Theresa Badurek, Urban Horticulture Extension Agent

Agapanthus(Photo-UF/IFAS)

In the fall the weather will begin to cool and the rains will slow down.  (Hard to imagine these days, isn't it?) These conditions present severalchallenges for the home gardener, but there are some things you can do toprepare your garden (and yourself) for the cooler, drier weather.
If you use annualsin your landscape it may be time to replace some of the summer annuals.  In early fall (Sept.-Oct.) try plants like ageratum, coleus, celosia,zinnia, and wax begonia to give your landscape color into cooler weather.  Then once temperatures start to cool (Oct.-Nov.) you canplat petunia, pansy, snapdragon, dianthus, and alyssum.  When shopping for annuals choose compactplants with healthy leaves, good color, and lots of flower buds (they don’thave to be in bloom at the time of purchase). For more information about gardening with annuals in Florida: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/MG/MG31900.pdf. 
Since annuals are seasonal they should make up focal areas inthe garden, but not too much space, as they require a lot of energy and resourcesfor such a short life-span.   Lots of bulbs like to get their start in these cooler months.  Plant agapanthus, amaryllis, and lilies nowfor blooms next spring and summer.  Divideand replant perennials and bulbs that have grown too large- besure to do this by November so they can become established before the weatherturns colder.  Add organic matter to newplanting areas and monitor water needs during establishment.  For more information about dividing andpropagating plants: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/mg108.

Cilantro (Photo-Iowa State University Extension)

Plant herbs that tolerate the warm temperatures of early fall, such asMexican tarragon, mint, rosemary, and basil.  Later in the fall when the weather is cooler tryparsley, cilantro, garlic, and thyme.  Sincesome herbs are annuals and some are perennials remember to group themaccordingly so you won’t be disturbing the perennials when replanting theannuals.  Many herbs are also suited toplanting in containers- but you must remember that those plants in containerswill dry out faster than those in the ground and will need more irrigationattention.  For more information aboutgrowing herbs in your Florida garden: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/VH/VH02000.pdf. 

Cabbage (Photo-Purdue)In thiscooler weather (Oct.-Nov.) you can plant cool-season vegetablecrops, such as celery, cabbage, lettuce, collards, and many others.  For more information about vegetablegardening in Florida, including suggested crops and their planting dates: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/VH/VH02100.pdf. 

In September or October, fertilize your citrus with a balanced fertilizer. Many early season citrus varieties will be ready for harvest starting inOctober and November, such as ‘Navel’ and ‘Hamlin’ oranges, ‘Marsh’ grapefruit,‘Orlando’ tangelos, ‘Meyer’ lemons, and more. 
If necessary, fertilize yourSt. Augustinegrass and bahiagrass lawns with a fertilizer containing at least50% slow-release nitrogen and no phosphorous in early October.  Do not use a “weed and feed” product.  No lawn and landscape fertilizer containingnitrogen can be used in Pinellas County before October 1st.  (For more info on the Pinellas CountyFertilizer ordinance: http://www.pinellascounty.org/PDF/Fertilizer-Ordinance-Brochure.pdf.)  As the weather gets cooler the turf will notneed as many nutrients so this is best applied in early October. 

Enjoy planning for this cooler season soon to come!