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Showing posts with label the fall season. Show all posts
Showing posts with label the fall season. Show all posts
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Monday, November 17, 2008
Frost and lost plants
We had another frost this morning even though the weather forecast said the low temperature was supposed to stay in low forties... :(
So I didn't cover any of my plants last night and - sad enough, I lost some of my nasturtium plants. Luckily I have quite a few more (and more seeds) - and I plan to be more careful from now on.
I am sorry I haven't protected my banana trees. I really enjoy watching their tropical appeal through my kitchen window. All of their leaves froze after two light frosts in October but two of them already recovered by now and grew two beautiful, big new leaves. And now they're gone.
I also lost a couple of cotton plants. I've seen many cotton fields for the first time in Georgia this past October - and they looked enchantingly beautiful to me. So I picked up some seeds and planted them in different planters around the house. They sprouted only a few days ago and I was really looking forward to observing their development and was getting more and more excited about the possibility of growing some organic, home-grown cotton. Now I need to make sure to keep the rest of them.
Anyway, all the above events kept me busy for quite a few hours this afternoon. I moved some pots closer to the house, to protected areas - and covered everything else that might get damaged if the temperature drops to freezing again.
Hopefully this works and I can grow more plants and have lots of blooms around Christmas - instead of losing one flower or herb after another. Besides, this is supposed to be Florida...
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So I didn't cover any of my plants last night and - sad enough, I lost some of my nasturtium plants. Luckily I have quite a few more (and more seeds) - and I plan to be more careful from now on.
I am sorry I haven't protected my banana trees. I really enjoy watching their tropical appeal through my kitchen window. All of their leaves froze after two light frosts in October but two of them already recovered by now and grew two beautiful, big new leaves. And now they're gone.
Photo: Beautiful banana tree leaves in July
I also lost a couple of cotton plants. I've seen many cotton fields for the first time in Georgia this past October - and they looked enchantingly beautiful to me. So I picked up some seeds and planted them in different planters around the house. They sprouted only a few days ago and I was really looking forward to observing their development and was getting more and more excited about the possibility of growing some organic, home-grown cotton. Now I need to make sure to keep the rest of them.
Photo: Cotton field in Georgia - courtesy of amyxoxox
Anyway, all the above events kept me busy for quite a few hours this afternoon. I moved some pots closer to the house, to protected areas - and covered everything else that might get damaged if the temperature drops to freezing again.
Hopefully this works and I can grow more plants and have lots of blooms around Christmas - instead of losing one flower or herb after another. Besides, this is supposed to be Florida...
***
Friday, November 14, 2008
October fall colors in Tennessee
Now that I'm done with all the commenting and stumbling and digging, I decided to get a good rest - and dream in colors and while at it - why not beautiful autumn colors from Tennessee, still very alive in my memory?
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Autumn's Eternity Turning
I love beautiful photos and fall-colored trees!
And even though I've already seen plenty of this season's images and took loads of photos myself - I still couldn't resist to add this snapshot from Ireland as the second post today - because it's simply stunning.
Wouldn't you agree?
Thank you, Irishphotographer!
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And even though I've already seen plenty of this season's images and took loads of photos myself - I still couldn't resist to add this snapshot from Ireland as the second post today - because it's simply stunning.
Wouldn't you agree?
Thank you, Irishphotographer!
***
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Past the election day
It feels really good to wake up into the morning past the elections. In case you wander - yes, even Florida's native flowers were affected by heated debates, trying to persuade voters (mostly) - who is worst - and why...
The best man won (doesn't he always?) and we better move our attention to the bright side of the life. Laugh, dream big, read a good book that will inspire you, watch a funny movie, play a video game, put a seed in the ground or a pot, water and watch it growing - do whatever makes you feel good and enjoy every moment of your life!
A little bit more than a week ago I planted nasturtiums seeds. Some outside in flower beds and some in planters indoors and outdoors. For the last three days they are sprouting like crazy and every time I discover a new seedling it makes me feel like I've never seen such a pretty new plant before... Nasturtiums are so easy to grow anyone can do it!
Oh, and before I wrap this up, here's an entertaining cartoon for you - an all time classic - Popeye, who is running for president (of course!). Enjoy!
***
The best man won (doesn't he always?) and we better move our attention to the bright side of the life. Laugh, dream big, read a good book that will inspire you, watch a funny movie, play a video game, put a seed in the ground or a pot, water and watch it growing - do whatever makes you feel good and enjoy every moment of your life!
