Gardening in a Minute is a radio program airing every day on stations in Florida.  Each show gives a short tip to amateur and experienced gardeners.

Planting Palms- When adding a palm tree to your landscape, it's important that you plant it at the exact depth that it was growing in its previous container. Although container-grown palms can be planted any time of the year, the best time to plant field-grown palms is during the early summer, when the soil is warm and rainfall is frequent. Be patient; your newly planted palm won't look like it's growing much the first year, because most of its energy will be channeled into growing roots. Be sure to water frequently during the first few months, then fertilize it four times per year with a palm fertilizer.

Managing Yard Insect Pests - It’s inevitable that you’ll find insect pests in the landscape—it’s what you do about them that counts. Check plants often for signs of insect damage; early detection makes pest management much easier. If you see a few, remove them by hand. A little insect damage isn’t the end of the world. Before turning to pesticides, figure out how much damage you can live with, and remember that insects serve as food for birds and other wildlife. Start with horticultural oils and insecticidal soaps, which can be more environmentally friendly than stronger chemicals. Spot-treat affected areas instead of broadcast spraying. Apply these treatments only if and when they’re needed, and always follow label instructions.

Testing Rain Sensors- Most new automatic irrigation systems have rain sensors to stop the system from watering if there's been adequate rainfall. It's a good idea to test the sensor a few times a year. On a rainy day, place three to five small containers (like tuna cans) throughout the yard. Wait for the cans to accumulate an average of a half an inch of rain. Set your rain sensor at one-half inch and try to turn on your irrigation system manually. If your rain sensor is working, then the irrigation system shouldn’t come on. If the irrigation system does run, check to see if the rain sensor needs cleaning or repositioning, or if any of the wires have come loose. In some cases, the sensor itself might have to be replaced.

The Value of Trees - It's well known that trees bring beauty and shade to the landscape, but they also add financial value to your property. Have a certified arborist appraise the dollar value of your trees. If they're damaged or destroyed, you may be able to recapture your loss through an insurance claim or as a deduction from your federal income tax.

Planting Shrubs - Planting a shrub is a pretty straightforward process, but take care to avoid the number-one mistake of most homeowners: planting too deeply.

Tree Pruning for Hurricanes - The hurricane season for Florida begins June 1, so now is the time to have your trees checked by a certified arborist. Research has shown that trees pruned correctly survive heavy storms better than neglected trees.

Preparing for Summer - It’s no secret that Florida gets steamy in the summertime, so spring is a good time to get some key gardening chores out of the way. Start by cutting back any leggy or overgrown plants, and remove dead or dying branches from trees and shrubs. If you haven't fertilized your lawn yet, do it now (following the recommended application rates, of course). Planting heat-loving annuals like coleus, salvia, torenia, and ornamental pepper. Insects become more active as the weather warms, so start scouting for potential pests. Finally, check your irrigation system to make sure it’s working properly.

Mulch - Mulches are an important part of the Florida landscape. A mulched garden has better water and soil conservation, a more stable soil temperature and less weeds. There are many choices for mulch, some more suited for one yard task than another.

Dealing with a Declining Tree  - You notice a tree in your yard that just doesn't look healthy. Perhaps it's losing leaves, or entire branches are dying. Whatever the symptom, the cause of tree decline is complex, often a combination of several factors. Often the symptoms of an ailing tree show long after the real damage has begun, making any "cure" difficult, if not impossible. Be sure to diagnose the problem before taking action; this may require the assistance of a professional arborist.

Crapemyrtle - A highly popular plant in the Southeast, the crapemyrtle produces dazzling blooms all summer long and is well-adapted to both heat and drought. And during the winter months, the bark of these shrubs and small trees can add interest to any landscape.

Using Color in the Landscape - Florida gardeners have a wealth of choices when it comes to using color in the garden. But the result can often be an overuse of color, or wild, clashing colors simply strewn across the landscape. By following a few simple guidelines, color can be a striking part of the landscape and create a sense of unity throughout the entire design.

Perennials for the Shade - Even in sunny Florida, many gardens have a shady spot where most flowers and turfgrass won't thrive. But there are several attractive plants that do well in the shade, including some flowering varieties. Check your garden’s shade patterns. High tree canopies give partial or dappled shade, while buildings or low trees provide full shade.

Lantana - Both drought- and salt-tolerant, lantana is a low-maintenance perennial with brightly colored flowers that attract butterflies. That said, many species, including the common Lantana camera, are highly invasive, so care should be taken when choosing a lantana for your landscape.

Chinch Bugs - Chinch bugs are the number one pest problem for St. Augustinegrass. While feeding, these tiny pests inject a toxin into the plant, which causes the grass to turn yellowish, then brown, and ultimately die. However, these symptoms are also caused by other problems, such as water stress or disease, so be sure to inspect for signs of chinch bugs before applying chemicals.

