WHAT TO PLANT
Annuals/Bedding plants: Plants that perform better in the cooler months include petunia, pansy, verbena, dianthus, strawflower, and lobelia. Protect from frosts and freezing temperatures.
Azaleas: With azaleas in starting to bloom this month, now is a great time to select varieties to add to the landscape.
Vegetables: Numerous warm- and cool-season vegetables can be planted this month. Protect cold-tender veggies if a frost or freeze is predicted.
WHAT TO DO
Palms: Give cold-damaged palms proper care to encourage their recovery. Check out this video for tips on how to prune your frost-damaged palms: https://youtu.be/vVeH5ugPOaU
Citrus: Check citrus trees for scab disease. Apply a copper fungicide when new leaves appear and again when two-thirds of the flower blossoms have fallen.
Roses: Prune roses this month to remove damaged canes and improve the overall form. After pruning, fertilize and apply a fresh layer of mulch. Blooming will begin 8–9 weeks after pruning.
Shrubs: Fertilize shrubs by spreading fertilizer evenly over the soil surface and watering it in. Follow with a fresh layer of mulch to conserve moisture and reduce weeds.
Lawn: Apply a preemergence weed killer (not a “weed and feed”) to lawns this month to prevent germination of warm-season weed seeds. Apply when temperatures rise to 65°F for 4–5 days. Timing is important for good control.
Citrus and other fruit trees: Fertilize now if not done in January. Frequency and amount of fertilization depend on the age of the tree.