A little bit more than a week ago I planted nasturtiums seeds. Some outside in flower beds and some in planters indoors and outdoors. For the last three days they are sprouting like crazy and every time I discover a new seedling it makes me feel like I've never seen such a pretty new plant before... Nasturtiums are so easy to grow anyone can do it!
Oh, and before I wrap this up, here's an entertaining cartoon for you - an all time classic - Popeye, who is running for president (of course!). Enjoy!
***
Monday, November 3, 2008
Thursday, October 9, 2008
October in Florida gardens
While most of the country gardeners are getting ready for winter break from their gardening, the Floridians are given another opportunity to spice-up their yards and gardens, to add new colors (or more color) and implement new landscaping ideas by planting some perennials.
We can plant annuals that can only be used in spring time in colder climates. Some best flowers can easily be started from seeds, others can be purchased at the local nursery and some new bulbs will add spring and summer unseen before.
An excellent page on everything that can be planted in October garden in Florida can be found here: Garden ideas: October flowers
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Waltham 29 Broccoli and other best broccoli varieties for Florida gardens
Broccoli is a cool season vegetable and September through January is a good time to plant it in central and southern Florida gardens.
This good-for-all veggie takes approximately 75 to 90 days from planting to harvesting (depending on variety). In the meantime, you can enjoy its rich color.
Sunshine State's recommended varieties:
* Early Green Sprouting
* Waltham 29 - usually grows huge central head and after you harvest this treasure, it produces plenty of side shoots
* Atlantic
* Green Comet
* Green Duke
If you can't find these seeds anywhere else, here's an online source of heirloom seeds: Baker Creek Heirloom
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This good-for-all veggie takes approximately 75 to 90 days from planting to harvesting (depending on variety). In the meantime, you can enjoy its rich color.
Sunshine State's recommended varieties:
* Early Green Sprouting
* Waltham 29 - usually grows huge central head and after you harvest this treasure, it produces plenty of side shoots
* Atlantic
* Green Comet
* Green Duke
If you can't find these seeds anywhere else, here's an online source of heirloom seeds: Baker Creek Heirloom
***
Monday, September 22, 2008
Growing Brassica oleracea (Broccoli)
Sunny spot, rich soil and deep weekly watering will make broccoli happy and in return it will beautifully complement you winter annuals (like dianthus, petunias, snaps and others) with its beautiful blue-green leafs - if you plant it in a flower bed.
Broccoli is easy to grow from seed, easy enough for the kids to grow their own. All you need to do is make half an inch deep burrow with a stick, sparingly scatter the seeds and cover them with no more than quarter inch layer of soil. Daily hand watering is needed until the seeds sprout.
Broccoli leaves are also edible and tasty. You can add them to fresh salads (minced), stir-fry, soups and stews - or eat them steamed as a side dish.
***
Broccoli is easy to grow from seed, easy enough for the kids to grow their own. All you need to do is make half an inch deep burrow with a stick, sparingly scatter the seeds and cover them with no more than quarter inch layer of soil. Daily hand watering is needed until the seeds sprout.
Broccoli leaves are also edible and tasty. You can add them to fresh salads (minced), stir-fry, soups and stews - or eat them steamed as a side dish.
***
Friday, September 19, 2008
Easy to propagate annuals: Star cluster or "Pentas Lanceolata"
These beauties come in pink, lavender pink or red. They vigorously bloom all summer and the butterflies are crazy about them!
They grow 12 to 18 inches tall and can spread 2 to 3 feet wide (given enough space). Pentas perfom equally well in baskets, planters and borders and don't mind Florida's hot sun one bit...
They grow 12 to 18 inches tall and can spread 2 to 3 feet wide (given enough space). Pentas perfom equally well in baskets, planters and borders and don't mind Florida's hot sun one bit...
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Old and young - like fall and spring
Two days ago, this was the most stunning sight I caught in my backyard that morning. It was one of those moments when you exclaim out loud "OMG" - even though there's noone around to explain the reaction. It was also one of those moments when you simply have to take a picture...
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Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Colors of fall
Puffy clouds and the browning needles on the tall longleaf pine tree - the first sights and smells of fall... although, there are still plenty of summery pinks and reds and blues around.
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Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Fall color
We don't get to see a lot of fall colors around here but below are some that I captured this morning.
