Question 1

What USDA hardiness zone is St. Augustine, Florida?

Accepted Answer

St. Augustine is in **USDA Hardiness Zone 9b**, with minimum average temperatures of 25-30°F. This allows for year-round gardening and a wider variety of tropical and subtropical plants.

Question 2

Is Northeast Florida subtropical or temperate?

Accepted Answer

Northeast Florida has a **humid subtropical climate** with hot, humid summers and mild winters. Summer temperatures regularly reach the mid-to-upper 90s with 80%+ humidity from June through September.

Question 3

Does it freeze in St. Augustine?

Accepted Answer

St. Augustine (Zone 9b) can experience freezes, typically 0-2 times per winter. When freezes occur, they're usually brief and rarely drop below 25°F. Tender tropical plants should be protected during cold snaps, usually in January or February.

Question 4

What is the growing season in Northeast Florida?

Accepted Answer

Northeast Florida has a **year-round growing season** with two primary planting periods:
- **Spring/Summer:** March-August (warm-season crops)
- **Fall/Winter:** September-February (cool-season crops)

Question 5

When is the last frost date in St. Augustine?

Accepted Answer

The average last frost date in St. Augustine is **mid-February**. Zone 9b is slightly warmer, so frosts tend to be lighter and end earlier than areas further north.

Question 6

When is the first frost date in St. Augustine?

Accepted Answer

The average first frost date is **late November to mid-December**, though some years see no frost at all.

Question 7

When should I plant vegetables in Northeast Florida?

Accepted Answer

**Cool-Season Vegetables (September-February):** Lettuce, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, beets, peas, spinach, kale, collards.

**Warm-Season Vegetables (March-August):** Tomatoes, peppers, squash, cucumbers, beans, corn, okra, eggplant, sweet potatoes.

Question 8

When can I plant tomatoes in St. Augustine?

Accepted Answer

Plant tomatoes in **late February through March** for spring harvest, or **August** for fall harvest. Spring planting is generally more successful in Northeast Florida.

Question 9

What is the best time to plant a garden in Florida?

Accepted Answer

**Fall (September-November)** is considered Florida's "second spring" and is the best time for cool-season vegetables, establishing new landscapes, planting trees and shrubs, and starting lawns.

**Spring (March-April)** is best for warm-season vegetables, summer annuals, and tropical plants.

Question 10

When should I plant flowers in Northeast Florida?

Accepted Answer

- **Cool-Season Annuals** (October-February): Pansies, petunias, snapdragons, dianthus
- **Warm-Season Annuals** (March-September): Geraniums, marigolds, zinnias, sunflowers
- **Perennials:** Can be planted year-round, but fall is ideal for establishment

Question 11

Can you grow plants year-round in Florida?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Northeast Florida's mild winters allow for **year-round gardening**. You'll alternate between cool-season and warm-season crops, giving you fresh produce 12 months a year.

Question 12

What are the best native plants for Northeast Florida?

Accepted Answer

**Trees:** Live Oak, Southern Magnolia, Slash Pine, Red Maple, Dahoon Holly.
**Shrubs:** Beautyberry, Coontie, Wax Myrtle, Simpson's Stopper, Firebush.
**Groundcovers:** Beach Sunflower, Sunshine Mimosa, Gaillardia, Seaside Goldenrod.
**Grasses:** Muhly Grass, Fakahatchee Grass, Sea Oats.

Question 13

What native Florida plants attract butterflies?

Accepted Answer

- **Firebush** - attracts hummingbirds and butterflies
- **Beautyberry** - loved by songbirds
- **Blanket Flower (Gaillardia)** - nectar for butterflies
- **Coontie** - host plant for Atala butterflies
- **Milkweed (Asclepias spp.)** - essential for Monarch butterflies
- **Passionflower** - host for Gulf Fritillary butterflies

Question 14

Are native plants better for Florida landscaping?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Native plants offer multiple benefits: lower water requirements once established, pest and disease resistance, support for local wildlife, adaptation to Florida's soil and climate, less fertilizer and maintenance, and help preserving Florida's natural heritage.

Question 15

What is Florida-Friendly Landscaping?

Accepted Answer

Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ (FFL) is a program that uses **9 principles** to create beautiful, sustainable landscapes: Right Plant, Right Place; Water Efficiently; Fertilize Appropriately; Mulch; Attract Wildlife; Manage Yard Pests Responsibly; Recycle; Reduce Stormwater Runoff; Protect the Waterfront.

Question 16

What plants are salt-tolerant for St. Augustine beachside properties?

