At Sanjuan Family Nursery, we believe that plants are more than just decorations; they are a wonderful hobby that enriches our lives and connects us with nature. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just beginning to explore the world of horticulture, we’re here to support you every step of the way. We understand that each plant friend you bring into your home or garden is an opportunity to learn and grow. That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive plant care guide. Our goal is to help you successfully nurture and flourish alongside your new green friends, ensuring they thrive in the unique climate of Southwest Florida. Let’s grow together!
Understanding Your Environment
- Climate: Southwest Florida enjoys a subtropical climate, which means hot, humid summers and mild winters. Understanding this will help you choose plants that can thrive and know when to water, fertilize, and protect your plants from weather extremes.
- Sunlight: Observe how sunlight moves across your property. Full sun areas receive more than 6 hours of direct sunlight per day and are great for most fruiting plants and flowers. Partial sun/shade areas receive about 3-6 hours of direct sunlight, suitable for plants like ferns and some ornamentals.
Soil Preparation and Planting
- Testing Soil: Start by testing your soil’s pH and nutrient levels. This can usually be done through your local extension office. Knowing your soil type will help you determine what amendments you might need.
- Amending Soil: For sandy soils, incorporate organic matter like compost, coconut coir, or well-aged manure to increase nutrient retention and moisture.
- Digging: When planting, dig a hole twice as wide as the plant’s root ball but no deeper. Loosen the roots gently and position the plant so that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil surface.
Watering Techniques
- Watering Newly Planted Gardens: Newly planted gardens will need more frequent watering to establish. A good rule of thumb is to water deeply enough to moisten the entire root zone, then allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
- Where to Water: Apply water directly to the soil around the base of the plant using a soaker hose or drip irrigation. This method ensures that water goes where it’s needed—at the roots—and reduces evaporation.
- Where to Avoid: Avoid watering the foliage, especially late in the day, as wet leaves can promote fungal diseases. Also, avoid shallow watering, which can discourage deep root growth and make your plants less drought-resistant.
Fertilizing Fundamentals
- Choosing Fertilizer: Select a balanced fertilizer appropriate for the type of plants you are growing. Look for products labeled as complete, which include NPK (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium) and micronutrients.
- How to Fertilize: Sprinkle granular fertilizer evenly around the plant’s drip line—the area directly below the outer reach of the plant’s branches—and then water thoroughly to help dissolve the fertilizer into the soil.
- Where to Apply: Sprinkle granular fertilizer evenly around the drip line of the plant, which is the area directly beneath the outer circumference of the plant’s branches. This method helps encourage roots to grow outward in search of nutrients.
- Where to Avoid: Do not apply fertilizer directly against the trunk or stem of the plant, as this can burn the plant and lead to nutrient imbalances. Also, avoid over-fertilizing by following the recommended rates on the fertilizer label to prevent runoff that can pollute waterways.
Pruning Basics
- Why Prune: Pruning helps control the size of your plants, encourages healthy growth, and can improve fruiting or flowering.
- How to Prune: Always use clean, sharp pruning shears. Cut at a 45-degree angle about 1/4 inch above a bud facing the outside of the plant. This helps prevent disease and encourages outward growth.
Pest and Disease Control
- Monitoring: Regularly inspect your plants for signs of pests and disease. Early detection is key to effective management.
- Organic Controls: Use organic methods where possible, such as introducing beneficial insects, applying neem oil, or using insecticidal soap. Avoid broad-spectrum chemical pesticides that can harm beneficial insects.
How to Apply Mulch
- Depth: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around your plants. This is thick enough to suppress weeds and retain moisture but not so thick that it prevents air and water from reaching the soil.
- Area to Cover: Spread mulch around the base of your plants, extending to the drip line if possible. The drip line is the area directly beneath the outer tips of a plant’s branches, where most of the feeder roots are located.
- Where to Avoid: Keep mulch about 2-3 inches away from the stems of plants and the trunks of trees. This space prevents moisture buildup around the stem or trunk, which can lead to rot and fungal infections.
When to Mulch
- Timing: In Southwest Florida, mulching can be done year-round due to the mild climate. However, the best times are before the rainy season starts in late spring and early fall. This helps prepare plants for the extremes of wet summers and drier winters.
- Refresh: Check and refresh mulch twice a year. Organic mulches break down over time and will need to be replenished to maintain the effective depth.
Additional Tips
- Weed Barrier: If weeds are a significant issue, consider laying down a weed barrier cloth under the mulch. This extra layer helps prevent weeds from growing through but still allows water and air to penetrate.
- Pest Considerations: Be aware that some types of mulch, like wood chips, can attract termites or other pests. Cedar and cypress mulches are less attractive to termites and can be good choices in termite-prone areas.
- Soil Temperature Regulation: Mulch helps regulate soil temperature, keeping roots cooler in the summer heat and warmer during the cooler winter months in Southwest Florida.
Seasonal Care
- pring: This is a busy season for planting and fertilizing as plants start new growth. It’s also a good time to establish new garden beds.
- Summer: Focus on watering and managing pests and diseases during the hot months. Some plants may need partial shade to protect them from the intense sun.
- Fall: Prepare for winter by reducing fertilization, continuing to manage pests, and planting cool-season crops if desired.
- Winter: Protect sensitive plants from cold snaps and plan for the spring ahead.
Hurricane Preparedness for Gardeners
- Pruning: Before hurricane season (June to November), prune trees and shrubs to remove any dead or weak branches that could become dangerous projectiles during a storm.
- Staking: Stake young or vulnerable trees to give them additional support. Use sturdy stakes and flexible ties that allow for some movement without damaging the trunk.
- Container Plants: Move potted plants, including hanging plants, indoors or into a sheltered area to prevent them from being blown over or becoming projectiles.
- Garden Furniture and Tools: Secure or store garden furniture and any loose tools or decorative items to prevent them from being thrown around by high winds.
Experiment: Don’t be afraid to try different plants and gardening techniques to see what works best for your specific property.
