Gardening in South Florida in January

What to Plant and What to Do in Your South Florida Garden

January is one of the coldest months in the South Florida garden. Most plants are dormant, or not actively growing. Protection is needed for sensitive plants during infrequent cold snaps. While temperatures rarely drop below 50 degrees in South Florida, protecting your plants when they do is very important. Depending on how far inland you are, temperatures can range from 5 to 20 degrees lower than coastal areas, so keep track of your local area weather.

Orchids are very cold sensitive, and should be brought indoors, if possible, when temperatures drop below 50 degrees. Orchids mounted in trees or planted in the ground should be protected by covering if possible.

Tender tropicals, such as hibiscus and aroids, and small fruit trees will need to be protected when temperatures drop below 40 degrees. It is best to create a teepee like structure using wood or other supports, and drape a cloth over that.

It's not advisable to cover your plants with plastic, but if you must, remove the plastic very early in the morning, before the sun has time to literally "cook" the plants underneath. Old sheets, comforters and blankets are best to use, especially if the material will be touching the plants.

Even in the South Florida garden, Avocados and Mangos must be protected for the first five years they are in the ground, as they are very cold sensitive when young. Citrus don't need protection after the third year, unless the temperatures are going to be below freezing for five hours or more.

One wonderful thing about vegetable gardening in South Florida, is that we are still planting in January.

Green leafy vegetables, such as mustard, collards, spinach, endive, escarole, lettuce and parsley can still be planted from seed, as can carrots and radishes.

Transplants of cole crops such as kohlrabi, broccoli, cabbage, Chinese cabbage and brussel sprouts should be used, to insure a harvest before hot weather sets in. Eggplant and tomatoes may also be started from transplants this month.