When it comes to winter gardening in Sarasota, “winterizing” looks a bit different from traditional cold-weather prep. Instead of insulating against frost, we’re focused on conserving water, managing plant growth, and getting gardens in tip-top shape for the drier, cooler season. So, grab your gardening gloves, and let’s dive in!
1. Adjust Your Watering Schedule
Florida’s winter is typically the dry season, but the cooler temperatures mean your plants don’t need as much water as they do in the sweltering summer. Here’s how to strike a balance:
- Cut back on watering: Try watering deeply but less frequently—once or twice a week is often enough.
- Water in the morning: This gives plants time to absorb moisture before the day warms up, reducing evaporation.
- Use rain barrels: If you’ve got one, now’s the time to use stored rainwater efficiently, as there’s less rainfall from December through February.
2. Prune for the Season
Winter is the ideal time for pruning many Florida-friendly plants, as growth slows down and energy can be directed to root health.
- Focus on dead or damaged branches: Removing these parts allows plants to conserve energy.
- Tidy up flowering shrubs: Prune back lightly to maintain shape, especially with hibiscus, bougainvillea, and oleander. Be careful not to over-prune, as some flowering plants might bloom in late winter or early spring.
- Hold off on heavy pruning: For tropical plants like crotons or bird of paradise, light trimming is okay, but leave any major cuts until the threat of chill is entirely over.
3. Mulch for Moisture Retention and Temperature Regulation
Mulching is one of the best ways to keep Sarasota gardens thriving year-round, but it’s especially beneficial in winter. Mulch helps regulate soil temperature and keeps moisture from evaporating too quickly.
- Apply 2-3 inches of mulch: Around the base of trees, shrubs, and flower beds, using an organic mulch like pine bark or wood chips.
- Keep mulch a few inches from stems: Direct contact can cause rot, so leave a gap to keep plants healthy.
- Add a fresh layer if mulch is looking sparse after summer. A good, even layer helps maintain a consistent environment for plant roots.
4. Protect Sensitive Plants from Cold Snaps
While Sarasota doesn’t get hard freezes, temperatures can occasionally dip lower than usual. Here’s how to keep delicate plants safe during cooler spells:
- Cover with frost cloth or sheets: Have a few lightweight blankets or frost cloths ready to cover sensitive plants when temperatures dip below 50°F. Move potted plants under cover or indoors if possible.
- Cluster pots together: If you have multiple potted plants, placing them close together can help retain heat.
- Avoid plastic covers: While they may seem convenient, they trap moisture and can cause plants to “sweat,” leading to rot.
5. Feed Carefully with Troy’s Custom Blend
Your plants might be in a dormant or slower-growing state, but they still need nutrients—just not in heavy doses. For a fertilizer tailored to Florida’s unique soil, consider Troy’s Custom Blend:
- Troy’s Custom Blend is the result of years of research, designed to provide sustained nourishment for vast landscapes. This special formula meets the unique demands of Florida soil, helping your garden thrive throughout winter.
- Hold off on high-nitrogen fertilizers: These promote leafy growth, which isn’t as necessary in winter. Troy’s Custom Blend offers balanced nutrients without overwhelming your plants.
- Consider organic options: Adding compost along with Troy’s Custom Blend can enhance soil health and prepare it for vibrant spring growth.
6. Add Some Winter Color with Cool-Season Annuals
Winter doesn’t mean your garden has to look bare! Cool-season annuals thrive in Sarasota’s mild winters and add a vibrant splash to your landscape.
- Try planting pansies, snapdragons, or petunias: These beauties love cooler weather and will keep your garden looking fresh through the winter.
- Consider herbs like parsley, cilantro, and dill: These grow well in winter and can spice up your kitchen as well as your garden.
- Container gardening: Use pots to plant winter blooms. You can move them around to follow the sun or bring them closer to your door to enjoy those pops of color.
7. Check for Pests—Yes, Even in Winter
Winter brings fewer pests, but some persistent bugs like aphids and whiteflies can still pop up.
- Inspect regularly: Look for tell-tale signs, like chewed leaves or sticky residue.
- Encourage beneficial insects: Ladybugs and lacewings are natural predators for many common garden pests.
- Avoid overuse of pesticides: Chemical treatments can disrupt beneficial insects and harm winter-blooming flowers.
Sarasota’s Winter Garden Checklist: A Quick Recap
- Water wisely to conserve during the dry season.
- Prune gently to maintain plant health.
- Mulch for protection from temperature fluctuations.
- Cover delicate plants on cold nights.
- Feed moderately with Troy’s Custom Blend for balanced nutrients.
- Add color with cool-season annuals and herbs.
- Check for pests to keep plants healthy.
Winter in Sarasota is mild, but preparing your garden now makes a world of difference for healthy, happy plants come spring. With these simple steps, you’re setting up your garden to thrive through winter and beyond. So let’s get ready for a season of beautiful blooms, fresh herbs, and a little Florida winter magic!
Got a question about your winter garden preparations? Hop in the chat with Troy!
Be sure to check out our WEEKLY SPECIALS – where you’ll find pops of color all winter!
University of Florida IFAS Extension: https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasota/gardening-and-landscaping/ | https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasotaco/2021/01/28/skip-a-week-of-irrigation-this-winter/
Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program: https://ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/
