Planting year round in Florida is not unusual, and is even encouraged in order to enjoy all the various blooms and color that plants and trees have to offer throughout the different times of the year.
However, as we approach the cooler “winter” months it is time to be prepared for some dips in the temperatures.
Preparedness comes easy as we recommend covering your cold sensitive plants and palms with winter protection cloth AKA “frost blankets” if freezing weather is in the forecast (we have them at Canterbury Farms for sale, but please call ahead to verify availability).
These reusable cloths (last several years) keep your plants and palms 10 degrees warmer than the outside temperature and provide an excellent barrier from the frost. Winter protection cloth also allows sunlight and air to filter through if covered for a period of time.
As an alternative to the winter protection cloth, you can also cover your plants with blankets and comforters. These will provide nice protection, but not as effective as the winter protection cloth.
DO NOT cover your plants with plastic as this will not allow air, sunlight or water to flow through and will stunt and even kill the plant/palm.
Time to deadhead! Deadheading is the removal of dead or spent flowers to either encourage more flowering or to improve the general appearance of the plant. This can be accomplished by pruning the spent flowers or by pinching them off with your fingers. Plants that benefit from deadheading include: Gardenia, Knock Out Rose, Drift Rose, Hibiscus and perennials.