1. RIGHT PLANT, RIGHT PLACE

Planting zones: Florida is classified as a sub-tropical environment, however it is important to know that there are actually seven different planting zones throughout the state. Finding the right plant for the right place begins with identifying which zone you live in. To determine this, visit: http://www.wgcu.org/fllandscape/plants/zones.html

Soil pH: Once you have established your zone, it helps to know your soil pH, as this too will affect which plants to choose and how they will grow. While this sounds daunting, it can be easily achieved by sending a soil sample to the University of Florida Extension Soil Testing lab: http://soilslab.ifas.ufl.edu In addition, some regional county Extension offices test soil samples and you can find the closest office to you at: http://solutionsforyourlife.ufl.edu/map/

Planning: Advance planning can save you time, work and frustration. When choosing plants, it is important to consider their unique needs because this will determine what and where you plant.

Full sunlight: Some plants thrive in the full sunlight but many drought-tolerant plants succumb to root problems if planted in low-lying sunny areas with a tendency to pool or become sodden after heavy rains.

Salt and water tolerant: If your yard is situated close to the ocean, or estuarine canals, it is important to consider salt tolerant plants. Littoral plants grow well at the water’s edge and can withstand periods of flooding.

Water intensive: One of the main goals of a Florida-friendly yard is to select plants that do not need much water. However, if some plants do need more watering than others, grouping them together avoids wasting water on plants that do not have such requirements.

Shade/partial shade: If you are planning your yard from scratch begin with the trees, then the shrubs and finally the ground covers. Position trees where they will shade your south and west walls, thereby helping to reduce summer energy costs. Many types of ferns grow well underneath shady trees.

Right Plant, Right Place Important to the success of a Florida-friendly yard is planting the right plant, in the right place. For example, group plants that require more sunlight together.


Water Efficiency Planting Florida-friendly plants helps to conserving precious water resources. There are some other innovative ways in which we can help to conserve and reuse the water that falls in our yard!


Fertilize Appropriately Pollution from fertilizers and pesticides in storm water run off from yards, contributes to excessive levels of nitrogen and phosphates in our waterways, often resulting in harmful algal blooms.


Mulch Mulch is natural organic material that is laid down in your yard to help retain moisture in the soil and prevent weeds from growing. It’s decomposition helps to greatly enrich topsoil.


Attracting Wildlife Many of Florida’s birds and butterflies are intricately connected to the native flora. Including Florida native plants in your yard will most definitely attract them to come and visit!


Managing Pesticides Responsibly While there are some plants that are difficult to manage without pesticides and herbicides, most Florida native plants do not need applications of either.


Recycle Much of what is in our yard can be recycled and put to good use! Here is an innovative way in which to use up branches from a nuisance exotic tree.



Storm Water Runoff Tropical summer rains produce torrents of water that flow through urban neighborhoods absorbing chemicals from yards and driveways along the way. This toxic runoff pollutes all waterways, and needs to be reduced.


Protect the Waterfront Many homes in Florida are situated on a lake, canal, wetland or the ocean. Certain kinds of vegetation can help to minimize the effects of storm water runoff while providing important habitat for birds and small aquatic animals.


Benefits of a Florida-friendly Yard There are numerous benefits to planting Florida-friendly plants in your yard, from saving money to minimizing the amount of time spent on maintenance; not to mention the beauty of the birds and butterflies that come to visit!