Gardening in October

October Gardening in South Florida

It’s late August as I’m writing this garden article for the October Newsletter and I cannot remember a summer with so many days that have felt like 105 degrees. Gardening, being my favorite past time, has been challenging for me and the plants in my yard, especially those growing in containers.

Even though temperatures are still warm in October we can begin planting for cooler months ahead. Impatiens, alyssum, dianthus, begonia, geranium and snapdragon are a few that do well in the cooler months. See annuals at: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_annual_landscape_plants.

A wide range of herbs can be planted now such as dill, fennel, parsley and cilantro. See herbs at: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_herbs.

This month we can fertilize plants that are not performing well. A controlled-release fertilizer will provide nutrients over a longer period of time. Also, don’t forget to fertilize your palms with a controlled release nitrogen, potassium and magnesium fertilizer. 8-0-12 or 8-2-12 is recommended by the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, IFAS.

Would you like to attract butterflies? Try planting a nectar shrub: firebush, jatropha, plumbago, porterweed, wild coffee, firespike and golden dewdrop. Some vines that attract butterflies are coral honeysuckle, dutchman’s pipe and passion vine. To observe butterflies more closely, place plants near the house or even in patio containers.

A species of flowering plant in the Bromeliaceae family commonly called the silver vase or urn plant and is a native of Brazil. The urn plant is often grown as a house plant and best grown in bright but filtered sun to part shade, moist well drained soil. It’s best with a small pool of water in the central cup formed by the rosette of leaves. The urn plant blooms only once and then dies. Offsets form at the base of the plant and can be removed when 6” tall to transplant. No significant insect or disease problems. Root rot may occur if soil is too moist.

Submitted by: Gail Rounds, Martin County Volunteer Master Gardener

One of my favorite container plants is…

Aechmea fasciata

Newer Post >

Garden Tours

By Lisa Oster & Stacie Latham • January 6, 2025

Part 1 - Edible Gardener's Paradise

Spreading Wings: Butterfly Conservation in Jensen Beach

By Lisa Oster • December 10, 2024

Spreading Wings: Butterfly Conservation in Jensen Beach The Jensen Beach Garden Club proudly maintains four beautiful gardens in our area, along with the vibrant flower planters that brighten downtown Jensen Beach. These gardens are lovingly tended by our dedicated Garden Committee, co-chaired by Annie Ruffing and Dina D’Angelico-Elms. Every two weeks, rain or shine, committee members roll up their sleeves to plant, prune, and water, ensuring these spaces remain havens for butterflies and other pollinators and provide beautiful landscapes for everyone. Among our projects are two flourishing butterfly gardens—one at Hoke Library and another at Indian Riverside Park—designed to attract, nourish, and protect essential pollinators. Did you know that the Hoke Library Butterfly Garden was certified by the North American Butterfly Association in 2002? This distinction recognizes its role in providing vital resources for butterfly populations worldwide. And this year, we’re taking our conservation efforts to new heights by adding butterfly houses to both gardens! The Buzz on Butterfly Houses A butterfly house creates a safe and nurturing environment, mimicking the natural habitats butterflies need to thrive. These houses help protect against habitat loss by offering a space to rest, mate, and feed—all while supporting education, research, and conservation efforts. To bring this project to life, our club collaborated with a remarkable young leader: Sebastian Gonzalez, a senior at Jensen Beach High School and an aspiring Eagle Scout. Sebastian, no stranger to community service, has been a dedicated partner in our gardening efforts. You may have spotted him lending a hand at our February 25, 2023, Garden Expo or helping spread mulch at Indian Riverside Park. Built by Sebastian and beautifully painted by club members Linda Elliott and Kathryn Lerett, the houses were installed in the garden beds in October 2024. A Passion for the Atala Butterfly For his Eagle Scout project, Sebastian focused on supporting the recovery of the Atala butterfly, a small, brilliantly colored species native to Florida. Once considered extinct in the state, the Atala has made a remarkable comeback thanks to conservation initiatives like ours. Sebastian recommended we add more Coonti plants (Zamia integrifolia) to our gardens—the sole host plant for Atala butterfly larvae. Each house features a dedication placard, symbolizing our shared commitment to protecting butterflies and enhancing biodiversity in Jensen Beach. Sebastian will be studying the activities of our beloved butterflies and will keep us posted on his findings. Celebrate With Us We’re thrilled to see Sebastian’s butterfly houses in action and invite you to join us in celebrating his achievements. His dedication to conservation and our community has made a lasting impact, both on our gardens and the butterflies they support. Look for them during your next visit! Stay tuned for updates on this project and other exciting initiatives from the Jensen Beach Garden Club. Together, we’re growing a greener, more beautiful world—one garden at a time!