Photo above: Purple coneflowers - echinacea, now ready to become food for birds and - to reseed itself.
Photo above: All of a sudden, pine trees have lots of brown needles - a definite sign of fall being right around the corner.
Photo above: American Beauty Berry with bright purple berries is already standing out from the rest of the greenery, although - that color is still getting deeper and even more showy...
Photo above: Wild persimmons are starting to paint themselves in orange. It's their favorite fall shade... :)
Photo above: Virginia creeper on the dead oak tree. It's a lovely sight, year round.
***
Easy to propagate annuals: Angels' Trumpets
I remember as it was yesterday when and where I first saw these beauties - although I was still a child.
It was a beautiful summer and my family was taking summer vacations on the beach. Angels' Trumpets were growing on the trellis, all over the place where we had lunch every day. Even back then I thought that these were the most amazing blossoms since I've never before seen anything quite like that .
Those blooms I'll never forget were brilliantly bright orange and fit perfectly on every kid's fingers.
A funny thought just crossed my mind - maybe this sight was an inspiration for Grinch's fingers... :)
Anyway, soon after that my aunt that not only has a green thumb but a magical one (since she successfully grows just about anything she can lay her hands on - or anything with roots) planted one. This tropical plant didn't like colder climate quite as much so the blooms weren't nearly as bountiful as on the beach but it faithfully bloomed every summer and we all enjoyed the unusual flowers and their scent, especially my grandfather.
Now, back to the present.
Angel's trumpet (Brugmansia spp.) grows 4 to 8 feet tall and 3 to 6 feet wide. It likes full sun or at least afternoon sun. Its blooms are sweetly scented and come in shades from white to salmon, soft yellow, peachy pink to orange.
Now is the right time to make cuttings of Angel's trumpet and enjoy even more angelic trumpets and their sweet scent next season.
***
It was a beautiful summer and my family was taking summer vacations on the beach. Angels' Trumpets were growing on the trellis, all over the place where we had lunch every day. Even back then I thought that these were the most amazing blossoms since I've never before seen anything quite like that .
Those blooms I'll never forget were brilliantly bright orange and fit perfectly on every kid's fingers.
A funny thought just crossed my mind - maybe this sight was an inspiration for Grinch's fingers... :)
Anyway, soon after that my aunt that not only has a green thumb but a magical one (since she successfully grows just about anything she can lay her hands on - or anything with roots) planted one. This tropical plant didn't like colder climate quite as much so the blooms weren't nearly as bountiful as on the beach but it faithfully bloomed every summer and we all enjoyed the unusual flowers and their scent, especially my grandfather.
Now, back to the present.
Angel's trumpet (Brugmansia spp.) grows 4 to 8 feet tall and 3 to 6 feet wide. It likes full sun or at least afternoon sun. Its blooms are sweetly scented and come in shades from white to salmon, soft yellow, peachy pink to orange.
Now is the right time to make cuttings of Angel's trumpet and enjoy even more angelic trumpets and their sweet scent next season.
***
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Easy to propagate annuals: Lantana
Some annuals are easy to propagate. So, instead of tossing them in fall, make cuttings and have plenty of continuously blooming beauties for next year's flower beds and containers.
Lantana spp. is one of those beautiful, hardy plants and butterfly magnets that we never want to be without again after we've experienced their vigor and brightly-colored blooms.
They come in gold, yellow, pink, peach, orange and red color and grow 2 to 3 feet tall and 2 to 4 feet wide.
***
Lantana spp. is one of those beautiful, hardy plants and butterfly magnets that we never want to be without again after we've experienced their vigor and brightly-colored blooms.
They come in gold, yellow, pink, peach, orange and red color and grow 2 to 3 feet tall and 2 to 4 feet wide.
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Saturday, September 13, 2008
How to propagate annuals in fall
About two months before the projected first frost day for your area it's time to start collecting cuttings to propagate some annuals for next year's garden and planters.
Plugs or cell trays are your best choice for large quantity of cuttings, otherwise any small, clean container with drainage holes will do.
Soilless seed-starting mix drains well, is disease free and works really well with rooting hormone. In my experience, this is by far the most full-proof combo for successful start of any kind of cuttings.
Cut the top 4 to 6 inches from the healthiest branches of chosen plant. Place cuttings in water and plant as soon as possible.
