What's the 'hap's here in South Florida

Hi Friends!  

Fall never came and winter is upon us here in South Florida but it sure feels summer.   Yesterday was one of the hottest days in December.   The sun is shifting south lending to the shorter days and cooler evenings.   The winds tend to get blustery as they pick up out of the north/northeast.  It's quite common to have 2-3 days of high winds around here.  

This is also one of our dry times, aside from the occasional scattered shower, the rains pretty much stop.  This time of year the sun is still quite strong so it's a good idea to still keep a handy stash of good sunblocks (we use one with zinc in it), wide-brimmed hats, uv sunglasses, long sleeve sports style shirts and don't forget some great gardening gloves.   Also some great gift idea's for the outdoor person in your life!
Fall and winter is one of the best times to get work done in your landscape and vegetable/herb garden here in South Florida.  More than ever, there are so many amazing vegetables and herbs widely available to everyone not just the agriculture industry.   Local nurseries are stocking up now, so while you're out shopping this weekend, stop in to see what they have.

Also you can call us, Creative Spaces, to set up a free landscape consultation for your project! 

954-633-8040

Lucky for us, this is the time of year when our notorious humidity is at it's all time low.  Though we are also very dry which can stress a plant out and lower it's immune to all kinds of fungus, mildew and pests.   It's a good idea to do a walkthrough of your garden to check for any issues.   Remember to apply an herbicide, fungicide and/or pesticide (preferably an organic method) only when there is a sign of a problem and/or when pests are visible.   Please read the manufacturer's safety data sheets and application directions thoroughly; safety data is the law.   These chemicals are not forgiving and are designed for specific applications on specific plants/insects.  If you are unsure, it's best to seek professional help of a reputable local pest control company and/or your county's local extension office with questions.
Speaking of the dry season, now is a great time to also check your irrigation system for any breaks, clogged heads and correct spray patterns.  Turf requires almost three times more water per year compared to plants and much more maintenance.  So you may want to consider turning a problem area into a new plant bed to minimize your turf, conserve water & reduce your water bill. Don't forget to check your timer for the correct settings and water schedule.​Fall is a great time to mulch all of your garden's plant beds to keep as much moisture in the soil as possible.  Plus it'll look great for the holiday season! 

Continue planting your late season vegetable crops like beets, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, collards, corn, cucumber, eggplant, endive, lettuces, kohlrabi, peas, pole beans, mustards, onions, peppers, potatoes, radish, spinach, strawberries and tomatoes.   Remember to plant your companion herbs as well…everyone loves a good companion!
Now is a perfect time to plant tropical fruit and citrus trees.  Many tropical fruit trees can bear mulitple harvests a year while lots of citrus varieties come to fruit in the fall and winter months.  Plus it's a great gift idea for loved ones!​Visit our company website for landscape ideas, plants and orchids species that grow well here.www.creativespacesfl.com

Happy Gardening, Happy Holidays & Many Best Wishes,
Sheri B.

XOXO