While the threat of hurricanes doesn't diminish significantly until after October, by mid-September, the northern part of the state begins to experience cooler morning and evening temperatures; the central and southern sections still have the warm temps but the humidity begins to ease up. The harbingers of fall will be showing their autumn colors soon. By mid-September the Liquidambar (Sweet Gum) trees in the north and central Florida will start to turn colors and drop their spiny seed pods. Callicarpa (Beautyberry) is already displaying those lovely clutches of purple berries on each stem, to the delight of the birds and squirrels. All of these autumn signals make it much more pleasant to work in our yards. The primary tasks for autumn in Florida include clean-up, fall plantings, fertilization and watering.
Clean-Up
Take a good look at your plants and shrubs and trees. If you see any signs of damage like broken branches or stems cut them off. If major pest infestations have set in (more than could be addressed with the appropriate treatment) remove the infected parts of the plant. Do not put diseased plant material in your compost bin. Currently in central Florida Pinus elliottii (Slash Pine) is under attack by the Southern Pine Beetle. This is a pest that preys on the weakest trees killing them by literally sucking the sap from them. The drought that has had Florida in its grip for the past 3 years has left these pines vulnerable.
With Florida's year-round climate you may be tempted to do some pruning of shrubs in the fall. Remember: pruning rhododendrons and azaleas now will cost you blooms next spring. The flower buds set on the previous year's growth. These are best pruned right after flowering before the next set of buds get their start. If you trim that away now you'll need to wait another year-and-a-half before you see blooms.
Fall Plantings
You may notice some of your perennials seem to have their "second wind" and are growing again. It's primarily the foliage that will get lush during this brief autumnal growth spurt so enjoy it while it lasts! Look around your flower and vegetable beds and trim those plants that are done for the season. Put a marker so you'll remember where they are during the winter and don't till them over by mistake. Plants that would be good to get in the ground now include Digitalis (Foxglove), Aster, Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) and Calendula (Marigold).
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