The Neighborhood Gardener – October
We look forward to seeing everyone at the Master Gardener Continued Training Conference. Subscribe to the e-Newsletter using the link below so that we can keep you up-to-date on state happenings. Happy gardening!
--Tom Wichman, State Master Gardener Volunteer Coordinator and Esen Momol, State FYN Coordinator
State News
FYN Topics at Master Gardener Conference
This year's state Master Gardener Continued Training Conference will feature several FYN topics, such as aquascaping, water efficient irrigation and retrofits, butterfly gardening, and more. More...
Florida-Friendly Article of the Month
Planning Your Landscape to Conserve Water
Use the "right plant, right place" principle in planning your landscape. Select plants whose needs match the conditions of your yard and save not only water, but money and effort. More...
Highlighted Resource
Trees can suffer—and cause—significant damage during a storm. Using UF/IFAS research, this Web site gives communities and homeowners pruning methods and preparation strategies to help with a tree's wind resistance during hurricanes. More...
Friend or Foe
Aphids are tiny, soft-bodied bugs that feed by sucking the juices of plants. They can transmit plant diseases and the liquid they leave behind, called honeydew, contributes to sooty mold on leaves. More...
Plant of the Month
Hardy, pest-resistant, and irresistible to butterflies and hummingbirds, firespike offers plenty of autumn color for the Florida landscape. More...
FAQ
Q: What vegetables can I grow in the fall?
A: Fall is an excellent time to start a vegetable garden. Cool-season vegetables to plant in October include broccoli, lettuce, carrots, Brussels sprouts, and radishes. More...
This Month in Your Garden
A wide range of herbs can be planted as seeds or transplants this month. Try dill, fennel, oregano, parsley, cilantro, and sage.
Caladiums will start to decline in October. In Florida, you can let your caladium bulbs winter over in the ground.
For more month-by-month gardening tips, check out the Florida Gardening Calendar. Three different editions of the calendar provide specific tips for each of Florida's gardening regions—North, Central, and South. More...
Success Stories
By Kurt Rowe, Manatee County FYN Agent, Pam Brown, Pinellas County Horticulture Agent, & Marina D'Abreau, Hillsborough County Urban Horticulture Agent
In spring 2008, the South Central District FYN faculty contacted 3,961 past rain barrel program participants and encouraged them to take a Web survey about their rain collection and use patterns. They found that the total amount of water collected and used by 606 survey respondents was 325,936 gallons per year! More...
We're looking for inspiring Florida-friendly success stories like this. Submit yours today at gardening@ifas.ufl.edu
Meet & Greet
- Amber Madison, Master Gardener Office Assistant
