The Sunshine State’s December dilemma – warm weather that’s a bit of a Grinch for those who crave a chilly holiday season. As someone who’s ___d in Southwest Florida for 40 years, I can almost hear the sigh of relief when the cool and dreary weather finally rolls in. But until then, let’s focus on the festive vibes that come with lighted palm trees and a shorter to-do list for gardeners.
For those who haven’t fertilized their lawn, shrubs, and trees yet, now’s the time. A healthy dose of nutrients will help them weather the frost or freeze, and it’s essential to apply it before the cold weather sets in. You see, plants react to the cold by slowing down their nutrient uptake, making it crucial to fertilize before the fertilizer leaches into the surrounding waterways.
As the growth rate of plants slows down dramatically, lawns can be cut every 10 to 14 days instead of every seven. And while light pruning can still be done, it’s best to avoid severe pruning until spring to protect tender new growth from damage. December is also an excellent time to plant, transplant, or sod new turf, as the reduced water requirements mean less irrigation is needed to establish new growth.
In warm climates, gardening requires a unique set of strategies to overcome the challenges posed by the sun, heat, and humidity. One of the most critical considerations is soil preparation, as the high temperatures and intense sunlight can quickly deplete the soil of its nutrients. Gardeners in these regions must prioritize soil health, incorporating organic matter and mulch to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
This approach not only helps to sustain plant growth but also reduces the need for frequent watering, making it an essential technique for water-conscious gardening. Another key aspect of gardening in warm climates is selecting plants that are well-suited to the local conditions.
This means choosing varieties that are heat-tolerant, drought-resistant, and able to thrive in the region’s specific soil and sunlight conditions.
For example, succulents and cacti are popular choices for warm-climate gardens, as they have evolved to store water in their leaves and stems, allowing them to survive with minimal watering.
Similarly, plants like bougainvillea and hibiscus are well-suited to warm climates, producing vibrant flowers and lush foliage that can withstand the intense sunlight.
In addition to soil preparation and plant selection, gardeners in warm climates must also be mindful of the impact of extreme weather events, such as hurricanes and heatwaves ← →
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After 40 years here, I still find warm sunny weather a bit of a turn off for the holidays and long for the cool and dreary weather of December.
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