As the weather starts to change its tune, so too must we plant to the beat of a different drum for our garden and landscape’s health. Now is the time to plant annual flowers and vegetable plants. Also, if you’re looking to transplant any trees and shrubs, September is when you want to do it, because they grow easily this time of year.
Here’s a simple, but smart tip: check your soil’s pH, or acidity level, before you plant. We’ll do that for you for free at Doty’s Farm & Garden Supply in Winter Haven.
Remember to fertilize your lawn. This month is an opportunity to ensure your grass receives quality nutrients. Be sure to check for chinch bugs, sod web worms, mole crickets, and fungus. If you have any weak patches of grass, there’s still time to seed, plug or sod them.
You can feed your azaleas, gardenias, camellias, and ixoras with a good acid-type fertilizer (if you didn’t feed them in August). But those poinsettias should have been pruned for the last time before Christmas by September 10.
Last item of note before you tackle the next outdoor project: be sure to drop by the store if you have any dull blades. We facilitate sharpening services for knives, scissors, chain saws, lawn mowers, and more. And if your pet needs vaccinations, stop by between 3:30 and 4:30 p.m. on the first and third Saturday each month.
CREDITS
column by WILLIAM “BILL” DOTY
BIO: William R. “Bill” Doty is owner of Doty Farm and Garden Supply Inc., founded in Winter Haven in 1954. Bill graduated from Winter Haven High School and Florida State University. Growing up, he learned valuable lessons in listening and asking questions and was a student of the family business. Bill shares his knowledge with his customers daily and with our readers monthly.
