Winter gardening tips from Bayshore Garden Center
Looking to plant that poinsettia or know what to do with your garden at this time of the year?
Experts at the North Fort Myers Bayshore Garden Center have a few tips for you.
The owners are Joe Scott and Jan Johnson, who have been busy helping residents through the recent cold snap and more.
When the recent cold weather freeze happened, calls flooded through the center. “We received hundreds of calls within two days,” said Scott. “Many were from seasonal residents who came down from the northern cold only to find a Southwest Florida cold snap.”
Covering plants and watering were the big questions.
“A wrap called Frost Cloth sold out in days,” he said.
Now that the ultra cold weather has seemed to pass, many are just frequenting the center to know how to go from here.
Many also want to know how to plant their holiday poinsettias, a special knack for local gardeners.
“You can still plant your poinsettias in this warm location,” Scott said.
Take the plant from the house in mid-February, move it outside still in the pot but don’t put it in direct sunlight or it will burn, he noted.
“Preferably you can plant it with an eastern exposure,” he said. “It requires 14 some hours of complete darkness each day for six to eight weeks before planting and before flowering the next year. Artificial light will keep them from blooming the following winter.”
Poinsettias can thrive in this area, he noted. “I’ve seen them get to be 5 to 6 feet.”
Concerning what plants to plant this time of year, he said it depends on your yard.
He had a great tip. “Take a picture of your yard or garden and bring it to your gardening expert.
Certain plants need to be positioned in the right area, in the right way.
“Common plants that do well in our area are bougainvillea, which gives you color. We also suggest Drift Roses, a special variety.” They stay low to the ground, he said. They are a landscape rose that is easy to grow.
“This is also the time of year to plant annuals, like geraniums, petunias and snap dragons.”
They can be planted now. “Either in pots or the ground.”
If you plant now he suggested what is called amending the soil. “Peat and compost are some soil amendments.”
Many need to dig out that garden, and get the ground ready. “The soil here is actually sandy, any time of the year.”
Concerning citrus trees, he said he has not worried that much. “I actually picked tangerines yesterday and they were fine.”
How can you tell if something from your tree has frozen? ” You can tell if it is frozen because it looks like granulated sugar,” he said. “You can just tell by the look.”
He welcomes questions at the center.
Bayshore Garden Center is located at 5870 Bayshore Rd. Th number for more information is 543-1443.