WELCOME

UF/IFAS Extension, Lake County Master Gardeners provide infor-

mation for your home lawn and garden needs. We started this

newsletter as one of many ways we extend horticulture know

how to the public. We hope you enjoy the articles!

For more information contact: UF/IFAS Extension Lake County

lakemg.ifas@ufl.edu ▪ (352) 343-4101▪ FAX (352) 343-2767, http://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/lake/

Issue 3 Nov./Dec. 2018/Jan. 2019

Garden Scoop UF/IFAS Extension, Lake County Master Gardeners

Lake County MG Mission Statement

The mission of UF/IFAS Lake County Master Gardeners is to assist extension agents by providing horticultural education programs and current research-based information to the public through plant clinics, community outreach and Discovery Gardens.

Speaker’s Bureau

As part of acceptance into the Master Gardeners’ training

class, prospective candidates are interviewed regarding their

interests and experience in gardening. One area that a few

gardeners express interest in, is public speaking. These

individuals, if they volunteer, will serve on the Speakers Bureau.

Since part of Master Gardeners’ mission is to assist extension

agents by providing horticultural education programs, the

Speakers’ Bureau is one way to achieve that goal.

Trained Master Gardeners are available to speak on various

gardening topics. One topic which garnered a lot of interest

was, “The 9 Principles of Florida Friendly Gardening.” You can

learn what not to plant and alternative plantings for invasive

plants by requesting the, “Plant This, Not That” presentation. In

addition, there are topic-specific programs such as “Growing

Bromeliads”.

You can arrange for a Master Gardener speaker to present to

your group (i.e. garden club, women or men’s group, etc.) by

calling the Extension Services office in Tavares,

(352) 343-4101 ext. 2. Please

note that if you want a specif-

ic topic, allow enough time for

research and development by

our MG’s if a presentation

does not already exist.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Plant Profile .................................. 2

Featured Garden .................... 3-4

Groundcover & Bees.................. 5

Feature Master Gardener .......... 6

Bug Bytes ...................................... 7

FL Friendly Landscape ............... 8

Forest Bathing .............................. 9

Gardening Fitness ..................... 10

Garden Calendar ................ 11-13

Invasive ...................................... 14

Houseplants ............................... 15

Can you Name This? ................ 16

Turf Tips, Mobile Plant Clinic..... 17

Upcoming Events& FL Fables .. 18

2

Chives: Herb or Groundcover?

Photo: Univ. of IL

In

Crinum Lily

By Karen Kennen, Master Gardener

I live in a home that was built in the 50’s and still have a

few plants that were planted when the house was built.

When I first saw this lily I thought it was attractive greenery

on the north side of my house. I didn’t know it would

bloom, I was just happy to have something growing in the

sand and full sun. Two years later and a rainy summer I

was surprised to see there were gorgeous, fragrant blooms

on 2-foot stalks of the plant. Since then, I learned that the

Crinum Lily or Cape Lily is in a group of over a 130 species.

They can come in white, pink, deep rose or striped. There

are also some that have purplish leaves for a different type

of foliage.

This three-lily bulb can be planted any time of the year. A

cold winter can kill the foliage, but the bulb will survive to

put out new growth. Crinums grow in full sun but prefer

partial shade. Another plus is the bulbs can be divided

and planted somewhere else or shared with a neighbor.

Just remember it may take a couple years before they

bloom and be sure they are in a place you want to have

for a long time since mine have been there over 60 years.

Photos by Karen Kennen & Reggie Doherty

For more information, http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_crinum

Chives or Allium schoenopasum is a perennial herb with a mild onion

flavor. It is best planted in the fall in organically amended soil with

good drainage to prevent root and pest problems. Plants will grow in

full or partial sun and can be started from seeds, purchased plants or, if

you are lucky, received from a friend when they have thinned their

chives. The leaves are 10-12” long; the flower is a pretty lavender

globe shape. Chives are often used as an edging, border plant; so not

only is it edible but also ornamental.

When harvesting, be sure to cut the leaves an inch from the ground. If

grown from seed don’t harvest until the second year when the clumps

are larger and can regenerate. The diced leaves are used in potatoes,

soups, eggs, stews, dips, etc. The flowers are edible and sometimes

used in salads to add a mild onion flavor and color to a salad.

Other benefits from growing chives in your garden is having an

excellent pollinator plant. Chives are also high in vitamin K and A. The

plants are also deer resistant. Make chives a useful, colorful,

perennial addition to your garden edibles.

For more information, http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_chives

Be sure to visit Discovery Gardens in the early

Spring to view these gorgeous blooms!

