Summer Gardening in Florida

Monsoon season is upon us. Let's talk about what gardening we can enjoy doing during the "swamp season".

Coontie Palm

June is our wettest month here in North Central Florida with an average of 7 inches of rain. July and August are a close second and third with around 6 inches on average. This weather will certainly benefit any tropical plants and turfgrass will grow like crazy. It's a good time to plant any palm varieties as they will benefit from the tropical heat and moisture. Even with all the rain, keep an eye on any annuals to get them moist. The super hot summertime Florida sun will dry out the topsoil and especially containers quickly. Other yard based tasks include azalea and tree care. Don't prune Azaleas at this point as they won't bloom in the spring. The buds set very early. Trees should be inspected and pruned by certified professionals if branches are weak in anticipation of hurricanes.

Yellow Cherry

How about vegetable gardening? By now, vegetables planted in spring have wound down. You can still plant a few select vegetables that will withstand the heat and humidity. If you like Okra it is one of a few plants that will thrive in the summer climate. Eggplant, sweet potatoes, peppers  and cherry tomatoes may do well. Other types of tomatoes won't set fruit (change of flower to tomato) at night time temperatures above 70 degrees. Cherry varieties will however and there are many types to choose from.

It's about as far from New Year's as possible but how about some black eyed peas? No, not the pop band. Also known as cowpeas these are one of the more exotic summer vegetable options that will grow in Florida. Other interesting options are lima beans (hated those as a kid), Roselle (a relative of hibiscus) that can be used to make tea, Callaloo (tree spinach) and Cassava (a tuber).

Roselle (Florida Cranberry)

While it's hot we can still enjoy the outdoors in Florida during the summer. Go out early in the morning as average temps overnight are typically not above 70 degrees. Here in Gainesville we benefit from radiant cooling overnight (no ocean to warm the air) so it is pleasant most mornings. And while you're out there check on your plants and vegetables.