Officially, summer begins on June 20, 2025. The thermometer and humidity have already reflected this reality and the plants are responding with unrestrained growth and production.
Ample moisture encourages lush growth from both ornamental horticulture specimens and fruit and vegetable production. As such, there is plenty to do in the gardens and landscapes in panhandle Florida.
One of the first tasks is to monitor for destructive insects. It is important to remember there are many beneficial insects and a creature having six legs does not mean it should automatically be dispatched and discarded.
Chewing insects are currently active in north Florida along with piercing and sucking insects. Each is highly effective at damaging and destroying a variety of leafy species.
Stinkbugs (and they do stink when mashed) are one of the piercing and sucking insects. There are native and invasive species of this pest. Each uses its proboscis, a straw-like structure on the front of its head, to pierce a plant’s surface and suck its juices.
The most common chewing insects are grasshoppers and caterpillars. There are many local species in each group, and some can be quite destructive.
The southern armyworm, really a caterpillar for a bland-colored moth, is likely the reigning champion for individual consumption of desirable plant material. There are, however, many contenders to this title.
It is not a finicky eater, so it may be seen on a wide variety of plants, shrubs and even weeds. It does seem to have a preference for tomatoes and peppers. The evidence of its presence is quickly seen in the vast number of gnawed and missing leaves.
As for grasshoppers, the lubber species is the prince of pigging out on the landscape. Also known as the Georgia Thumper, this eating machine is happy to dine wherever it lands.
The piercing and sucking insects include stinkbugs, leaf-footed bugs and aphids. Each uses its proboscis, a straw-like structure on the front of its head, to pierce a plant’s surface and suck its juices.
The openings created at the feeding site can admit plant diseases to the host species. Additionally, each of these pests can introduce fungal and viral diseases to plants.
June is a great time to finish pruning those early blooming shrubs common to the area. Azaleas, spiraeas and gardenias should be pruned and shaped before July 4 if the homeowner wants to avoid reducing next years’ bloom.
Monitor for nutrient deficiencies or environmental problems with palms and cycads. Identify the condition and correct by using an appropriate treatment.
One common deficiency in both palms and cycads is magnesium. The remedy for this situation is easy to locate, inexpensive and simple to apply. A true bargain and economic rarity in this day of complex and expensive solutions.
Epsom salt, a staple in drug stores and pharmacies worldwide for footbaths, is chemically known as magnesium sulfate. Sprinkled in the root zone of palms and cycads, it can address their need for this micronutrient which is limited or absent in local soils.
After any heavy rains recently, monitor tomatoes and melons closely. The generous supply of moisture can cause splitting in both maturing crops which leads to premature decay.
There is still time to plant heat tolerant vegetables. Okra, southern peas, and sweet potatoes can all be started now.
Clemson spineless is the standard bearer for local okra production, with plants having the potential to reach eight feet in height by frost. Other varieties are available, but yield will not have the volume of Clemson spineless.
Black-eyed peas, pinkeye-purple hull, crowder and other long-serving southern pea cultivars will produce well in north Florida’s summer. It is important to remember other area residents like these legumes also.
Deer, rabbits, insects and others enjoy this summer garden staple. It is time to enjoy the summer’s bounty, but stay on guard. Many others will want to join the buffet, too.
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