PLANT PROFILES

by Karen Kennen, Master Gardener

Photo:

UFL/IFAS

3

Featured Discovery Garden, Turf Walk &

Groundcovers by Regina Doherty, Master Gardener

Did you know you can see Florida-Friendly Landscaping

(FFL) at the Turf & Groundcover Walk at the UF/IFAS Lake

County Extension Center’s Discovery Gardens?

When John Braun graduated as a Master Gardener in

2017, he soon took over as the Turf/Groundcover Walk’s

Lead. At that time there were 2 grass & 3 groundcover

plots. He immediately went to work to add more for

Central Florida & FFL groundcovers. There are now 12

plots that make up the walk: St. Augustine & Zoysiagrass,

and the following groundcovers—Frogfruit, Trailing

Verbena, Asiatic Jasmine, Purple Queen, Perennial

Peanut, Ice Plant, Yarrow, Creeping Salvia, Twinflower,

and Creeping Jenny.

How has the garden evolved from its original layout?

When started in 2017, most of plots were loaded with

weeds, so it was very labor intensive to clear them all

before reseeding & planting new plots. He made it more

FFL by planting more groundcovers. These are the

garden’s unique features & are there to promote

turf and FFL groundcovers. They seldom need

replenishing, but can have an end of lifecycle.

What kind of maintenance is required?

Turf & groundcovers require LOW maintenance: initially

weeding 3-4 hours/week & only once/week irrigation.

After the annual weeding, they may use an herbicide

(e.g. 2,4-D) to spot treat existing weeds then a

pre-emergent after the weeding is done.

The easiest part of the Turf Walk was switching to

groundcovers. The hardest part was obtaining

permission to prune/trim back shade trees &

shrubs so that the turf & groundcovers could

grow. You see, they both prefer full sun, so it’s

important to limit shade.

What can a visitor learn from visiting this garden

area? That there are FFL alternatives to turf known as

“groundcovers” & the benefits to them is far less

fertilization & irrigation

John considers the pruning/trimming back of the

surrounding shrubs & trees the walk’s his

Best success story.

His Best learning experience?

That Perennial Peanut dies back with freezing temps in

winter. He thought it was dead since the top layer was

all brown, BUT it was only dormant! So, should this

happen to your perennial peanut, BE PATIENT! It will all

come back!! You can see more of this groundcover at

the back of the Extension Center building.

So, John, What’s you favorite plant on the Turf Walk?

Frogfruit (see page 5 for more on this plant). It takes full

sun & some shade. It’s also more forgiving than other

groundcovers. It only needs mowing twice a year to

3-3.5” high (like turf). You can also use a gas trimmer to

shorten it.

What would John like to see happen with the Walk in the

future? The removal of some large shrubs behind the turf

plots because they create too much shade & tend to

grow into the plots if unmanaged.

L to R: clockwise Ice Plant, Purple Queen,

Asiatic Jasmine, Frogfruit, Twinflower

Turf Walk & Groundcover Team: John & Mike

4

5

Groundcovers: Frogfruit by Karen Kennan, Master Gardener

Many Florida gardeners, in keeping with Florida Friendly

principles, are looking for groundcovers to replace some

turfgrass problem spots. One choice could be the

Florida native known as Frogfruit, Matchweed or by it’s

Latin name, Phylla nodiflora. This low growing (no more

than 5 inches) plant with eraser-tip size, purplish-white

blooms is an excellent choice.

The plant spreads horizontally (stolons) and is not only

drought tolerant but also flood tolerant. In addition to

accepting varying water needs, the plant can also grow

with varying soil pH. Light requirement for Frogfruit

ranges from full or partial sun.

A bonus of growing Frogfruit is that is serves to attracts

pollinators and as a food source for butterflies. The

butterflies that use the plant as food are the Common

Buckeye, Phaon Crescent, and White Peacock.

Phylla nodiflora is a positive choice to replace turf and

serve as a beautiful, functional groundcover.

(Read more)

I love to chat about all things bees, but we should start with the most

important figure in the bee world, The Queen!

And boy do bees LOVE their queen. The queen runs the hive and keeps

it in business. Some queens can live up to 2-3 years and some are

capable of laying 2,000 eggs per day. Now, when the queen is young

she takes one mating flight and collects enough sperm to last her entire

life of egg laying. The sperm are used to fertilize SOME eggs. The

fertilized eggs become the female worker bees. The unfertilized eggs

become the drones (male bees) which there are very few of. When a

beekeeper starts to see more and more drones in the hive, we know

that the queen is getting low on her supply of sperm and it’s time to get

a new queen. The hive could make a new queen on its own but most

beekeepers prefer to purchase a new queen from someone who

breeds them. This way we know what type

of sperm she has in her and know that we

will not have Africanized bees (really, really

aggressive bees that like to defend the

hive).

