In the vegetable garden
Thin root crops, such as beets, carrots, turnips and radishes, when they are overcrowded by removing the smallest plants to give the remaining plants room to mature. Radishes and carrots should be about 3 inches apart and turnips and beets 4 to 6 inches apart. It is not too late to plant some vegetables. Cool season crops like broccoli, cabbage, greens and cauliflower still have plenty of time to mature before warmer weather returns. For more information, see our fact sheets Florida Vegetable Gardening Guide at tbtim.es/floridaveggies and Organic Vegetable Gardening in Florida at tbtim.es/organic.
Consider planting culinary herbs from seeds or plants now. A wide variety of herbs thrive in our cooler, drier fall weather. Favorites like basil, cilantro, dill, fennel, parsley, sage and thyme can all be planted as seeds, and many are available as plants. For more information, access Herbs in the Florida Garden on the internet at tbtim.es/FLherbs.
Help citrus leaves, fruit
Citrus leaves that are yellowing around the edge and distorted may be lacking a trace element. Apply minor elements to your citrus trees either as a foliage spray or as a drench to the soil. Carefully mix sprays to apply only the recommended amount as stated on the product label. Minor elements will correct yellowing due to deficiencies of iron, magnesium and manganese, and will also supply copper, zinc, boron and other needed elements.
Citrus-fruit splitting and fruit drop may be a problem during the fall. This is a physiological problem that could be more pronounced just after a period of moisture stress followed by heavy rains. Splitting and drop will usually not be a serious problem if the trees are well cared for and furnished with adequate nutrition and irrigation.
Compiled by Theresa Badurek, urban horticulture extension agent, UF/IFAS Pinellas County Extension Service. For additional landscape and garden information, visit pinellascountyextension.org. For regular tips and information about what's growing in Pinellas, go to facebook.com/growpinellas.