Rockledge Gardens

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phone: 321.636.7662
info@rockledgegardens.com

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Expert Gardening Answers

See: This month’s gardening tips | Rockledge Gardens how-to videos | Answers to our customers’ most frequent questions | Links to gardening resources & other info | Rockledge Gardens plant-care information

citrus blossoms

What to do in your garden in February

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ferns in containers

Frequently asked questions at Rockledge Gardens

Q. Is it safe to use reclaimed water on my vegetable garden and fruit trees?

A. Here’s the answer from the Rockledge Wastewater Department:
1. Irrigation of edible crops that will be peeled, skinned, cooked or thermally processed before consumption is allowed. Direct contact of the reclaimed water with such edible crops is allowed.
2. Irrigation of tobacco or citrus is allowed. Direct contact of the reclaimed water with tobacco or citrus is allowed, including citrus used for fresh table fruit, processing into concentrate, or other purposes.
3. Irrigation of edible crops that will not be peeled, skinned, cooked, or thermally processed before consumption is allowed if an indirect application method that will preclude direct contact with the reclaimed water (such as ridge and furrow irrigation, drip irrigation, or a subsurface distribution system) is used.
4. Irrigation of edible crops that will not be peeled, skinned, cooked or thermally processed before consumption using an application method that allows for direct contact of the reclaimed water on the crop is prohibited.

Q. What is that black stuff on the leaves of my gardenia (or citrus, shrubs, etc.)?

A. That’s likely to be sooty mold — a black, powdery-looking substance that grows on the secretion of insects (known as “honeydew”). This secretion can be left by aphids, mealy bugs or scale and the cure is to control the insect. If you don’t see the insect on the affected plant, take a look above the plant as it could be that the insects are present on a plant above. Treat the infested plant with a horticultural oil spray, such as All-Season Oil Spray or Organacide or Insectidical Soap.

Q. Should I fertilize when I first plant?

A. It really depends on what you plan to fertilize with. Synthetic granular fertilizers can cause root burn to new transplants. A natural, slow-released fertilizer, such as Espoma brand, can be used with success at the time of planting. “Dynamite” is also safe to use at planting time.

Q. Why are my palm fronds yellowing and looking “frizzy”?

A. Palms are very heavy feeders, especially in our sandy Florida soils. It’s important to put them on a regular fertilizing schedule of every two months if you’re using a granular fertilizer. We recommend Leonard’s 11-4-11, since it’s a slow-released fertilizer with all of the micro-nutrients that palms require. Sierra blend Osmocote is also quite effective on palms and lasts up to six months.

Q. What is the best time of year to grow vegetables in Florida?

A. We have two main planting seasons for veggies in Florida — fall and spring. Most vegetables thrive during these months. There are also several cool-season veggies that carry through the winter, including lettuce, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, and many herbs. One of the most important factors in good crop production is the addition of plenty of organic matter (such as compost or cow manure) at the time of planting.

Q. How far apart should I plant my plants?

A. Spacing of plants should be determined by the mature growth of the particular plant, as well as the effect that you are trying to obtain. If you are aiming for solid coverage, such as in a hedge, most shrubs should be planted 3 to 4 feet apart. Annuals and perennials can be planted much closer to give a full, solid mass of color (12 to 18 inches apart). Trees, on the other hand, need a lot of room for root development and canopy growth. Depending on the type of tree, a general rule would be approximately 20 feet apart. Keep in mind that crowded plants, including rose bushes, are more likely to develop insect and disease problems.

Q. One of my queen palms has died rather suddenly. The lowest fronds turned brown first and within a few weeks the entire palm was dead. What killed it, and what can I do to keep my other palms healthy?

A. The symptoms you describe are those of a new disease called “Fusarium decline.” This is a fungus disease that kills primarily queen palms, but occasionally also kills Washingtonia palms. There is no chemical cure or prevention for this disease; infected palms always die. Since this is a new disease there is still much about it that is unknown, such as how it is spread. The current recommendations of the University of Florida scientists who are studying this disease are: Do not plant another palm, especially a queen palm, where one has died. In addition, after pruning a palm, especially queen palm, sterilize your pruning tools by soaking them in a 25% bleach solution for 5 minutes before pruning the next palm. Remove dead palms as quickly and completely as possible.

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Gardening resources & other fun info and products

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Rockledge Gardens plant-care info sheets

Here’s a sampling of our free plant care info sheets. Stop by to pick up others! Please note that these are specifically geared to Brevard County growing conditions, zones 9 & 10. Also see information about our own Rockledge Gardens Homegrown plants, and our online article about Preparing for the Cooler Months.

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2153 South U.S. Hwy. #1, Rockledge, FL 32955 • 321.636.7662 • © Rockledge Gardens • home • search