The Neighborhood Gardener – June

Happy gardening!

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Circling Roots on Trees

As a tree grows, its roots are supposed to radiate outwards. But in some cases, roots circle around the rootball or base of the trunk and cause serious problems. Circling roots can prevent a tree from developing a strong and balanced root system, affecting its ability to withstand high winds during storms. They can also girdle the tree, cutting off its flow of water and nutrients and eventually killing it. Help prevent these problems by carefully inspecting the roots of new trees at planting time. More

Plant of the Month: Hybrid Philodendrons

Hybrid philodendrons are a group of easy-to-grow houseplants that have lush green, burgundy, or copper-colored leaves. These plants differ from the more widely know heartleaf philodendron in that they have large spade-shaped leaves and a more upright growth habit. More

Pollinator Week: June 20-26

Pollinators, including bees, birds, butterflies, bats, and beetles, are vital to our ecosystem. Pollinator Week is an international celebration of the valuable services provided by these animals. Celebrate—and save—pollinators with an event at your school, garden, church, or other group. Here's what you can do to join in.

School Garden Competition Winners

Winners of the 13th Annual Florida School Garden Competition have been announced! First place winners receive $500, second place winners receive $250, and third place winners receive $150. All entries receive a mini greenhouse set from one of the competition sponsors, Scotts Miracle-Gro. Plus, the first place winner of the Entire School division receives a garden event by Scotts. More

June in Your Garden

Now is a good time to produce more plants by air layering, grafting, division, or cuttings. Many summer flowering shrubs, like hibiscus, oleander, and crepemyrtle, benefit from frequent light pruning during the warmer months.

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? Friend: Assassin Bug

Assassin bugs feed on a wide range of prey, but they're especially benefical as a predator of economic pests, such as the fall armyworm and the Asian citrus psyllid. While not a threat to humans, an assassin bug's "bite" can cause a burning sensation with swelling that may last for several days. More

Are You a Mosquito Magnet?

Ever wonder why some people get bitten by mosquitoes more often than others? UF/IFAS entomology professor Jonathan Day gives several good reasons in this MSNBC article. More

Featured Shows on Gardening in a Minute

• Summer Bedding Plants
• Pentas
• Torenia
• Plants for Water Gardens

 

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