October & November Fall MaintenancE

🍂 Fall Gardening Tips for a Thriving Garden

Fall is finally here, and if you’ve been waiting for a break from the heat, we feel you! While other parts of the country are cooling down fast, here in Central Florida, we get a bit of a “second spring” — cooler mornings, less intense sun, and the perfect chance to reset your garden. Perennials and woody plants find this time to be absolutely perfect.

Here are a few fall tips to help your yard stay happy, healthy, and thriving this season:

🌿 Lean Into Florida-Friendly Plants

October and November are great months for planting. The weather is (slightly) cooler, the soil is still warm, and new plants can settle in before next summer's heat. We always recommend choosing tough, Florida-friendly plants like firebush, coontie, coreopsis, and sunshine mimosa. They love our climate, support local wildlife, and make your life a whole lot easier.

🌱 Time for Fall Veggies!

Fall is the perfect time to grow your own greens and herbs. Cooler temps mean fewer pests and better flavor! Lettuce, kale, spinach, broccoli, carrots, radishes, and herbs like cilantro, parsley, dill all do well around this time.

💧 Water Less, But Smarter

We’re past the worst of the rainy season, but it’s still important to keep an eye on soil moisture. Water in the early morning (before 9 a.m. is ideal), and don’t overdo it. A quick check with your finger (if the soil feels dry a couple inches down) is usually all you need.

Less frequent, deeper watering is better than daily sprinkles. It encourages strong roots, which means healthier plants in the long run.

🍁 Refresh Your Mulch

Mulching in fall is smart and widely recommended. A fresh layer of mulch is one of the easiest ways to prep your garden for fall. It helps regulate soil temps, keeps moisture in, and stops those pesky weeds from taking over. Plus, as organic mulch breaks down, it feeds your soil — win-win!

Stick to 2–3 inches, and keep it a couple inches away from the base of your plants.

✂️ Time for a Little Cleanup

Fall is perfect for a bit of tidying up. Remove dead or damaged growth, lightly shape overgrown shrubs, and cut back anything that’s gotten leggy or stressed from summer. Just don’t go overboard, because heavy pruning is better saved for late winter or early spring.

🐛 Keep an Eye Out for Pests & Fungi

Even as the weather cools a bit, pests and plant diseases can still show up. Be on the lookout for aphids, whiteflies, armyworms, and fungal issues like powdery mildew. Catching problems early is key, and products like neem oil or insecticidal soap can handle most issues without harming pollinators.