I hope this has been educational and I hope

to speak about bees with you soon! If

anyone has questions you would like me to

cover, please feel free to email me and I’ll

see if I can do another blurb in regards to

your questions.

Until then, Save The Bees Please!

Ashlee Ordazzo

aordazzo@icloud.com

My name is Ashlee & I am a

Master Gardener. Most of

you know me as one of the

butterfly girls around the

gardens; however, in my

everyday life I’m actually

called, “The Bee Lady”! I’ve

got the suit and everything!!

BEES

6

This issue brings us into late fall when it’s time to help put your lawn to

bed. One important item is fertilizing your turf for the last time this year, if

you have not already performed this task.

According to UF/IFAS research, turf in Central Florida should be fertilized

from April - September. Taking our local fertilizer law into account with

turf recommendations helped our horticulture agent decide on the

best times to fertilize for Lake County residents. UF/IFAS Extension Lake

County Agent, Brooke Moffis, recommends fertilizing turf in April and

October of each year, but only when needed.

Please remember, stay away from Weed-n-Feed. These dual products

can do harm to landscape plants. The herbicide component should be

applied in the winter when turf should not be fertilized. The Lake County

Extension office provides a FREE Soil pH test for residents, so bring a

sample of your soil down to see EXACTLY the fertilizer you need for your

landscape. Click on these useful links: Fertilizer types | 2018 Fertilizer Law

| FAQs | Fertilizer Flyer | Organic Matter |

Fertilizer applied from October

1st through May 31st may

contain no less than 50% slow-

release nitrogen content.

FEATURE MASTER GARDENER:

NANCY GRIMLER LAPOINTE

Nancy is a Lake County Master Gardener

for 11 years

FERTILIZER LAW

Nancy is a self-proclaimed “Aramco Brat” who was “doodle-bugging”

back and forth to Florida since 1965. She’s lived all over — AZ, PA, NM,

Guatemala, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, Dominican Republic, to name a

few—until she settled down in Mt. Dora in 2001 with her husband. It was

there in their new home and her first yard that she got bit by the

gardening bug. Having grown-up with houseplants, they became ideal

for her nomadic lifestyle. One apartment even gave her a glimpse into

what it would be like to achieve her lifetime goal of growing food—a

nice sunny window for her parsley plant.

Her newfound love of gardening led her to the Lake County Extension

Services Office where she took classes to help her with her landscape.

Then in 2007, she enrolled into the Master Gardener program and has

been hooked ever since!

So, where does Nancy like to volunteer in our Discovery Gardens? We

should’ve asked, where don’t you volunteer? Nancy “dabbles” all over

the Gardens and also volunteers in our Mobile Plant Clinic & was

President on the MG Board in 2015 and as a member of the board till mid

-2018. During this time she helped develop our Greenhouse procedure

manual. She volunteers in the school kid program (insects!), in the

greenhouse, helped develop our MG Mentor Program, does public

speaking, is on the MG newsletter team and is a participant in the

bi-annual UF/IFAS Conference Plant ID team.

Nancy’s favorite part about being a MG & UF/IFAS volunteer is the learn-

ing, research, and educating of others. Her love of learning is fueled by

conferences, workshops, UF courses, & Extension classes. She then takes

what she learns and passes it along via the various venues as a certified

MG: Mobile Plant Clinics, Speakers Bureau, Educational Programs, the

now public MG Newsletter, and during daily conversations. Her goal this

year is to get our Plant ID Study group ready for the 2019 UF/IFAS State

Conference competition.

Nancy started her nursing career as an Army 91C, then got her BSN,

& finally her MS to work as an ARNP.

The best part of that career for Nancy is being retired & having

the knowledge to be an informed health care consumer .

She loves Pentas because they’re colorful, very hardy & pop-up like

weeds all over her yard…

When she’s not volunteering as an MG, Nancy teaches chair yoga,

mentors with “Take Stock in Children,” crochets, kayaks, bikes, volunteers at Trout Lake Nature

Center & can count to 10 in Arabic!

7

Brooke’s Bug Bytes

Beetles Winning the Battle:

Air Potato Leaf Beetle

Why do we need the beetles?

Air Potato (Dioscorea bulbifera) is an

herbaceous, perennial vine that is harmful to

Florida’s ecosystems because it outcompetes

native plant species and alters plant

communities. It has

large, heart-shaped

leaves and can grow

over 70 feet in length,

completely shading

out any type of native

vegetation, even tall

trees.

