Cocoa plant after winter

Q: I purchased the Theobroma cacao two months ago. The leaves are wilting from the edges. Do you think this from not enough water, too much water or not enough sunlight? I am keeping the plant indoors.

A: During winter time, Cocoa plants even inside our greenhouse look the same. Dry tips of the leaves are normal for this time of the year. It is a combination of lower temperatures and low humidity that causes it. Indoors air humidity is especially low. Weather permitting, bring plant outside in the bright shade, when temperatures are above 65F. Humidifier and water-spraying will help too. You may put the plant on top of a tray with pebbles/water. Do not overwater - extra watering is not a substitute for high humidity. As spring comes, Cocoa plants start looking greener and grow new healthy leaves.

Spring mulching

Q: When do I start re-mulching my garden? Should I wait till summer?

A: It is time now to get ready for the growing season when not only plants start growing, but weeds as well. To protect your garden from unwanted invasives, keep a thick layer of mulch in areas around tree trunks and shrubs.
Heavily mulch your garden at least once a year, at springtime. Add mulch during the year as needed.
After mowing your lawn, use cut grass (hay) as a mulch around trees. Hay is the best natural mulch, it compresses well after the rain or watering and becomes very dense - weeds won't grow through it. You may cover it with some colored mulch of your choice for a more attractive look.
Mulching is also helpful for retaining water for root systems, so plants will require less frequent watering.

Surprising Violet fragrance of the Blue Lips

By Mark Hooten, the Garden Doc

A few months ago while working among the bewildering array of great plants we grow, I began to notice wafts of a very unique fragrance. The scent seemed somehow familiar, yet for the longest time, I was unable to determine what kind of plant it was emanating from. I knew it was somewhere toward the back of the growing houses but just couldn't determine its source. The fragrance is very distinct and wonderful and could be detected over a large area... That scent is hard to describe, however, I would suggest a mixture of Lavender and old-fashioned florist violets...

Then, a few weeks later, I happened to lean over a grouping of Sclerochiton plants, and THERE IT WAS!!! This might be the first flowering plant I have encountered which I might rate a full 10...

Continue reading...

To prune or not to prune?

Q: We had a few nights with light frost and some of my tropical plants look sad, lost all leaves. I scratched the bark and it is green inside. Should I prune back all branches that look dead?

A: Never prune during winter time, even if some branches look dead. There is a chance you will be surprised by Spring when they sprout new leaves. Be patient and postpone all pruning until active growth starts, then cut off only damaged part, approximately 2"above new growth.

See list of deciduous plants.

Mark your calendars: June 15, 2024

Summer Plant Market
Saturday, June 15, 9 am - 4 pm

Save the date! Join us on June 15, 2024, for our Sizzling Summer Plant Market!

Beat the heat and create your own oasis with our stunning selection of shade-giving trees, vibrant flowers, and unique fruit trees. Enjoy unbeatable prices, exclusive offers, and special gift bags filled with gardening goodies. Plus, receive a free plant with every purchase!

Don't miss out on this opportunity to transform your garden and stay cool this summer. We can't wait to see you there!

Highlights of the event:

30% OFF online prices, one day only! (excluding 15 gallon material and rare plants)
Gift bags - for first 25 customers with $50 order
Secret Garden: Super savings area 50-70% off
$5 and $10 plants
Raffle
Free plant with any purchase as a token of our appreciation

Event discounts valid at both locations:

Ft Myers Garden Center: 13890 Orange River, Ft Myers, FL
Sebring B-Farm: 9100 McRoy Rd, Sebring, FL