Condo Gardening Tips

May 2007

By Gene Joyner, Extension Agent
Palm Beach County Cooperative Extension Service

Continued dry weather has created maintenance problems in many communities and it looks like it may be another month before we start seeing regular summer rains to help us out. Restrictions are tightening in many communities so that you can only water certain times and for certain periods and this may not be practical in some situations.

Because of the continued dryness landscapes are not looking as lush as they should for this time of year and you may get reduced flowering on flowering plants and reduced growth on hedges and trees.

If you need to do additional landscaping, make sure that you’re able to irrigate newly installed plantings for at least the first 3 to 6 weeks to insure their quick establishment. Check irrigation systems regularly to make sure that all heads are functioning properly so you don’t get areas browning out particularly in turfgrass.

Pest problems are on the increase now because of the spring growing conditions so monitor the landscape regularly so that any pest problems are controlled promptly. Diseases fortunately are not real prevalent now because of the extreme dry conditions, but that may change at the end of this month when we start to get our summer rains.

Also finish this month any hurricane preparations in the landscape such as major pruning of trees or cleaning of palms.

If you have questions about landscape practices at this time of year, contact the county Extension office for quick free advice. Dial 233-1750 in the north and central county area or 276-1260 in the south county area.