Biological control

methods such as the Air

Potato Leaf Beetle are cost effective.

Mechanical and chemical methods of

controlling Air Potato plants are both expensive

and potentially damaging to Florida’s

ecosystems.

Beetle Basics

The Air Potato Leaf Beetle

(Lilioceris Cheni) is a small beetle

that has a black head and black

legs with a body color that

ranges from brown to orange or

red. Adults are about 9 mm

long and 4 mm wide.

Where are the beetles from?

Air Potato Leaf Beetles are from Asia and so is

the Air Potato plant. Within their native range

the beetles limit the growth of the plant

because the beetles rely solely on the Air

Potato plant to live out their life cycle

Do the Air Potato Leaf Beetles only eat the ex-

otic Air Potato plants?

Yes. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has

performed years of testing and research that

has shown the Air Potato Leaf Beetle as a

specialist feeder on the Air Potato plant. The

beetle is not able to complete development

on any other plant found in Florida.

Life Cycle of the Air Potato Leaf Beetle

The life cycle of the Air Potato Leaf Beetle has

four main stages that are completed in about 4

to 6 weeks.

Why is their life cycle important?

In the larval and adult stages, the beetles feed

on the leaves of the Air Potato plant which

negatively affect the plants’ growth and

reproduction. This will reduce the Air Potato’s

ability to outcompete native plant species.

Adults can live for about 5 months. They are

able to survive the winter months in Florida and

are capable of going months without food.

How are beetles released?

FDACS - Division of Plant Industry raises the

beetles and releases them in areas of air potato

pressure. During the spring & summer seasons

homeowners may be able to request shipments

by contacting Dr. Eric Rohrig,

eric.rohrig@freshfromflorida.com.

Adult

Egg

Larva

Pupa Photograph by UF - J. Baniszewski

http://bugs.ufl.edu/bug-pix/

8

Landscaping the Florida-Friendly way means having a beautiful landscape that could save

you time, energy, and money while protecting Florida's future.

For more information, http://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/care/florida-friendly-landscapes/

THE 9 PRINCIPLES TO FLORIDA

FRIENDLY LANDSCAPING

As day length decreases in the fall, so does

the growth of turfgrass. A final mowing may

be performed this month due to the slower

growth rate. Turn irrigation systems to

manual and operate on an as-needed basis;

when leaf blades fold, footprints are left in

the grass, or a bluish-green cast to leaves is

displayed.

In the cooler months excessive moisture and

nitrogen can cause a disease called large

patch in lawns. Large patch becomes

problematic with excessive irrigation and

fertilization, combined with cool

temperatures.

Turf may require irrigation as little as every 28

days in some circumstances. If lawns receive

at least 1/2” to 3/4” of rain every 2-3 weeks

than this may be all the water it needs. Many

Master Gardener volunteers have beautiful

lawns and operate their irrigation system

manually during the late fall to early spring.

Established trees and shrubs can survive on

natural rainfall, and irrigation need only be

applied in times of severe drought.

Many problems received in our plant clinic

are from root rots due to excessive watering

of shrubs and perennials as they are typically

on the same irrigation zones as turf. Get those

trees and shrubs off turf irrigation and greatly

reduce lawn irrigation to avoid landscape

problems over the cooler season.

UF-IFAS Extension, Lake County, Brooke Moffis

Large patch occurs when turf remains wet for 48 hours

or more and temperatures are below 80 degrees.

A Podocarpus shrub suffering the effects of

Armillaria root rot. Photo: Fl. Div. of Plant In-

9

By Master Gardener, Rondi Niles

FOREST BATHING

No, it does not require a swimsuit nor bathing au

naturel! It comes from the Japanese words

“shinrin” (forest) and “yoku” (bath), and means

bathing in the forest atmosphere or being with

nature, connecting with it through our senses.

Forest bathing became part of Japan’s national

health program in order to provide healing

through nature for their people and to protect

their forests. They thought that if people visited

the forests for their health, they would be more

likely to want to protect and look after them.

Japan created certified forest-therapy bases,

encompassing different trails for various fitness

levels, time lengths, and views. Each base must

first be certified for air quality, with bloodwork to

verify that proper results will be accomplished,

etc.

Health Benefits

Average Americans today spend most of their

time indoors, especially using technology. Forest

bathing has been found to provide health

benefits when used as a preventative measure.

