Northeast Florida is unique because we get a mix of very warm and pretty cool temps – probably a lot cooler than some might think for it being Florida. Spring is just around the corner and it’s time to start thinking about your planting beds. University of North Florida provides great tips for each season and month for the perfect and simple planting for those of us who just love getting their hands dirty and then watching the magic!
What to Plant
Annuals/Bedding Plants: Dianthus and other cool-season annuals continue to flourish. Consider planting warm-season annuals such as angelonia, wax begonia, and zinnia at the end of the month. See Annuals: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_annual_landscape_plants
Bulbs: Plant dahlia, canna, and gloriosa bulbs for spring and summer flowering. Provide stakes as needed to support growth. See Bulbs for Florida: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_bulbous_flowers
Herbs: Consider growing edible ginger. Plant rhizomes in well-drained soil in full to part sun. See Ginger: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_ginger and Herbs: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_herbs
Vegetables: Begin planting warm-season crops, such as beans, tomatoes, squash, and corn, early in the month for late spring harvest. Protect from frost. See Vegetable Gardening in Florida: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_vegetable_gardening
What to Do
Azaleas: Prune azaleas when they have finished blooming to reduce their size and improve their form. See Azalea: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_azalea
Shrubs and trees: Prune when the dormant season ends and new growth begins. See Pruning Landscape Trees and Shrubs: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_tree_pruning
Palms and shrubs: Fertilize palms (http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep261), azaleas, camellias, and other ornamental shrubs if needed. Choose a fertilizer in which at least 30% of its nitrogen is slow release. See Palm Nutrition and Fertilization: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_palm_nutrition and Landscape Fertilization: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_landscape_fertilization
Irrigation: Check your sprinkler system for problems such as broken or misaligned spray heads. See Landscape Irrigation: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_landscape_irrigation
information provided by UNF