Poke a hole into well watered soil, strip the cutting off the first two to four sets of leaves (these wounds will form new roots).
To promote branching, pinch off the top set of leaves.
Cuttings with large leaves require an extra step. Cut their leaves in half to make sure their stem can take up enough water for the new plant to root and grow.
Dip the bare stem of the cutting in water first and then in rooting hormone, tamp gently to remove excess hormone and finally insert cutting in the soil.
Keep cuttings away from direct sun.
To add extra boost, some sources recommend misting newly planted cuttings with water, mixed with a splash of seaweed solution - twice a day for two to four weeks.
A piece of plastic or burlap over cuttings will reduce evaporation.
Water your cuttings when the soil becomes dry and transplant them into 3-inch pots before they become rootbound.
***
Plugs or cell trays are your best choice for large quantity of cuttings, otherwise any small, clean container with drainage holes will do.
Soilless seed-starting mix drains well, is disease free and works really well with rooting hormone. In my experience, this is by far the most full-proof combo for successful start of any kind of cuttings.
Cut the top 4 to 6 inches from the healthiest branches of chosen plant. Place cuttings in water and plant as soon as possible.
Poke a hole into well watered soil, strip the cutting off the first two to four sets of leaves (these wounds will form new roots).
To promote branching, pinch off the top set of leaves.
Cuttings with large leaves require an extra step. Cut their leaves in half to make sure their stem can take up enough water for the new plant to root and grow.
Dip the bare stem of the cutting in water first and then in rooting hormone, tamp gently to remove excess hormone and finally insert cutting in the soil.
Keep cuttings away from direct sun.
To add extra boost, some sources recommend misting newly planted cuttings with water, mixed with a splash of seaweed solution - twice a day for two to four weeks.
A piece of plastic or burlap over cuttings will reduce evaporation.
Water your cuttings when the soil becomes dry and transplant them into 3-inch pots before they become rootbound.
***
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Plant your peppers in September
We've gotten so used to peppers being available year-round that most people don't even think about them "being in season." However, if you live in Florida, September is a good time to plant your winter crop for delicious home grown peppers, sweet or hot.
Recommended sweet pepper varieties for Florida:
Recommended hot pepper varieties for Florida:
Because of their shallow roots, mulching is especially beneficial for peppers. Mulched pepper plants grow significantly larger than unmulched plants. See the list of typical organic mulches here.
Since peppers' branches are fairly brittle and they eventually grow heavier with peppers, some plants might greatly benefit from staking or caging.
Source for varieties
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Recommended sweet pepper varieties for Florida:
- Big Bertha
- Early Calwonder
- Jupiter
- Sweet Banana
- Yolo Wonder
Recommended hot pepper varieties for Florida:
- Habanero
- Hungarian Wax
- Jalapeno
Because of their shallow roots, mulching is especially beneficial for peppers. Mulched pepper plants grow significantly larger than unmulched plants. See the list of typical organic mulches here.
Since peppers' branches are fairly brittle and they eventually grow heavier with peppers, some plants might greatly benefit from staking or caging.
Source for varieties
***
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Best time to plant green beans in Florida
September is the perfect time to plant all kinds of beans in Florida and enjoy these nutritional crops throughout the cool season. As with all the food plants, it's crucial to choose the best varieties, the ones that are tested to perform well in Florida's extreme conditions.
I believe it's quite safe to rely on University of Florida recommendations.
Recommended snap bush beans:
Recommended shell bush beans:
Recommended bush beans, planted for color, as decorative plants:
Recommended pole beans:
Recommended lima beans:
Pole and lima beans need support. Provide them with trellis, poles or grow them with corn.
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I believe it's quite safe to rely on University of Florida recommendations.
Recommended snap bush beans:
- Bush Baby
- Bush Blue Lake
- Cherokee Wax
- Contender
- Harvester
- Provider
- Roma
- Tendercrop
Recommended shell bush beans:
- Horticultural
- Pinto
- Red Kidney
Recommended bush beans, planted for color, as decorative plants:
- Burgundy
- Purple Teepee
Recommended pole beans:
- Blue Lake
- Dade
- Kentucky Wonder 191
- McCaslan
Recommended lima beans:
- pole Florida Butter
- Dixie Butterpea
- Fordhook 242
- Henderson
- Jackson Wonder
- pole Sieva
Pole and lima beans need support. Provide them with trellis, poles or grow them with corn.
***
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