"Southern is a hot summer day that brings on a violent thunderstorm, cooling the air and bringing up smells of the earth that tempt us to eat the soil."       Edna Lewis (Cookbook Author)

The beginning of 2025 started out very dry, but the rains started at the end of May and have been consistent through June. Florida averages 54” of rainfall a year and 70% of the rainfall is during the summer months. If we continue to get rainfall and it is distributed evenly, it’s possible that our plants will not need supplemental water until soils start to dry out in October.

Soils that are too wet will create problems for your plants. Saturated soils prevent roots from taking up water and nutrients and can cause plant diseases like root rot. Not to mention more weeds like dollarweed, sedges, and torpedo grass.

So, if your plants are not thirsty, turn the time clock on your timer to off. If you see that the grass becomes dry, you can always cut it back on when needed.

As temperatures rise, plant water demands increase and rainfall doesn’t keep up, so the need for supplemental irrigation will likely increase. Get in tune with your plants and water as needed. This is a good time to make some changes to your irrigation system such as drip, or micro-irrigation to cut back on water use.

A picture is worth a thousand words

But what does a picture have to do with your landscape problem you might be wondering?   When submitting a request for help identifying plants and insects, or diagnosing pest and disease problems a series of clear photographs is the first and often the most helpful step.  Read on to find out how to provide the right images.

Hitting the pause button on summer vegetable gardening

If you’re new to vegetable gardening in Florida, you may wonder why we would want to pause growing vegetables in July and August. After all, summer has just gotten started! But after trying to garden through the heat, humidity, insects, fungi and storms that characterize our summers a few times, you may welcome a chance to take a break and prepare for fall.. Read on for great information how to prepare for fall gardening.

Sensory delights in the garden

Lethal bronzing in palms

What to plant in July and August

The Gardening Calendar gives North Florida gardeners a guide for what to plant and do in their gardens. It includes links to useful gardening websites, all based on University of Florida research and expertise.

• What to Plant in July
• What to plant in August

Upcoming Events

(Follow us on Eventbrite for Upcoming Classes)

Wednesday July 16th at 11:30 AM an online zoom program on Planning for fall vegetables. Fall is a great time to grow vegetables in northeast Florida. If you are new to vegetable gardening or new to Florida, join us to learn how to get started. This class will cover the basics of planning for a fall vegetable garden, including: The cost is $5.00. Register via Eventbrite

Wednesday July 30th at 2 pm a program on Getting Started Farming: What to do and where to get help at the UF/IFAS Duval County Extension Office located at 1010 N. McDuff Ave. Nearly a third of Florida’s farmers have been farming for less than 10 years and are therefore considered beginning farmers and ranchers. Running a successful farm operation takes long and short term planning, creativity and a supportive community. National and State statistics show our farming population is approaching retirement so Florida needs beginning farmers!: The cost is $12.51. Register via Eventbrite

Wednesday July 30th at 4 pm a program online or in person on Living on a few acres: Agritourism at the UF/IFAS Duval County Extension Office located at 1010 N. McDuff Ave. Join us for an informative session on Agritourism for small farms. Come learn how to incorporate agritourism into your farm. The cost is $12.51. Register via Eventbrite

Thursday July 31th at 2 pm a program online or in person on Backyard Hen Training at the UF/IFAS Duval County Extension Office located at 1010 N. McDuff Ave. This class is necessary for you to get your hen permit in Duval County, You will receive a certificate of completion that you present to the city to receive your permit. The cost is $12.51. Register via Eventbrite

Wednesday August 20^th  at 10 am  a program online or in person on Fall Vegetable Seed Starting at the Urban Demonstration Garden at 1032 Superior St. This hands-on workshop is appropriate for gardeners of all skill levels. It will cover the basics of starting seeds to grow your own transplants, as well as direct seeding. The cost is $17.85. Register via Eventbrite

For persons with disabilities requiring special accommodations that wish to attend any Extension events, please contact your local UF/IFAS Extension Office (TDD, via Florida Relay Service, 1-800-955-8771) at least ten working days prior to the class so that proper consideration may be given to the request. UF/IFAS Extension is an Equal Opportunity Institution.