Mowing Your Lawn - Mowing is an important part of keeping your lawn healthy and attractive. Before starting, make sure your mower's in good working order, with a sharp blade. Only mow when the lawn is dry. Pick up rocks, sticks, and other debris that could hurt the mower—or you. Never take more than a third of the grass blade off, and mow in a different direction every time the lawn is cut, to prevent wear pattenrs and reduce the chances of scalping. Lastly, leave the grass clippings behind, as they're good for your lawn.

Deadly Plants - Florida is named for the vast number of beautiful flowers and plants that can be grown here—but many have a dark side. Popular landscape plants like oleander, allamanda, and even sago can cause illness or even death. Be aware of what poisonous plants may be in your landscape, and if a poisoning is ever suspected, contact your poison control center immediately.

Microirrigation Systems - Irrigation systems are a terrific convenience, but can waste precious resources and drain your wallet. You may want to think about purchasing a microirrigation system, which delivers water in precise amounts and at controlled frequencies. As a bonus, microirrigation systems are exempt from water restrictions in many Florida communities.

Cold Damage to Turf - Most Florida lawns turn brown during the winter as turfgrass goes dormant, only to green up once warm weather arrives. However, our unusually cold winter may have damaged some turf. There are steps you can take to tell whether your grass is truly damaged or merely "sleeping."

Stump Removal - There basically three ways of dealing with a tree stump: digging it out, having an arborist grind it down, or simply waiting for it to rot. Or, you could include the stump in your landscape design and use it as a planter, or a pedestal for plants in containers.

Watering to Establish Shrubs - New research from the University of Florida shows that shrubs need much less water to establish healthy roots than what was commonly thought. Newly planted shrubs can be established in North Florida with as little as one gallon of water every eight days, and every four days in South Florida.

Fertilizing Your Citrus Tree - Early spring is the time to fertilize your citrus tree in Florida. But the age of the tree is important, as there are two different fertilizing schedules. One is for young trees, where leaf and stem growth is maximized and another is for mature trees, where fruit production is maximized.

Fakahatchee - Native to the Southeastern U.S., fakahatchee grass (also called gama grass) is easy to grow and virtually pest-free. This ornamental grass has spiky foliage rising upright from five foot tall clumps, with small wine-colored flowers appearing in late spring to mid-summer. It prefers sunny to partially shady areas with moist to wet soil.

Changing the Oil in Your Lawnmower - An essential step in extending the life of your mower is changing the oil. Disconnect the sparkplug wire before you start. Remove the oil plug and drain the oil into a safe container. Replace the plug without over-tightening. Check the owner’s manual for the recommended oil type. Fill the reservoir with oil, checking the level several times until the dipstick registers full. Replace the dipstick and reattach the sparkplug wire. And don't forget to dispose of the oil properly.

Changing an Irrigation Head - It's relatively simple to replace a broken sprinkler head yourself. Check with the manufacturer for the correct replacement head. Be sure the water is shut off. Keeping an eye out for buried pipes, carefully dig around the head. Turn the head counterclockwise, being careful not to break the pipe. Remove the old head and any debris. Apply Teflon tape to the threads and screw on the replacement head. Check for leaks and adjust the spray pattern. Refill the hole; the top of the irrigation head should sit no more than a half inch above the ground.

Pruning Hedges - The most common mistake people make when trimming a hedge is cutting the plant into a sharply-edged box shape. It's important to trim a hedge so that the top is narrower than the bottom; this way, sunlight can reach all the plant's leaves. The bottom branches of "box-shaped" hedges usually thin out—and even die—from lack of sunlight. Prune flowering hedges after they've bloomed in order to avoid cutting off buds.

Spring Irrigation Maintenance - Installing a home irrigation system will help conserve water, but only if it's working correctly. It's a good idea to take a close look at your system a couple times a year to make sure there aren't any leaks or misplaced sprinkler heads.

Slow-Release Fertilizers - Slow-release fertilizers are a Florida-friendly choice for lawns and plants. By taking longer to break down, the fertilizer is less likely to be washed away and end up in Florida's water supply. Be sure to read the label of any fertilizer carefully.

Planting a Lawn with Plugs - Lawn plugs are simply small chunks of sod that you plant in spaced intervals. "Plugging" a lawn is less expensive than laying down a brand new lawn of sod, but it takes longer to become established. You can make your own plugs by cutting up sod, or buy them. Plant them six to twelve inches apart, water regularly, and don't mow until the plugs have grown together.

Treating Cold-Damaged Plants - Even in Florida, temperatures can drop low enough to cause damage to your plants. After a freeze, check to see if their soil's dry; even injured plants need water. Dead foliage may look bad, but it helps insulate the plant from further damage. Wait until all chances of freezing temperatures have passed before taking any action. At first glance, cold-damaged plants look ruined, but a little extra attention can often help them pull through.

