summer.   

Maintenance

Since planting projects are limited, use July to prep your yard and garden.  Hurricane season will be here before we know it, so July is a great month to prune or cut back trees. Use this link to find a certified arborist near you >> http://www.treesaregood.org/findanarborist/findanarborist  

Here in Brevard county, and several other Florida counties, the Fertilizer Ban is active until the last day of September.  A common question that I get at the Master Gardener Help Desk is about Weed and Feed. Weed and Feed is considered a fertilizer, so don’t use it on your lawn!  Azomite and liquid seaweed are awesome natural alternatives to chemical fertilizers.   

July is the height of the rainy season - change your irrigation schedule to manual if needed.  Rain shutoff devices are inexpensive and easy to instal. This saves money and minimizes overwatering.  Be careful not to expose your plants to too much water. Overwatering will make your garden more susceptible to mildew and root rot.  

Brace Yourself

Be smart about working in your garden.  Stay hydrated and work outside in the early morning hours.  I’ve made the mistake of pushing myself too hard and come close to a heat stroke.  It’s easy to get caught up in a project and want to just be finished, but listen to your body and pace yourself.  

Remember to be patient.  This heat and rain will pass. Use this time to get your garden ready for the Fall.