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"Hula Girl" Hibiscus
Most people moving to South Florida are coming from northern states, but even if you're coming from a southern state, you need to forget everything you previously knew about gardening. South Florida's soil, climate, and growing conditions are so different that you'll be totally disappointed if you try to continue growing things as you always have.
I came to Florida from SC with my Horticulture degree in hand, thinking I knew it all. If there is one thing gardening in South Florida will teach you, it's that you know nothing.
The first thing you need to know about South Florida gardening is that the growing seasons are reversed. When your friends up north are under a foot of snow, you'll be picking flowers and vegetables. When they are growing vegetables in the summer, your gardening will consist of trying to control weeds and keeping your lawn mowed.
Summer gardening in South Florida
Our summer in South Florida, which is also our rainy season, is extremely hot and humid. In fact, if you want to garden, you need to be out very early, or later in the evening just before sunset. Another downside to summer gardening in Florida is the mosquitoes. Just at the times it's cool enough to garden, they are the most active. You will need to find some way to keep from being bitten by them, because of such mosquito borne diseases as West Nile Virus and Avian Flu. If you aren't averse to using chemical sprays, a DEET spray is the best repellent you can use. If you are, long sleeves, long pants, shoes, gloves, and maybe a mosquito netted gardening hat will help.
Winter gardening in South Florida
While maintenance is pretty much the key in the summer, in September when it begins to cool, you can start planting your flowers and vegetables. The cooler, drier winter months make gardening a breeze. Keep in mind, that you won't usually get enough rain during the winter, our dry season, to keep your gardens going, so you will have to devise a way to irrigate your gardens.
Watering your South Florida garden
South Florida has been under water restrictions for many years, so you need to check with your local water authority or provider to find out what the restrictions are for your area. Some areas are only allowed one watering day a week for irrigating lawns and ornamentals, but restrictions on hand watering and vegetable gardening may be different. Remember that even if you have a well, watering restrictions still apply.
The University of Florida has one of the country's finest extension services. Your local extension service is your best friend while trying to learn South Florida gardening. Check with your local library or municipality for dates and times that the extension agents visit your area. The official website is listed below.
Once you get the hang of it, South Florida gardening is something that will frustrate you, thrill you, and capture your mind, body and spirit. It is the best and worst of what gardening should be, but after 12 years, I wouldn't want to garden anywhere else. The simple abundance of flowering, fruiting, and other plants is just astounding, making your landscape an ever changing fountain of beauty.
More on South Florida Gardening:
How to Grow Tomatoes in South Florida
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