This Week's Workshop - "Intro to Drawing Birds" with Doug Land.    (Preregistration  required)   Saturday 11:30am-1:30pm at Sunken Gardens in St. Petersburg.  $15 members/$23 non-members.

Fall is Here!     Now is the last chance to do any “major” pruning, and a great time to fertilize. By now, much of the season’s growth is slowing, so a trim at this time, will last for a while. And yet, there is still time for new growth to come in before winter’s cold temps hit the area. This is the same reason that now is a great time to fertilize. If you wait much longer, the pruning and/or fertilizing will promote new, soft growth, which will not be hardened to the conditions of winter.

Another very important thing to do now, is mulch. As we enter the dry season, mulching makes a huge difference, not only by conserving water at the plants’ roots, and suppressing weeds, but also by insulating the roots from the occasional cooler temperatures at night. When possible, a three inch layer of mulch is ideal; just be sure the mulch is not piled up against the trunks or stems of the plants, as this may invite rot. Instead, keep the mulch a couple inches away. Many types of mulch are available, but oak leaves are especially good, and have the advantage of being free. Other options to consider would be compost, shredded bark (not cypress!), straw or shredded paper (for out of view vegetable gardens), or horse manure.

This is the perfect time to plant most trees, shrubs, vines; and many perennials. The cooler temperatures of fall and winter allow the plants to become well established before the summer heats puts them under stress. Of course, a hurricane is still a possibility, but there’s no escaping that!

If you decide to plant a vegetable garden, keep in mind that most vegetables need a minimum of 6 hours of full sun. Also, be sure the intended garden area is free of roots from nearby trees, etc., as they can drain the moisture and fertility from the plants. Plan to amend the soil, by adding and thoroughly mixing amendments such peat moss, cow manure, soil-builder and a good quality time-release fertilizer; to the planting area. To minimize weeds stealing your water and fertilizer, try recycling about 3 thicknesses of newspaper, covered with mulch, between the rows of veggies.

Below is a list of annuals, perennials and vegetables that grow well when planted this time of year, in the Tampa Bay area:

Allysum, amaryllis, begonias (many types), blue salvia, coreopsis, gerbera daisies, impatiens, Shasta daisies, gaillardia, liatris, lobelia, New Guinea impatiens, pansies, petunias, snapdragons, and many more!

Beans (bush beans now…pole beans later), beets, broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, collards, lettuce, peas, peppers, radishes, spinach, swiss chard, and more. Most herbs will also do extremely well if planted now. Even if you only have a small balcony or patio, many of these veggies and herbs will grow well in pots.
                          - Bill O'Grady, Education Supervisor at Sunken Gardens