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Joani MacCubbin
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May, 2008 |
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Welcome back to Joani's
Corner. Here we are in May already and the weather is getting
nice and warm. Winter is well behind us. The plants are doing
well. They're happy that they won't have a bad freeze to spoil
their longevity. The oaks and crape myrtles have filled out with
their new leaves as well as most of our other deciduous trees.
It's nice to be outside in the evenings and have the daylight to
extend our gardening time. I'd sure rather be outside in the
yard than spending it in the kitchen preparing meals. My usual
response to my family around 6 p.m when they ask 'what's for
supper' is.....whatever you can find, leftovers, peanut butter
and jelly or for a last resort.....check in with the next door
neighbor.
You will be noticing a few plants are starting to decline as the
weather is getting too warm for them. Petunias, hollyhocks,
sweet peas, phlox and pansies are some that we must think of
replacing soon.
This month in Joani's Corner:
Weather Expectations for May
Wildlife Adventures
? ? Whatizzzit ? ?
Spring Gardening tips
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Weather Expectations for May |
On May 19 there will be a full moon. It is called the Full Flower
Moon. That is the perfect name for a full moon in May. Other names
for this full moon are the Full Corn planting moon and the Full Milk
Moon. Luckily here in Florida it's almost time for harvesting our
corn and not planting it.
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Central
Florida |
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Average High - 88º - Average Low - 66º |
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Expected rainfall is 3.74" |
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In 1989 the record high was 97º |
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In 1992 the record low was 48º |
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Tallahassee |
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Average High - 87º - Average Low - 62º |
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Expected rainfall is 4.95" |
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In 1953 the record high was 102º |
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In 1971 the record low was 34º |
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Jacksonville |
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Average High - 84º - Average Low 62º |
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Expected rainfall is 3.48" |
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In 1990 the record high was 96º |
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In 1996 the record low was 48º |
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Melbourne |
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Average High - 85º - Average Low - 66º |
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Expected rainfall is 3.94" |
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In 1963 the record high was 97º |
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In 1992 the record low was 47º |
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Florida
Wildlife Adventures for May |
There are a few wildlife adventures going on in our yard!
The squirrels are in the irritating the cats cycle. Acorns are
all buried and sprouting a few will be available for snacking
later on so the squirrels are in their relaxation mode which
also includes races across our pool screen.
Mockingbirds are nesting. There is nest building going on in a 6
ft. palm just outside our garage door. When the eggs are laid
and the new generation is hatching we may have to find some
other way of getting in and out of our home. They get slightly
feisty at that time.
Carolina Wrens are also nesting. Translated that means there is
lots of chattering going on in the nesting areas and they will
also let you know that they don't intend to share their space
with you. They seem to feel that their name is also on the deed!
Now to the more serious side.......
-Brown pelicans and white ibis can now be seen in nests.
-Painted buntings nest through summer in northeast Florida.
-Bald eagles begin migrating north.
-Cedar waxwings and goldfinches are heading north to their
breeding sites.
-Least terns and snowy plovers are now nesting on beaches and
sandy areas of the Panhandle of Florida. |
Gray bats are now congregating in maternity caves now through
mid-July.
Loggerhead turtles begin their nesting time. |
Loggerhead Turtle
(click to enlarge) |
Soft-shell and alligator snapping turtles complete their egg
laying cycle.
And in the 'be extra careful' department:
Alligators are announcing their courting rituals with loud
bellowing sounds.
In the Keys the Crocodiles are in the height of their nesting
activities. |
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Spring Garden Tips |
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Spring finally arrived and the busy garden activities have
begun. The weather is perfect! I have a few tips to make
gardening a little easier for you.
As all of us know we have to be careful about watering. The
right time.... we already know, depending on where we
live.......but what about the right amount? It's much better to
water infrequently and get those roots to grow deeper and search
for their own water supply. If you water too much they get lazy
and won't bother to grow very deep. Roots will also become
weaker, have a tough time resisting pests and diseases......and
have a harder time surviving between rainfalls.
Your lawn needs training just as you would need to train a new
puppy. If you encourage bad habits in your puppy or your lawn
.....you will have problems. There are a few ways to tell
whether your lawn really needs water. Look at the grass
blades......do they appear a grayish blue?....are they folded in
half? when you walk on your lawn do you leave noticeable
footprints behind you? If so that will tell you it's time to
water.
Try to keep your lawn weed free.....which would you rather
fertilize and water your lawn or those hungry weeds? I think we
all know the answer to this! How to tell if you have
weeds......just look for the greenest, tallest and healthiest
item in your lawn.....that's probably a weed and it's stealing
nutrients and water from your lawn!!
In flower garden areas mulch can help a lot to retain moisture
so plants won't need as much water from you. In flower and
vegetable gardens use 1 inch of mulch, shrubbery 2-3".
Now to the mowing......It's important to keep your mower blades
sharp.... sharp cuts cause less injury to your grass blades. Now
if you were a grass blade would you rather be cleanly cut or
shredded? Usually shredded grass ends will make your lawn appear
to have a brownish look. Also adjust the height of your mower
blade to your particular type of grass:
-Bahia and St. Augustine - 3-4 inches
-Zoysia 2 inches
Tom and I see so many scalped lawns.....and people wonder why
their lawns aren't doing well.
If you have someone mow your lawn ask how often the blades are
sharpened and height of the mower. If they don't know.....time
to switch your mower people.
Use these tips and maybe you could be spending a little more
time in your hammock with that nice, big ice-cold glass of
lemonade enjoying your yard rather than working in it and
wishing you were in that empty hammock. |
Answer to ? ? Whatizzzit
? ? Spiny-baked orb weaver spider!
See you all back here in June! |
Until then, if you have any questions or comments drop me a line
at joani@betterlawns.com.
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