Florida Gardening in May

As the month of May arrives in Florida, us gardeners are definitely thinking about what plants are going to take the simmering Florida summer heat.  There are other things we can do to prep and watch for in our gardens this spring month. Below are a tips for Florida gardeners this May.

What to Plant

• Landscape

  • Salvia

  • Torenia

  • Wax Begonia

  • Coleus

  • Ornamental Pepper

  • Jalapeno

• Bulbs:

  • Amazon lily

  • Aztec lily

  • Clivia lily

• Herbs:

  • Basil

  • Mexican tarragon

  • Rosemary

• Vegetables:

  • Okra

  • Southern Peas

  • Sweet Potato

Garden Watch

Warmer temperatures and wetter weather patterns are a perfect breeding ground for pests in the south, especially in Florida.  Caterpillars, thrips, scale, mites, and chinch bugs love to snack on our plants this time of year. Some bugs aren’t harmful, like the monarch caterpillars.  So before you start going Terminator on all the pests you see, make sure they aren’t a beneficial insect.

Often a gardener can cut or pluck off an invasive pest or disease attacking a plant.  Be sure to disinfect your tools if cutting off a disease.

Bugs, fungus, and bacteria only attack stressed or weak plants.  Increase the organic matter in your garden’s soil and maintain a healthy ecosystem for your plants before going to synthetic or chemical solutions.       

Spring is a beautiful time to garden in Florida.  Take advantage of the beautiful weather to observe and manage what’s going on in your garden and plant something you’ll enjoy in the warm, warm months.