and plants to before 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m. two days a week (Wednesdays and Saturdays only if your house number ends in an odd number, or
add fertilizer to the hole during the planting process. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask your garden care professional at stores such as Lowe's or The Home Depot.
Winter Plant Care
Thursdays and Sundays only if your house number ends in an even number). In both counties, the water conservation boards ask that you select a lawn watering time either before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m., not both. Palm Beach County is on a three-day-perweek watering schedule. Odd-numbered houses can water their lawns and plants on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m. Even-numbered houses can water their lawns and plants on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m.
As you're aware, South Florida has a much milder winter than most areas of the country, and even compared to most areas of Florida. In most winters, your plants will survive just fine. In the event of a colder winter, however, take heed of these tips:
Fertilization There are different kinds of fertilizer sold, and you will need to make an informed decision since fertilizer is essential to giving your plants the nutrients they need in your South Florida garden. There's slow-release, which allows the soil to take up a little bit of the fer tilizer with each watering; controlled-release, which allows you to apply it right near the plant's base without fear of burning the plant; and liquid fertilizer, which is easiest to apply but quickest to run through, as it needs to be applied with each watering. Whatever you do, make sure you don't
· Tropical plants will survive best away from the direction the cold front itself is heading, so as it heads down from the northwest, you should plant these on the southeast side of your home. · Take care to plant palms under the watchful eye of larger trees. · Plants under tree cover can be protected from colder temperatures. · Water the morning before a cold night, as it will warm the ground and keep the plant warm through the night. Plants can't regulate their own temperatures. If you take these tips to heart, you will be well on your way to showcasing a beautiful South Florida garden year-round!