By Amanda Rose Newton
As we bid farewell to the long, humid days of summer and fall, Central Florida gardeners enter the cooler, drier months. While it may not look like winter elsewhere, the season brings unique changes that require gardeners to adjust their winter garden care routines.
Understanding how to water smarter and select the best blooms for the season can keep your garden thriving while conserving resources. Let’s dive into how to care for your outdoor spaces, favorite winter annuals, and even your houseplants during this transition.
Why Your Winter Garden Needs Less Water
Plants, like people, slow down in cooler weather. During winter, lower temperatures and shorter daylight hours trigger plants to enter a period of reduced growth, often referred to as dormancy. Here’s why:
Slower Metabolism: Plants reduce their metabolic activities, including photosynthesis, as light levels decrease. This means they use less water and nutrients.
Reduced Transpiration: Cooler air holds less moisture, reducing the rate of water loss from leaves through transpiration.
Dormant Roots: While the above-ground parts of plants may still look green, root systems also take a seasonal break, absorbing less water and nutrients.
Overwatering during this time can harm plants by suffocating roots or encouraging rot. Fertilizing is also unnecessary since plants are not actively growing and can’t use the extra nutrients.
Outdoor Watering Adjustments
Here in Central Florida, we may not face freezing temperatures, but the lower rainfall and cooler days mean you’ll need to rethink your watering schedule.
Water Early: Watering early in the morning minimizes evaporation and prevents water from sitting on leaves overnight, which can promote disease.
Check Soil Moisture: Always test soil before watering. Stick your finger into the soil up to the first knuckle; if it feels damp, wait before watering.
Mulch for Moisture Retention: A layer of mulch around your plants helps maintain soil moisture and regulate temperature fluctuations.
Winter Garden Blooms for Central Florida
Cool-season annuals are a bright addition to gardens during Florida’s mild winters. Consider these cheerful blooms:
Sweet Alyssum
This delicate, low-growing flower produces tiny clusters of fragrant blooms in white, purple, or pink. It thrives in cool weather and is excellent for borders, containers, and as a ground cover.
Pansies
Known for their “faces,” pansies come in a variety of colors and can withstand Florida’s fluctuating winter temperatures. Plant them in well-draining soil with partial sun.
Snapdragons
These tall, vibrant flowers add vertical interest to your garden. They love the cooler temperatures and make great cut flowers for indoor arrangements.
Dianthus
A hardy choice with pink, red, or white blooms, dianthus prefers sunny spots and cool weather. It’s a fantastic filler for mixed beds.
Calendula
Also called pot marigolds, calendulas offer bright yellow and orange blooms that thrive in winter and are edible to boot!
Houseplant Care for Cooler Days
Just like your garden, houseplants slow down in winter, needing less water and no fertilizer. Follow these tips to keep them healthy:
Water Sparingly: Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Overwatering is the number one killer of houseplants in winter.
Rotate for Even Light: With the sun lower in the sky, light availability changes. Rotate your plants every couple of weeks to ensure even growth.
Avoid Drafts and Heat Sources: Keep plants away from vents, space heaters, and drafty windows. Sudden temperature changes can stress them.
Clean the Leaves: Dust can accumulate on foliage, reducing the amount of light plants can absorb. Wipe leaves gently with a damp cloth.
Winter: A Time for Rest and Reflection
Winter in Central Florida may not bring snow, but it’s still a time of rest for plants and gardeners alike. By adjusting your watering habits, choosing the right winter garden blooms, and caring for houseplants thoughtfully, you can keep your garden and indoor greenery thriving while giving both the environment and yourself a much-needed break.
So, grab your gardening gloves, select a few seasonal flowers, and enjoy the cooler weather. After all, spring is just around the corner, and your plants will thank you for the winter care you give them now!