Accepted Answer

**Highly Salt-Tolerant (Frontal Zone):** Sea Oats, Beach Sunflower, Railroad Vine, Sea Purslane, Gopher Apple.
**Moderately Salt-Tolerant (Secondary Zone):** Seagrape, Coontie, Saw Palmetto, Muhly Grass, Yaupon Holly, Buttonwood.
**Trees for Coastal Areas:** Live Oak, Cabbage Palm, Southern Red Cedar.

Question 17

How do I landscape near the ocean in St. Augustine?

Accepted Answer

1. **Zone your landscape** based on salt exposure (Frontal, Transition, Protected).
2. **Use native plants** adapted to coastal conditions.
3. **Improve soil** with organic matter.
4. **Mulch heavily** to retain moisture.
5. **Install windbreaks** to reduce salt spray.
6. **Choose salt-tolerant grass** like Floratam St. Augustine.

Question 18

Why do my plants die near the beach?

Accepted Answer

Common causes include salt spray damage, sandy soil, wind damage, nutrient deficiency (leaching), and drought stress.

Question 19

Do I need special soil for beachside gardens?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Coastal soils are typically sandy, low in organic matter, nutrient-poor, and alkaline. Add 3-4 inches of compost, use pine bark mulch, fertilize frequently with slow-release fertilizer, and choose drought-tolerant native plants.

Question 20

Is St. Augustine grass good for Northeast Florida?

Accepted Answer

Yes! St. Augustine grass is the most popular lawn grass in Northeast Florida because it tolerates shade well, handles heat and humidity, establishes quickly, has attractive blue-green color, and requires moderate maintenance.

Question 21

What is the best St. Augustine grass variety for our area?

Accepted Answer

- **Floratam** - Most popular; good disease resistance, salt-tolerant, full sun
- **Palmetto** - Better cold tolerance; more shade-tolerant
- **Raleigh** - Best cold tolerance for North Florida
- **Seville** - Fine texture; excellent shade tolerance
- **Captiva** - Dwarf variety; reduced mowing; good for coastal areas

Question 22

How often should I mow St. Augustine grass?

Accepted Answer

Mow **every 5-7 days** during active growth (spring/summer), and **every 10-14 days** in fall/winter. Keep mower height at **3.5 to 4 inches** - never remove more than 1/3 of the blade at once.

Question 23

When should I fertilize my lawn in St. Augustine?

Accepted Answer

Fertilize St. Augustine grass **4-6 times per year**: Early April, Late May/Early June, Late July/Early August, Late September, and optionally in November. Use a slow-release fertilizer with a 3-1-2 or 4-1-2 ratio.

Question 24

Why is my St. Augustine grass turning yellow?

Accepted Answer

Common causes: Iron deficiency, Nitrogen deficiency, Chinch bugs, Overwatering (root rot/fungus), or Drought stress.

Question 25

How do I get rid of chinch bugs in my lawn?

Accepted Answer

Confirm presence by looking for tiny black bugs with white wings. Apply insecticide with bifenthrin or carbaryl. Water deeply, fertilize appropriately, and improve drainage.

Question 26

How much should I water my lawn in St. Augustine?

Accepted Answer

Established lawns need 1/2 to 3/4 inch per week. Water deeply but infrequently (1-2 times per week) in the early morning (4-8 AM). New sod needs daily watering for the first 2 weeks.

Question 27

What vegetables grow best in Northeast Florida?

Accepted Answer

**Cool-Season:** Lettuce, kale, collards, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, beets, radishes, peas.
**Warm-Season:** Tomatoes, peppers, squash, cucumbers, beans, okra, eggplant, sweet potatoes, southern peas.

Question 28

Can I grow tomatoes year-round in St. Augustine?

Accepted Answer

Not easily. Tomatoes struggle in summer heat (above 95°F) and winter cold. Best approach is two growing seasons: Spring (Plant Feb/Mar) and Fall (Plant Aug).

Question 29

What are the easiest vegetables to grow in Florida?

Accepted Answer

Cherry tomatoes, Peppers, Squash & zucchini, Southern peas, Collard greens, Sweet potatoes, and Herbs (basil, oregano, thyme).

Question 30

Why do my tomatoes split and crack?

Accepted Answer

Common due to irregular watering, heavy rain after drought, or over-mature fruit. Prevent by watering consistently, mulching heavily, choosing crack-resistant varieties, and harvesting promptly.

Question 31

Can you grow citrus trees in St. Augustine?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but choose cold-hardy varieties like Satsuma mandarins, Kumquats, Meyer lemons, or Calamondin. Plant on the south side of the house and be prepared to cover during freezes.

