Florida Gardener's Handbook, 2nd Edition: All you need to know to plan, plant, & maintain a Florida garden by Tom MacCubbin

In this revised and updated 2nd edition of Florida Gardener's Handbook, gardeners in the Sunshine State are handed all the know-how they'll need to grow a lush, productive garden. The environmentally sound growing info for both edible and ornamental plants found here is your green thumb map to success. With profiles of more than 300 plants proven to thrive in Florida's unique climate, including shrubs, trees, perennials, annuals, vegetables, fruits, tropical plants, lawn grasses, and more, you'll be able to select the best plants to create a beautiful landscape or a high-yielding edible garden. Helpful charts highlight sun and shade requirements and offer clear and concise plant variety information. Month-by-month care and cultivation guides are offered for each plant group, guiding your journey—even if you're a first-time Florida gardener. Authors Tom MacCubbin and Georgia B. Tasker, along with pro gardeners Robert Bowden and Joe Lamp'l, address the many challenges of Florida gardening, including a changing climate and saltwater gardening information. The how-to methods for planting, pruning, watering, fertilizing, and much more are rich with information essential to Floridians. This comprehensive and extensive guide is the best resource for growing in the Sunshine State. Whether you live in Nassau County, the Florida Keys, or somewhere in between, the Read more

From the Publisher WELCOME TO GARDENING IN FLORIDA Whether you are new to the state or just new to gardening, you are about to have lots of fun. You’ll enjoy colorful flowers and reap harvests from fruit and vegetable plants in your own yard. Even if you already have some local gardening experience, there is always more to learn and new adventures ahead. Florida is different from most other states. It’s a long state, almost 900 miles (1,448 km) from the Pensacola point in the Panhandle to the tip of the Keys. There is frost-free growing in the southern part of the state and there are multiple freezes in the north. ANNUALS FOR FLORIDA Florida gardeners have learned that a quick way to add color to the landscape is to use annual flowers. Many can be purchased in bloom at local garden centers to bring home and create an instant garden, but don’t buy plants that have been grown using systemic insecticides, because they may harm pollinators and butterfly caterpillars. As the name annual implies, the plants last only one season or maybe longer in South Florida. However, they offer plenty of color for 6 to 8 weeks or more. A few, including geraniums, impatiens, and coleus, continue growing until seasonal changes in temperature cause decline. BULBS FOR FLORIDA Close your eyes and think of some plants that grow from bulbs. What immediately comes to mind? Admit it: you see tulips, daffodils, crocus, and hyacinths. Now erase that image, because most northern bulbs don’t grow well in Florida. You can force a few, but forcing is a chore. Happily, you will find that some of our Florida favorites rival their northern relatives. Some can be in bloom at just about any time of year. Many have extended flowering seasons, so you might see them in bloom several times a year. We use a broad definition of bulb in this chapter. A true bulb resembles an onion—it has some residual roots, a small stem portion, and lots of leaves packed closely together. (Some true Florida bulbs are amaryllis, crinum, and rain lilies.) Many other plants that we call bulbs are technically classified as stems and include corms, tubers, tuberous roots, and rhizomes. FRUITS & NUTS IN FLORIDA PLANNING Consider the hardiness and heat tolerance of the plants. Choose only those that will do well in your location. Look at pest problems associated with the crop. Make sure you have the needed room. Some, like avocados, grapefruits, and oranges, can grow quite large. Realize there may be pruning, thinning, and other chores required. If your time is limited, pick the plants that need the least amount of extra care. Many gardeners select only one or two favorites with good production PLANTING Normal planting procedures are used. Specific instructions are provided for each crop in this section. Most fruiting plants, especially citrus, grow fine in any well-drained Florida soil. If the site is not immediately ready for your new plant, it can be held for a week or two in the nursery container. It is best if the wait is not too long.