Lawn & Garden Guide for Jacksonville’s Fall and Winter
As the days shorten and temperatures cool, preparing your lawn for the upcoming fall and winter seasons is essential. This lawn and garden guide is suited for Jacksonville’s Fall and Winter seasons.
Lawn Care: Preventing Disease
One common challenge is fungal diseases like brown patches and large patches, which can cause unsightly brown patches to appear. These diseases thrive when the soil temperature is between 65°F and 75°F (2–4 inches deep). Prevention is key in combating these diseases. Proper cultural practices, such as regular mowing at the correct height, proper fertilization, and adequate watering, can help create a healthy environment that is less susceptible to fungal infections.
Planting for Fall and Winter Color
Fall and winter offer a wonderful opportunity to add color and interest to your garden. Here are some plant suggestions:
- Annuals and Bedding Plants: Pansies, Violas, dusty miller, snapdragons, and chrysanthemums are excellent choices for vibrant fall color.
- Bulbs: Amaryllis, crinum, and daylily are popular bulbs that can be planted in the fall. Spider lilies, known for their striking red flowers, thrive in partial shade and provide winter foliage.
- Herbs: Many herbs, including cilantro, dill, fennel, parsley, sage, and thyme, prefer cooler weather and can be enjoyed in fall and winter.
- Vegetables: For a bountiful harvest, you can plant various crops, such as broccoli, cabbage, kale, and lettuce, now in the cool season.
Preparing for Winter Weather
Jacksonville’s winters can be unpredictable, with occasional frosts and cold snaps. To protect your plants, consider the following:
- Frost Risk: Be aware of frost risk, which typically begins in mid-November inland and late November near the beaches.
- La Niña Influence: Keep an eye on weather forecasts, as a weak and short duration La Niña is in the forecast and expected to result in a warmer and drier winter.
- Plant Acclimation: Warmer winters can be particularly problematic for tender plants that may continue to push out new growth damaged from sudden freezes and frost than if they’d become more acclimated by gradual decreases in temperature.
- Hardy Plant Selection: Choose plants well-suited to your growing zone to ensure they can withstand the local climate. When making plant choices prioritize low maintenance and sustainability.
- Mulching helps your plants thrive by insulating the soil, retaining moisture, and adding organic matter for healthier growth. For more information, see page three!
By following these guidelines, you can increase your enjoyment of a beautiful and healthy landscape and garden throughout the fall and winter seasons in Jacksonville.