Orlando Sentinel

Sweet peas can be a challenge in Florida

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cut back to within a few feet of the ground or you can selectivel­y remove limb portions and do a little thinning. Winter weather stresses hibiscus plants and they are usually slow to resume growth, but with good care, they should be in bloom by summer. Apply a slow-release fertilizer after pruning and keep the soil moist. mulch, and this should help reduce the soil acidity. You could also use pine bark fine as mulch, which is ground pine bark, to reduce the pH even faster. If your plants appear healthy, this may be all you need to do along with the use of an azalea fertilizer three times a year.

Where needed, the soil acidity could be reduced even quicker with an applicatio­n of soil or agricultur­al sulfur at the rate of one pound for each 100 square feet of garden site. Water after the applicatio­n to activate and move the sulfur into contact with the soil.

New poinsettia varieties have become tough and long-lasting in recent years. Moistening the soil when the surface starts to dry and keeping the plants in bright light is all you need to do until early January.

After the new year, begin feedings to keep the foliage attractive. Make fertilizin­g the plants easy by using one of the slow-release products found at local garden centers. You might also move the plants to the patio when the weather is warm. If you plan to keep the poinsettia­s another year, give them a size larger container and cut them back to within 12 inches of

It’s true, these brown patches are going to be with you for a while no matter what you do. Now, the good news is if the lawn is treated, the decline probably won’t get much worst. Brown patch, also called large patch, is a warmish weather disease that can affect all lawn types but normally selects St. Augustine and zoysia yards.

When lawns have yearly brown patch problems, three treatments are recommende­d. Many products are available for brown patch control at local garden centers. Select one to use now, then make another applicatio­n in 30 days and one in late winter. Pest control companies can make these treatments for you and may offer new advanced fungicides not found at garden centers.

 ?? TOM MACCUBBIN ?? The best planting time for sweet peas is from November through early February.
TOM MACCUBBIN The best planting time for sweet peas is from November through early February.
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