The Neighborhood Gardener – October

Happy gardening!

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Gorgeous Ground Covers

By Marina D'Abreau, Hillsborough County Extension
Florida offers the perfect conditions for many types of grasses and ground covers, but in the never-ending attempt to create the perfect lawn, all too often many other great ground covers are overlooked or ignored. More

Fall Climate Outlook

The Southeast Climate Consortium reports that due to a strong La Niña weather pattern, Florida will likely experience warmer and drier conditions than normal this fall. This trend usually begins in mid-September over the entire Southeast, then intensifies and sets in most strongly over Florida and the coastal areas of the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean. While that means we’re less likely to experience severe or damaging freezes, studies show that La Niña typically leads to an active wildfire season in Florida as well. More

Plant of the Month: Strawberries

Here in Florida, strawberries are treated as an annual and grow best during the cooler months of the year. Plant yours in October to enjoy tasty berries in the spring. Florida-Friendly cultivars include 'Sweet Charlie', 'Camarosa', 'Chandler', 'Oso Grande', 'Selva', and 'Festival'. More

October in Your Garden

Even though temperatures are still warm, begin planting for the cooler months ahead. Digitalis (foxglove), petunias, and Shasta daisy are good plants for the fall garden.

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

Friend or Foe? Foe: Squirrels

Squirrels are a "love 'em or hate 'em" kind of animal. Florida gardeners tend to fall into the latter category, as gray squirrels can cause significant damage to landscape plants. Complete eradication isn't practical—learn how to protect your plants from these furry pests. More

Master Gardener Conference

Registration for the 2010 Master Gardener Continued Training Conference is now open. Register today!

Featured Shows on Gardening in a Minute

• Heirloom Vegetables
• Coral Ardesia
• Backyard Chickens
• Pecans
• Fall Fruit and Nuts

 

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