WHAT TO PLANT
Plant lists should be generated for the different areas of the landscape based on growing conditions and desired characteristics. Plantings should be placed with consideration for changes which will take place over time. In natural plant communities, these changes are called succession. Succession is the evolution of plants starting out, maturing, being replaced by other plants and eventually developing to a climax, or a balanced, mature ecosystem. In most landscapes, succession is halted by deliberate maintenance practices. Yet plants tend to strive toward succession. By planning for each plant’s mature state, a dynamic landscape can be planned to include natural changes. When plants are first put into a landscape, the area should look unfinished as the landscape must be given space and time to grow. Plan to replace sun-loving plants with shade-tolerant plants as the larger elements in the landscape, such as trees and shrubs, grow and create shade. Many so-called shrub species are actually 20-foot multi-trunk trees. Select plant species that will mature to a height and width that will fit the location.
Choose plants that can survive on normal rainfall in your area or that require minimal irrigation. Selecting native plants are always an excellent choice in any landscape project. Native plants are adapted to our rainy and dry seasons, and offer habitat to area wildlife. There are also non-native plants cultivated specifically for Florida conditions that are water-efficient and resistant to disease and pests. And remember, the success of your landscape depends as much on where you locate plants as on what plants you use.
Plant it smart! Learn the characteristics of each plant. Match these factors with your soil and climatic conditions. Proper planting is the key to healthy root growth and drought tolerance of trees and shrubs.
• Mature size (height and width)
• Sun and shade requirements
• Soil needs
• Water needs
• Salt and cold tolerances
MULCH
Mulching is one of the most beneficial landscape practices. Mulches conserve moisture by preventing evaporative water loss from the soil surface and reducing the need for supplemental irrigation during periods of limited rainfall. By maintaining an even moisture supply in the soil, mulches prevent fluctuations in soil moisture that can damage roots. Mulches also prevent crusting of the soil surface and allow water to penetrate readily to plant roots. They insulate the roots of plants from summer heat and winter cold and help control weeds that compete with plants for moisture. By serving as a barrier between the plant and soil, mulches help discourage soil-borne diseases that stress plants and cause them to have a higher demand for water. Islands of mulch beds designed to blend with the landscape are an economical way to retrofit an existing landscape by reducing water needs and maintenance requirements. Aside from occasional weed control and topdressing with additional mulch, unplanted mulched areas require no water and little routine maintenance.
Apply approximately 3 inches of mulch under ornamental plants in the landscape. Avoid applying too much mulch because it encourages shallow roots that are easily damaged by excessive cold, heat or drought. Where possible, extend the mulched area two to three times beyond the canopy spread of ornamental trees and shrubs. Research shows that the roots of ornamental plants grow far beyond the canopy spread, so it is important to mulch as large an area as practical. Once mulch is in place, use your hand to pull it back 2 to 3 inches away from the trunk of trees and shrubs. Keeping mulch away from the trunk will help prevent wood rotting diseases. During periods of limited rainfall, make certain sufficient mulch is maintained beneath plants. If watering restrictions prevent you from irrigating, mulches will help conserve the soil’s remaining moisture. Newspapers placed under organic mulches improve water conservation in the soil and provide effective recycling. Place them on the soil surface under organic mulch at planting time.
WATER
Water infrequently, deeply and thoroughly. Most lawns need about 3/4 to 1 inch of water once per week, or once every two weeks when the weather cools. Water can come from rain, or from irrigation. Infrequent but deep watering will encourage deep rooting, healthier and hardier plants with a greater tolerance for drought. Also, you should water at the right time of day. Watering early in the day (especially in warmer weather) when evaporation rates are at their lowest. Your lawn needs watering when:
- Grass blades are folded in half
- Grass blades are blue-gray
- Your footprint remains on the lawn
- If water restrictions are in effect in your community, you must adapt your watering to fit the restrictions.
On the other hand, too much water can hurt plants also. Over-watering creates shallow roots, making plants more vulnerable to disease and pests, as well as drought. The use of drip or micro-irrigation systems can help to save water. These systems are able to deliver water to the root of plants, and much less water is lost to the atmosphere. Consider installing a rain sensor. This recognizes when nature brings the water your lawn needs, and shuts off automatic sprinklers.
WEEDS
Weeds or other unwanted plants use water. Removing them means more water for the plants you actually want in your landscape. Weed growth of both native and exotic vegetation can severely decrease the commercial, recreational and aesthetic value of crops, landscapes and waterways. In certain situations some degree of weed growth may be desirable. Control measures are needed only when an overabundance of weed growth begins to affect economic use. Our environment is a complex and dynamic system that is subject to a myriad of pressures. This is particularly true of Florida which has undergone tremendous demographic growth in the last decade. With the continuously increasing demand for Florida's resources, it is essential that they be managed in the most prudent fashion. Because of Florida's geographical setting and meteorological conditions, much of the state supports an extensive growth of weeds, many of which are not found in other parts of the United States. Herbicides are often used for weed control. However, it must be noted that some herbicides are harmful. Most herbicides have DANGER signal words on the label and must be handled with great care. Therefore, it is important that all herbicides be handled carefully and in a manner consistent with their labeling.
PEST & DISEASE CONTROL
Given the enormous range of land over which Florida farms, forests, rangelands and agriculture related facilities are dispersed, it is critical that we (landscapers, growers & homeowners ) all have a similarly widespread capacity to detect, diagnose, and respond to intentional and accidental introductions of plant diseases, insects and other pests. Below are some helpful resources available for those in need of agricultural pest/disease information. They can assist you in diagnosing your particular problem & suggesting the proper action or remedy.
Southwest Florida Research and Education Center (SWFREC)
2686 SR 29 North, Immokalee, FL 34142-9515
(239) 658-3430
University of Florida IFAS Collier County Extension / Master Gardener Office
14700 Immokalee Road, Naples, FL 34120-1468
Phone: (239) 353-4244
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