Forest bathing has been shown to improve our

immune systems. Evergreen trees in Florida such

as pines, cedar, and cypress put out natural oils

as part of their defense system. As we breathe

these in while walking, they appear to increase

our immune system also. And better immune

systems leave us happier and healthier.

Deciduous trees such as our lovely southern oaks

don’t have essential oils, but even the scent of

leaves, soil, and moss is therapeutic.

Unlike walking in an urban environment, walking

in forests have more of a positive effect on vigor,

fatigue, and memory. Microbes, common and

harmless bacteria in the soil, blowing on you as

you walk may play a part.

Water sources such as

waterfalls and streams

release good negative ions

that may help with mental

clarity and well-being.

A forest of trees provides a

sense of awe, which allows

us to think outside of

ourselves and at the big

picture, unlike inward focused attention, which

can lead to worry. Natural patterns such as

those in a snowflake, leaf pattern veins, or

amongst tree branches have been found to

provide relaxation. And blues and greens of

nature are very restful.

How to Practice Forest Bathing

Find a spot in a forest, public park, or other

area with trees - someplace that speaks to

YOU. Walk slowly (“mindful walking”), or even

just sit still. Fill your senses by savoring the

sounds (birds, rustling of leaves), smells (natural

aromatherapy), sights (different greens, sunlight

filtering through branches) of nature, and touch

(tree bark, walking in a stream).

If you can’t get to a forest, obtain some

benefits by planting trees in your yard. Or use

plants in your home, which are natural air

purifiers for toxic chemicals and other airborne

particles. Even looking out a window onto

greenery helps with mental fatigue, and the

color of green enhances creativity. Use that

prevalent technology of ours these days to

view videos or photos of nature for destressing.

And consider using a beautiful forest scene as

your computer’s screen saver.

References: “Forest Bathing” by Dr. Qing Li

natureandforesttherapy.org,

Discovery Gardens YouTube video

10

By Regina Doherty, Master Gardener

Houseplants that clean the air

HEALTH BENEFITS OF HOUSEPLANTS

Houseplants. We all have them—especially up

North where we can’t garden year-round. When I

moved to Florida, I noticed all my houseplants

made it to the outdoors and my home was bare.

I also noticed I was sneezing more, coughing

more and rubbing my eyes. What was different?

No houseplants. Could that be why? I found out it

was! Here’s the scoop on how houseplants are

great for your physical, mental and emotional

health.

Caring for plants have tremendous affects on our

physical and emotional wellbeing. They are

shown to give off oxygen they create from the

CO2 at night and raise humidity (foliage plants

do so by 30-60%) in the air. Houseplants also:

lower blood pressure, help us recover from

stress & surgeries faster

lessen colds, headaches, allergies, congestion

have calming affects so we have less mental

fatigue and improved sleep

Studies show that while working on computers,

people were more attentive; concentrated

better; their brains were stimulated more;

creativity & productivity increased; they felt more

carefree, playful, friendly, & affectionate; and

even had faster reaction time (by 12%).

When children were in a learning environment:

they were more focused, concentrated, and

absorbed & retained more of what they were

learning & studying when indoor plants or

windows overlooking nature were present.

How do plants do this? By adding humidity to our

interior air and absorbing dust & air pollutants.

NASA proved this while doing studies on the

Space Station— that indoor plants, even 1,

improved interior air quality by purifying the air.

So, what’s in our air? Many different kinds of

pollutants, but the familiar ones are carbon

monoxide, benzene, acetone, ammonia,

trichloroethylene, & formaldehyde. These

chemical pollutants can be found in chemical-

based cleaners, paints, rubber, glues and plastics.

Formaldehyde is the most prevalent pollutant

indoors: wood floorboard resins, tobacco smoke,

pressed wood products, furniture, exhaust fumes,

heating/cooking fuels, etc.

Ferns showed the highest remover of formalde-

hyde - Osmunda japonica (Japanese Royal fern)

was the most effective . Houseplants help absorb

these chemical “fumes” due to bacteria that

grows on their roots and microorganisms in the soil

(Wolverton et al 1989 & Wood et al 2002). I could go

on about this for pages, but you can learn more

through the links I used provided on page 16.

Remember the #1 FFL Principle, Right Plant, Right

Place? Be sure to consider indoor lighting & the

amount of sunlight, if any, when selecting & plac-

ing houseplants:

Low light: easily maintained, slow growth;

good for small apartments & dorm rooms with

small windows

Moderate light: 5-7’ from window, direct

sunlight for part of day so Kitchen or large LR

windowsills

High light: need good amount of indirect light,

so sunrooms & large windowed rooms

Houseplants highly effective in air purification:

PLANT LIGHT AIR FILTERING NOTES

English Ivy Mod Formaldehyde, aerosols, fecal particles

Pothos Low Cleans the air

Philodendron Mod-High Formaldehyde

Chinese

Evergreen

Low-Mod Emits high O2 content. For-maldehyde, benzene, etc.

