For those of us lucky to live in warmer climates we often need to adjust our plans…….
The choice of plants through to watering all need extra thought, I personally like a mixed garden of flowers, fruit and vegetables all growing over each other, more robust plants will give some protection to those that would simply curl up and die in the heat of summer.
Planning my landscaping a few years ago became paramount, Id purchased a large amount of plants and they all died before being planted, with some careful thinking and some great materials its not that difficult.
I chose to use a sun shade imported from Australia that was called a “koolaroo” and it cost about £50 British Pounds, they are suppost to remove 90% of the Ultra Violet Rays, I believe it, as the sun shade saved all my year one plants from the sun.
I built a waterfall that not only creates a nice sound it does add moisture to the plants nearest to it.
Just 3 years Later, the sunshade is still there and there are now a cherry and pear tree creating natural shade and the whole garden has a wonderful atmosphere including scent and color.
Last year I enjoyed grapes and oranges, tomatos, lettuce and peppers, this year I will be enjoying pears, grapes, oranges, tomatos, peppers, beans and even butternut squash. Had I not planned on plant protection I know that I would be having to buy the fruit and veg, but also my garden would be as bare as the before photo.
Watering
Many people have views on when to water, I personally water in the early morning and at night taking care to ensure that the roots get water and not just leaves, Its important not to water plants in direct sunshine unless they are wilting but then only the roots and not the leaves.
Of course it mtarets what time of year you plant; even in south Florida you have to plant according to what grows at that time of the year in that location. I’m in NW Florida and, while we have mild winters most years, we do have some with extremely low temps sometimes. I have seen snow, freezing rain and single-digit temps here during the last 50 years and, without a doubt, we will have them again sometime. If you are in extreme south Florida (Key West, etc.) you may be able to grow spring/summer flowers year=round most years. Anywhere else in the state you will have both fall and winter weather, just not as long and, usually, not as severe. Ask some of the people in your area what they are planting this time of year and try those, as well as anything you would like to try yourself. Most people are more than willing to share their knowledge with anyone willing to learn.Welcome to Florida!Good luck and enjoy!