Big news, plant friends. I've moved! After four wonderful years living in the Catskills my husband and I have packed up our lives–and my plants–and headed south to Jupiter, Florida. That’s from Zone 6B to Zone 10B! As a lifelong New Yorker, I've only ever known four distinct seasons. But now, I’m literally going to experience a whole new gardening action in a climate that feels almost tropical. And I'm feeling like a total beginner again. But you know that I'm always up for a challenge, especially when it comes to plants. So, I called in the big guns—my friend Janey from Dig, Plant, Water, Repeat. She's a hot climate gardening expert, and she's got some amazing tips for us hot climate gardeners!

 

In this episode, we learn:

• [00:00] I’ve moved to Florida!
• [04:36] What should you do when changing garden zones?
• [05:04] Who is Janey Santos?
• [06:51] How has gardening been for her in a hot climate?
• [12:16] What are temperennials?
• [13:47] What is “true annual”?
• [15:49] Get free engraving on any personalized Wind River Chime!
• [17:24] Adapt to any climate with Espoma Organic’s high-quality versatile products!
• [18:50] What are other examples of temperennials?
• [22:03] What are some gardening tips for hot climates?
• [24:39] Why drip irrigation could be useful
• [29:09] Why should you “mulch, mulch, mulch”?
• [31:09] What is the best kind of mulch?
• [32:02] Get your garden must-haves with Garden Supply Company!
• [37:56] Why should you know your season?
• [40:20] What does Janey’s garden look like?
• [43:42] Where can you find Janey?

 

 

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Hot Climate Gardening Tips

Tip #1: Don't Trust Plant Labels

No, not in a bad way. Janey explained that since most plant companies create their labels to appeal to the widest possible audience, this means the information might not be entirely accurate for those of us in very hot—or very cold—climates.

For example, a plant labeled as “full sun” might actually need some afternoon shade protection in the intense Florida heat. So better talk to local gardeners or nursery staff to get region-specific advice.

 

Tip #2: Water Deep, Not Often

In hot climates, we gotta think differently about how we water our plants. And Janey says to “water deeply.”

Instead of sprinkling your plants every day, you want to give them a good, deep watering (the root zone). This forces the roots to grow deep, making your plants more resilient to heat and drought. She also recommends having an irrigation system only if you’re willing to invest. If not, you can water your plants twice—or thrice a day in Janey’s case, as there was a Californian heat wave that occurred before.

 

Tip #3: “Mulch, Mulch, Mulch”

Janey says it three times because it's that important. Mulch is super helpful because it keeps the soil nice and moist, helps control the temperature, and even feeds your soil as it breaks down. In fact, even under the intense heat of Florida, mulch does a great job of keeping plant roots from getting too dry.

Janey recommends using wood chip or bark mulch. Although note that while black mulch may be aesthetically pleasing, it absorbs more heat. So the best option is “walk-on mulch,” which consists of thin bark shards that break down over time, feeding the soil.

 

Tip #4: Understand Temperennials

Janey revealed that many plants considered annuals in colder climates can actually be perennials in zones 9 and 10. This means I might be able to keep my beloved petunias and lantanas growing year-round, rather than replanting each season. Janey calls them “temperennials”—plants that are sold as annuals but are actually hardy in higher zones.

Take lantana, for example. Janey says that lantana grows as a shrub in her zone. It grows four by four, sometimes even big, super, super big because it never dies back.

 

Tip #5: Learn Your New Growing Season

Know your seasons because they’re not the same as the rest of the country. In Janey’s zone, she actually plants her perennials and shrubs in fall season because the summer might be too hot for some plants. And in Florida, you can even consider winter as a prime growing season! To get more accurate info about planting times in your area, it’s recommended to attend your local master gardener programs to get region-specific planting calendars.

 

My New Gardening Possibilities

As I process all this new information, I'm getting more and more excited about the gardening possibilities in my new home. My mom already grows tomatoes in February in Florida. February! As someone who's used to being buried under snow in February, the idea of harvesting fresh vegetables in the middle of winter feels almost magical.

Janey also mentioned a few plants that grow in hot climates that I can't wait to try. Verbena bonariensis, which apparently attracts swallowtail butterflies, and Kniphofia (Red Hot Poker), which she says looks almost like a bromeliad with tall, colorful flower spikes. I'm excited to discover and learn about so many new-to-me plants! You can also check out Janey’s Best for the West article from Proven Winners.

 

 

Mentioned in our conversation:

• Best for the West – Janey Santos of Dig, Plant, Water, Repeat
• Growing Joy Ep 176: Landscaping in the Southwest with Tina from The Desert Botanical Garden
• Growing Joy Ep 241: Small Space Cut Flower Gardening for Beginners with Lisa Mason Ziegler
• Growing Joy Ep 06: Enjoy a Living, Potted Christmas Tree for the Holiday Season! With Joe Lamp’l of Growing a Greener World and The Joe Gardener Show Podcast.
• Supertunia Vista® Bubblegum®
• Lantana
• Caladium
• Monrovia
• Youtube video: 🌱 Surprising My Pregnant Sister with a Dream Raised Bed Garden!
• Cool Flowers: How to Grow and Enjoy Long-Blooming Hardy Annual Flowers Using Cool Weather Techniques

 

Thank you to our episode sponsors:

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Espoma Organic

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Visit espoma.com to find your local Espoma dealer or check my Amazon storefront.

Gardener's Supply

From containers to raised beds, seeds to plant supports, Gardener's Supply has everything to create your dream garden oasis. They even sell edging and walkways! Gardener's is an employee-owned company run by passionate gardeners for over 40 years, and they are committed to catering to all kinds of gardeners. Whether you've got acres or just a balcony, you're sure to find everything you need for successful indoor and outdoor gardening.

Discover your garden favorites and exclusive innovations at gardeners.com and use code GROWINGJOY for free shipping.

 

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