Aloe Vera High Benzene, Formaldehyde

Dracaena Low-High Benzene, Formaldehyde, xylene, toluene

Spider Plant Mod Formaldehyde, benzene, xylene, turns carbon mon-oxide into O2

Peace Lily Low-Mod All chemical pollutants, Removes mold spores

Snake Plant Low Filter high amounts of toxins from air; produces O2 from CO2 at night

Ferns Mod-High Natural air humidifier. Formaldehyde

See references on bottom of page 16

11

WHAT TO DO

ANNUALS Create a display of fall colors with cool-season plants. Some examples

include pansy, viola, snapdragon, dianthus, cape daisy, and alyssum.

BULBS Many bulbs like to get their start in cool weather. Bulbs to plant this

month include amaryllis, crinum, and daylily

HERBS Continue planting herbs from seeds or plants. A wide variety of herbs

prefer cool, dry weather, including cilantro, parsley, sage, and thyme.

VEGGIES Continue planting cool-season crops, such as beets, broccoli, cab-

bage, carrot, kale, and lettuce.

WHAT TO PLANT

PERENNIALS Divide and replant overgrown perennials and bulbs now so that they

establish before the cold weather arrives.

TURF

Watch for brown patch and large patch. These fungal diseases cause

areas of grass to turn brown. Since treatment is difficult, prevention with

proper cultural practices is key. These diseases become active when

the soil temperature, measured 2–4 in. deep, is between 65°F and 75°F

INSECTS Take advantage of lower temperatures to apply horticultural oil sprays

to control scale insects.

WATER Turn off systems and water only if needed. Plants need less supple-

mental watering in cooler weather.

HOUSEPLANTS

Watch for hornworms on poinsettias planted in the landscape. This pest

can quickly defoliate the plant; handpick or treat only the infested

area.

November 2018

Central Florida Gardening Calendar

5 Fall Vegetables for the Home Garden

12

WHAT TO DO

ANNUALS

To add color to the winter garden, plant masses of

petunia, pansy, and snapdragon.

BULBS

Amaryllis is a popular plant for the holiday season. It can

be forced to bloom now or planted outdoors for

spring blooms.

HERBS

Plant herbs that thrive in cool weather. Some examples

include parsley, thyme, sage, dill, fennel, and cilantro.

VEGGIES

Reliable cool-season vegetables to plant this month

include celery, cauliflower, lettuce, cabbage, and carrot.

WHAT TO PLANT

PERENNIALS

Enjoy one of the most popular indoor holiday plants,

Poinsettia. Protect it from cold until spring, and then plant

it in the garden for next year.

Prepare now to protect tender plants should

TURF

Continue to watch for brown patch and large patch,

fungal diseases that cause areas of grass to turn brown.

Since treatment is difficult, prevention with proper

cultural practices is key. These diseases become active

when the soil temperature, measured 2–4 in. deep, is

between 65°F and 75°F and go dormant when the

INSECTS

Continue monitoring and treat as needed. While cooler

weather generally means fewer pests, some populations

actually increase at this time of year.

HOUSEPLANTS

Inspect regularly for pests on indoor plants. Keep in mind

that plant-specific temperature, light, and humidity are

key to ensuring that indoor plants thrive

SOIL TEST

Consider performing a soil test if plants do not perform as

desired or if new plantings are planned.

COMPOST/ MULCH

Use fallen leaves to provide the carbon ingredient

needed for successful composting and also to

make a good mulch.

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 8

Garden Calendar At-A-Glance, Click Here

13

WHAT TO DO

ANNUALS

Plants that can be added to the garden during the coolest

months include dianthus, pansy, petunia, viola, and

snapdragon.

BULBS

Crinum, agapanthus, and gloriosa lily bulbs can be planted

now. Provide a layer of mulch to protect from

cold temperatures.

VEGGIES

Irish potatoes can be planted now. Start with healthy seed

pieces purchased from a local nursery or online seed

catalog. Continue planting cool-season crops, including

broccoli, kale, carrots, and lettuce.

TREES Select and plant camellias this month. Visit local nurseries now

for the best selection of colors and forms.

WHAT TO PLANT

PERENNIALS

Be ready to cover tender plants to minimize damage and be

sure covers extend all the way to the ground. Frost or freezes

are likely this month and next.