Question 32

What are the best shade trees for St. Augustine?

Accepted Answer

Live Oak, Laurel Oak, Southern Magnolia, Bald Cypress, Red Maple.

Question 33

When is the best time to plant trees in Northeast Florida?

Accepted Answer

**Fall (October-December)** is ideal because cooler temperatures reduce stress and winter rains establish root systems. Early spring is second-best. Avoid summer planting.

Question 34

Do I need to stake trees in Florida?

Accepted Answer

Usually **no**. Stake only if the tree is top-heavy, in a windy location, has a very small root ball, or soil is extremely sandy. Remove stakes after 6-12 months.

Question 35

What are good privacy hedge plants for St. Augustine?

Accepted Answer

Viburnum (Sweet Viburnum), Wax Myrtle, Cleyera, Podocarpus, Simpson's Stopper, Clusia.

Question 36

What palm trees grow in St. Augustine?

Accepted Answer

Cold-Hardy Palms for Zone 9b: Cabbage Palm, Pindo Palm, Windmill Palm, Needle Palm, Saw Palmetto.

Question 37

What are the most common garden pests in Northeast Florida?

Accepted Answer

Aphids, Whiteflies, Spider mites, Caterpillars, Scale insects, Chinch bugs, Lubber grasshoppers, Fire ants.

Question 38

How do I control aphids organically?

Accepted Answer

Spray with water, use insecticidal soap or Neem oil, encourage beneficial insects (ladybugs), and use yellow sticky traps.

Question 39

What causes black spots on my tomato plants?

Accepted Answer

Likely Early Blight or Septoria Leaf Spot. Prevent by using resistant varieties, spacing plants for air circulation, watering at soil level, mulching, and rotating crops. Treat with copper-based fungicide.

Question 40

Why are my citrus leaves yellowing?

Accepted Answer

Common causes: Nutrient deficiency, Citrus greening (HLB), Overwatering, or Underwatering. Apply citrus-specific fertilizer, check soil moisture, and watch for HLB symptoms.

Question 41

How do I prevent fungal diseases in humid Florida?

Accepted Answer

Improve air circulation, water in the morning, avoid overhead watering, mulch, choose resistant varieties, don't overcrowd plants, and remove diseased material promptly.

Question 42

How often should I water my garden in St. Augustine?

Accepted Answer

Most plants need **1 to 1.5 inches per week**. Frequency depends on plant type, season, soil type, and rainfall. Water deeply but infrequently.

Question 43

What time of day should I water plants in Florida?

Accepted Answer

**Early morning (4-8 AM)** is best to reduce evaporation and disease. Avoid evening watering.

Question 44

Are there watering restrictions in St. Johns County?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Odd addresses: Wed/Sat. Even addresses: Thu/Sun. Before 10 AM or after 4 PM. Hand watering allowed any time.

Question 45

Should I use drip irrigation or sprinklers?

Accepted Answer

**Drip irrigation is better** for landscape beds as it is more efficient and reduces disease. Sprinklers work for lawns.

Question 46

How do I know if I'm overwatering?

Accepted Answer

Signs include yellowing leaves, wilting despite wet soil, leaf drop, edema, fungal growth, and slow growth. Let soil dry between waterings.

Question 47

What type of soil does Northeast Florida have?

Accepted Answer

Sandy soil that drains quickly, is low in organic matter, nutrient-poor, and slightly acidic to neutral.

Question 48

How do I improve sandy Florida soil?

Accepted Answer

Add organic matter (compost, manure), mulch heavily, use slow-release fertilizers, and plant cover crops.

Question 49

What is the best fertilizer for Florida vegetable gardens?

Accepted Answer

Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer (10-10-10 or 6-6-6) every 4-6 weeks. Add compost.

Question 50

Should I test my soil?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Test every 2-3 years through your local UF/IFAS Extension Office.

Question 51

What pH level is best for Florida gardens?

Accepted Answer

Most plants prefer pH 6.0-6.8. Florida soils range from 5.5-7.0. Add lime if too acidic, sulfur if too alkaline.

New This Week

Plants

Garden Supplies

Services

Plant Guides

Planting Calendars

Gardening Blog

Landscape Portfolio

About

Gardening FAQ

Climate & Growing Zones

Planting Calendar & Timing

Native Plants

Coastal & Salt-Tolerant Landscaping

Lawn Care (St. Augustine Grass)

Vegetable Gardening

Trees & Shrubs

Pests & Diseases

Water & Irrigation

Soil & Fertilization

Still have questions?