Helpful Information from Your Farm and Garden

Florida’s subtropical climate gifts the sunshine state with two distinct seasons, the “dry season” and “rainy season.” And gardening – along with most outdoor activities, can be challenging during both. According to The National Weather Service, the rainy season officially runs from May 15th through September October 15th though it’s start can vary year to year. Unless current severe drought conditions continue, the rainy frequent showers and thunderstorms should ramp up anytime now. The warm...

Reasons to Mulch The afternoon sun is definitely getting warmer and there are dozens of other things pressing on your schedule. However, mulching is essential to your gardens, flower beds and other landscaped areas. Buy why you may ask? First, mulch helps your soil maintain moisture, thereby reducing the need for irrigation and watering. Secondly and equally important, a properly mulched bed will limit weed growth. That’s significant, as we all want to limit the use of herbicides as much as...

Planting Trees & Shrubs Before You Plant It is important to select the proper plant for your site. Take into consideration the amount of space available for the plant, amount of light the plant will receive and type of soil at the site. All these factors should weigh in the plant selection process. When To Plant If the soil is moist and kept sufficiently watered, planting can be done anytime. If possible, plant your tree or shrub as soon as you get it home. Otherwise, it may dry out and...

We are with you! It’s March and you’re ready to get into your garden and landscaping beds, especially after experiencing the cooler months of January and February. And in March, it’s a great time to lay the foundation for beautiful, lush gardens and landscaping. Let’s get started! Spring “Clean Out” Time First, we suggest cleaning out your garden area and flower & landscaping beds. Remove any fallen leaves, dying vegetation (such as annuals) and other vegetation that doesn’t belong. By...

When driving around Sarasota, Venice or Longboat Key you are sure to see central Florida’s most popular landscaping evergreen shrub, the Croton. Single family homes, condominium communities, office buildings and grand country club entryways alike have made the Croton a mainstay in beautiful, lush landscaping.  Crotons arrived in central Florida in the 1950’s and 60’s with their popularity increasing ever since. Though they thrive in heat and humidity with frequent watering, you’ll quickly know...