INSECTS Apply horticultural oil to citrus, shrubs, camellias, and

deciduous fruit trees while plants are dormant to control scale

WATER Irrigate lawns and landscape plants minimally. This is their

dormant season.

TREES

Plant deciduous fruit trees now to give their roots time to

develop before the warm, dry spring months.

Prune and fertilize existing trees.

Prune non-spring flowering shrubs and trees this month

to improve form.

Celebrate Florida Arbor Day on the 18th (the third Friday of

January) by planting a tree in your yard or community.

Remove Crapemyrtle seed pods, crossing branches, and small

twiggy growth to improve the appearance and form of the

plant, if desired. Hard pruning is not required.

January 2019

Florida Vegetable Gardening, http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/vh021

14

Mexican Petunia, native to Mexico,

Antilles, and western South America, was

brought to the US in the 1940s. It has

strong vertical growth with purplish

blooms. It will grow in dry or wet areas,

with or without sun, and easily self seeds.

Although attractive to homeowners and

landscapers, it now qualifies as an

invasive by UF/IFAS Assessment of Non-

native Plants in FL Natural Areas. It will

replace native species and can become

a mono-culture especially in wet areas.

Gardeners have several options to

replace Mexican petunia within the

landscape. Plumbago is a blue flowering

plant that grows easily and requires little

water once established. It is fuller than

the Mexican petunia but is just as easy to

grow and will not invade the landscape.

Another choice, if you want to use a

native, is the wild petunia. It grows well,

does spread a little, has a blue bloom,

and attracts butterflies. A third choice is

the salvia “Mystic Spires”. Like most

salvias this plant is easy to grow and will

bloom throughout the summer.

Using the right plant in Florida is important

to having success in growing and

keeping our natural landscapes safe by

not using invasive plants. For information

on planting and maintaining gardens the

UF Electronic Data Information System

(EDIS) is helpful, https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/.

Featured Invasive Plant to Avoid: Mexican Petunia

IFAS picture of invasive at Lake Jesup

UFL/IFAS useful links,

http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep498

https://plants.ifas.ufl.edu/plant-directory/ruellia-simplex/

http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/EP/EP49800.pdf

15

Master Gardeners: What’s Your Favorite Houseplant?

Ashlee Ordazzo enjoys Saintpaulia AKA

African Violets because they are easy to

care for, they just need to be near a

window. They are also fun & easy to

propagate!

Orita Issartel’s favorite is

the Fern, any species of it.

I love the way they can fill

a corner. I plant them in

self-watering

pots & make

sure that they always have

water. water.

That’s all they need! And a

little liquid food little liquid fertilizer

once in a while.

Reggie Doherty likes growing

the Dracaena sp. or Dragon

trees. I love watching it grow

tall & propagating its pups.

Lois Jean Bollin’s favorite plant is

the Sansevieria or Snake plant.

It will tolerate no, little, or some

water. It will tolerate Shady areas

in the house or partial sun. It will

even surprise you with flowers

when you least expect it. And it

puts out lots of babies.

Spathiphyllum or Peace Lily is Andrea

Reagan’s favorite. Its flowers are purely

white and very graceful.

'Sweet Pablo'

Credit: Gary Hennen

Linda McKernan loves her tropical

Anthuriums. They are hearty, easy to grow,

& have flowers all year!

Jan Malone loves her Epiphyllum guatemalense or

curly cactus. “I feel a more appropriate name would be

“Medusa cactus.” It thrives on neglect. By the way, I am

the one with open eyes!:”

(cc)

20

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16

Long feathery, pinnate leaves

We had GREAT weather for the

Festival of Flight & Flowers on Oct. 13th.

The Lake County MG’s set-up a butterfly

tent at Fountain Green Park in Eustis

where we had visitors set live butterflies

free inside the tent so they could enjoy

all the Florida Friendly blooms.

Be sure to watch for next year’s

Fall Festival,

https://festivalofflightandflowers.org/!

For help with identifying, http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/

Answer on the last page

This groundcover blooms tiny yellow flowers—the more sun,

the more flowers!

It needs little fertilization, is drought tolerant & can be mowed to 4” high for a turf-like appearance.

