How is your soil?

Soil conditions: Southwest Florida soils are generally sandy. Sandy soil is ideal for plant success in south Florida. because of the amount of rain that we receive during the summer months. Most of our plants like "dry feet" and many will not prosper or will even die if drainage is poor. You generally do not need to amend the soil if it is primarily sand.

Compacted soil with rocks and shells drain poorly. If you have these soil conditions you may benefit from a good soil amendment. We have had excellent results at the nursery and in our landscape projects using Fafard's Organic Soil Conditioner. This dark, rich composted pine bark holds moisture, breaks up hard, dense soil, and stimulates root growth. Mix it half and half with the existing soil.

Citrus and other edible plants are often grown in rich, fertile soil. These plants may benefit from using a soil amendment, and experience less stress as the roots become extablished into the existing soil. Other soil amendment products can be used such as worm castings, and manure. Remember, it is important to mix these amendment products with the existing soil.

Acid Soil. Our sandy soil tends to be alkaline. Many of the plants that we use in our landcapes are acid loving. Ixora, Rose, Gardenia, Magnolia, Azalea and many more will often not be able to absorb nurtrients around them unless the soil is acidified. We recommend Nurseryman's Sure-Gro 8-2-12 or 12-4-12 Palm Fertilizer. These products will allow these plants to "unlock" and to absorb the needed nutrients provided. These palm fertilizers can be applied effectively on ALL plants, making gardening a little simpler!

Mulch. In addition to the advantages of using mulch around plants to retain moisture, cool the soil temperature, and retard weed growth, mulch will break down over time to provide needed nutrients to the soil in planting areas. A layer of two to four inches is most effective. Remember, do NOT pack mulch onto the plant stems or trunks to avoid rot.

Salinity. Soil close to beach areas can have elevated salinity levels generally being carried by the wind. High salinity levels can be very difficult to successfully grow most plants. In addition, water from some of our wells particularly during drier times, can experience unacceptably high salinity levels. In some instances the levels are beyond the ability to grow virtually any plants.

We recommend that homeowners and community associations check their water during the rainy season and again during a drier period to determine the current range of their water composition. Samples can usually be taken to pool stores for a quick salinity read or to Fl Extension Services for a more detailed analysis.