___ GARDEN TALK _____
EDITOR’S NOTE: UF/IFAS County Extension Director for Nassau County and Horticulture Agent III, Rebecca Jordi addresses questions about landscaping and gardening in northeast Florida. She is also a University of Florida faculty member.___________
QUESTION: Is there any vegetable I can plant now or am I too late? Also, I am just a beginner so I would like to start out with something easy. RP
JORDI: I commend you for wanting to try gardening. You are smart to start during the cooler months as winter gardening in Florida is much easier than during the warmer months –especially for novices. I have attached the University of Florida vegetable garden guide to assist you. This publication contains information on preparation, planting, selection and maintenance of gardens.
I think one of the easiest vegetables to grow here during the winter months is broccoli. Try any of the following varieties – Early Dividend, Waltham, Early Green, Packman, or De Cicco. Broccoli is an excellent source of calcium, fiber and vitamins C and A. There are other easy vegetables too such as lettuce, cauliflower, peas, and cabbage. Have fun with your garden and do not be afraid to try new things – you never know how successful this adventure may be for you. Good luck – and keep me posted on your progress.
QUESTION: After this last freeze I noticed my salvia was covered in white insects – you called them scale. Do you think the freeze killed all the insects? Should I leave the plants alone or remove them now? SH
JORDI: In some instances it is better to remove insect and disease infested plants rather than chemically treat them. Although the salvia will probably return in the spring it is too easy for the insects to get started on one plant and move on the neighboring foliage producing new colonies and infestations elsewhere.
The cold weather has probably destroyed much of the insect population, however, is it possible some of the insects will survive and are waiting for the perfect environment to reproduce and increase their numbers. I would suggest pulling the plants up and start fresh next spring with insect free plants.
QUESTION: My septic tank is being moved to the side of my house where I have fruit trees and other plants. How far away from my septic tank should these trees be located? BT
JORDI: Out in cyber-world there is plenty of information regarding the question of the distance between trees and septic systems. I have seen as few as 20 feet (University of Minnesota) to as much as 100 feet (North Carolina State University).
If it is possible, consider keeping the distance between the septic system and fruit trees somewhere in the middle of those numbers. It is important to remember, tree roots grow 2 to 3 times the drip line. The drip line is at the tips of the tree branches.
Let’s say one of the fruit tree branches was 10 feet long, which is not atypical for fruit trees. The roots could be growing 20 to 60 feet out. Those roots could easily disrupt the natural processes of the septic tank and cause serious damage. It is already costing you quite a bit of money to relocate your system; no need to allow potential problems in the future.
If you need to move the fruit trees, do so, then transplant them elsewhere. Be sure the trees are irrigated well for three to four months to help get them established. Get as much of the root ball as you can when you move them. Do not add amendments to the new hole where the tree will be planted – just keep the trees irrigated well. Transplanting them during dormant season is best for the tree and future fruit production.
Rebecca L. Jordi
County Extension Director
UF/IFAS Environmental Horticulture
Nassau County Extension
543350 U.S. Highway #1
Callahan, FL 32011
904-491-7340 or 904-879-1019