REFERENCES FOR PAGE 10 ARTICLE ON HOUSEPLANTS: • http://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/houseplants/ • http://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/giam/shows/transcripts/2008/oct/benefits_plants.pdf • https://ellisonchair.tamu.edu/health-and-well-being-benefits-of-plants/ • https://public.wsu.edu/~lohr/pub/2010LohrBenefitsPltsIndoors.pdf • http://news.aces.edu/blog/2016/08/29/houseplants-purify-air-in-home/ • https://www.naava.io/science/plants-and-soil-microorganisms-removal-of-formaldehyde-xylene-and-

ammonia-from-the-indoor-environment • https://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/doi/10.1289/ehp.119-a426 • http://ufdcimages.uflib.ufl.edu/IR/00/00/25/81/00001/he35600.pdf • https://news.uga.edu/some-plants-remove-indoor-pollutants/ • https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110623174134.htm

17

Q: How high should I mow my Turf? A: Mowers should be set at a minimum of 3.5 - 4” for standard height cultivars of St. Augustinegrass, 2 – 2.5” for dwarf cultivars of St. Augustinegrass and 2 – 2.5” for zoysiagrass. Keep a sharp blade and mow frequently enough to remove no more than 1/3 of the leaf blades at any individual mowing. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/lh028 Q: How often should I water my lawn? A: Water is best applied at the first signs of stress. Folding of the grass blade, a bluish-green cast to leaves, footprints in the lawn that do not spring back but lay down leaving footprints are all signs of stress. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/lh025, https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_lawn_watering NOTE: Lake County irrigation rules for WHEN & which DAYS of the week to irrigate https://www.lakecountyfl.gov/departments/community_safety_and_compliance/lawn_and_landscape_irrigation.aspx Q: How long should I run my sprinkler system? A: It is best to run the irrigation system to water the lawn to a depth of 6-8 inches. This will take approximately ½” to ¾” inches of water for most soils. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ae144 Test water amounts using the “Catch Can Method” Q: How often can I use Atrazine on my St. Augustine lawn? A: Current label recommendations for use in Florida limit the use of Atrazine to two (2) applications per season when temperatures are < 85°. Many formulations state do not use on Floratam St. Augustinegrass. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep141. As always, READ the LABEL before USE! Q: What is the best fertilizer to use for my lawn? A: A complete fertilizer with the first and last numbers being close to equal, the middle number being small or 0 (e.g. 15-0-15). Look for a fertilizer that has a large proportion of insoluble or slow release form of nitrogen. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ss170. Q: When should I fertilize my lawn? A: Lake County fertilization should take place in April & Oct. It is not necessary to fertilize in the winter months when your grass is dormant. NOTE: There is a new Lake County Fertilizer ordinance limiting Nitrogen (N) as 50% slow-release from 10/1-5/31 and fertilizers with NO Nitrogen from 6/1-9/30, https://www.lakecountyfl.gov/pdfs/public_works/fertilizer-ordinance/Lake-Fertilizer-Flyer.pdf

LEARN MORE: http://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/ornamentals/spanish-moss.html

WHEN: Nov. 1st—March 28th from 9am-12pm

WHERE: Eustis Fairgrounds, 2101 N County Road 452, Eustis, FL 32726

WHAT: Can’t make it to the Lake County Extension Office in Tavares? Bring your land-

scape questions to us while at the Farmers/Flea Market! We also provide information on

FFL landscaping, taking care of our environment , etc.

18

11/1/18-3/28/19: Mobile Plant Clinic: Eustis Fairgrounds, 9am-12pm

11/15: Weather Resilient Fruit Productions: 8-10am, Click here

11/17: Gifts from the Garden & Kitchen: 10am-12pm, https://ufrootsup.eventbrite.com/

11/16: Lake County Farm Tour: 8am-5pm, https://2018lakecountyfarmtour.eventbrite.com

12/15: Winter Landscapes & Gardens: 10-11:30am, https://lakegardeningprograms.eventbrite.com/

1/19: Arbor Day: 10am-3pm, Wooton Park, 100 E. Ruby St, Tavares. Tree give-a-ways, educational

classes, kids’ activities and more. Arrive early for free trees!

MORE EVENTS: http://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/events/?location=lake

Subscribe to the Newsletter! Email, juwanda.rowell@ufl.edu

Answer to page 15: Perennial Peanut! http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_perennial_peanut. Be sure to purchase Appalachee, Chico or Ecoturf varieties for Central Florida. Do NOT purchase Pinto Peanut seeds as they are for South Florida.

LEARN MORE: http://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/ornamentals/spanish-moss.html

MYTH: Watering in the afternoon sun

intensifies the UV rays and kills my plant!

FACTS: Actually, water droplets left on

leaves do not intensify the sun’s rays.

The best time for lawn

irrigation is in the early morning hours.

Watering during the day wastes water to

excessive evaporation.

Watering in late afternoon or late morning

may be detrimental if it extends the time

the lawn & plants are naturally wet from

dew.

This extended “dew period” can

encourage disease occurrence.