Transplanting Trees - Sometimes it's necessary to move an established tree. Do a little research first, and find out the best time for transplanting your particular species. Be sure to plant the tree a little high, as it will eventually settle, and water immediately after planting. If the tree is fairly large, it's best to consult with a professional arborist first.

Controlling Your Irrigation System Manually - During the rainy season and cooler weather, your automatic irrigation system may be wasting water, even at its minimum setting. It's best to run the system only when your lawngrass shows at least one of the three signs of wilt.

Native Trees - Thinking about adding a tree to your landscape? Go native! Florida has several attractive, hardy species of differing sizes. From small trees like redbuds to the majestic live oak, there's a Florida native tree for practically any home landscape.

Preparing the Landscape for Cold Weather - While it's nothing compared to what our neighbors up north experience, Florida does get cold weather in the winter, even a freeze or two. So precautions are still necessary to protect your landscape from damaging temperatures and winds.

Landscape Lighting - Lighting can provide ambience to your landscape, while adding safety and value to your home. Lighting along walkways and driveways can provide visual guidance, while uplighting trees and plants adds drama. There are many energy-efficient options, including LED and solar lights. These options will not provide the intense light of traditional bulbs, but will last longer, cost much less, and are often easier to install.

Watering Your Lawn in the Winter - Turfgrass grows much slower in the winter, meaning it needs less watering. To save water while ensuring the health of your lawn, only irrigate when grass shows signs of wilt: blades folding in half, or turning blue-gray in color, and when footprints remain visible in the lawn.

Tree Houses - Tree houses conjure up pleasant childhood memories for many. Even for those who didn't grow up with one, a tree house might seem like a fun place for their own children. However, tree houses aren't much fun for the tree. Driving nails and bolts into a tree can damage it, and tying chains or ropes around branches may eventually cut off growth. A better way to "get into" a tree is to build around or near it, without physically attaching anything to it. It's best to consult a professional arborist beforehand, not to mention your neighhors, who might be concerned about privacy. Also look into community guidelines—some homeowner associations don't allow tree houses.

Earthworms in the Landscape - Have you ever given much thought to the earthworms wriggling around in your garden? Maybe not. But you should. These humble creatures enrich and aerate your soil.

 Creating Privacy in Your Landscape - Using plants as a screen or fence is a beautiful way to block undesirable views and provide privacy for you and your family. Plant screens also absorb unwanted road noise and provide wind breaks against wind. Trees can be used, although it might take time for them to grow large enough. Shrubs can be used as a hedge, and many ornamental grasses grow tall enough to provide screening. Clumping bamboo is also a quick-growing screen.

Wax Myrtle - Wax myrtles are an excellent choice for the Florida yard, especially coastal areas. Its name derives from the waxy berries, which were once harvested for candle-making. Today, the wax myrtle is better appreciated for its easy care and salt tolerance. This native shrub thrives in full sun and sandy, well-drained soil; it's also a host for butterflies and provides food and shelter for birds.

Ornamental Grasses - There's more to grass than lawn turf! Ornamental grasses add color and texture to your landscape year-round, and most are low-maintenance. There's a variety for every part of your yard, whether as a border or a featured specimen.

Tips for New Floridians - Gardening in Florida is unlike gardening anywhere else in the United States. Our planting season is year-round, and our "hardiness zones" don't have much to do with cold hardiness (though the northern half of the state does get the occasional freeze). Government and university web sites offer a wealth of knowledge, but you can always call your county Extension office with landscape and gardening questions.

Pesticide Safety - While pesticides are useful to the home gardener, precautions should always be taken to ensure the safety of your family, pets and other animals.

Turf and Landscape Fertilization - Fertilizer is an important tool in gardening and landscaping. While plants and grasses can get most of their nutrients from the soil, fertilizers can add missing nutrients, like phosphorus and nitrogen. Too much fertilizer, however, can lead to pest problems and cause pollution in the ground water.

Restoring Trees After a Hurricane - A hurricane can wreak havoc on the trees in your landscape. Look over your damaged tree for broken branches—as long as they're small, you (or a qualified arborist) should be able to coax it back to health. If any trunks or major limbs are broken, or roots have been torn up and exposed, the tree may not survive. After restoring, watch for new growth to ensure your tree is recovering.

Lightning Damage to Trees - Florida is known as the "lightning capital" of the U.S., with Central Florida experiencing the most—hundreds of strikes monthly during the rainy season. If lightning strikes your tree, it may show obvious damage, or it might be hidden. Consult a professional arborist if you think your tree has been hit.

Disguising Utilities - The home landscape is often cluttered with unattractive utilities, such as electrical boxes, AC units, light poles, and garbage storage areas. Perk up your view by disguising them with plants. Trees can block street lights shining in your window, or tall shrubs can hide the view of an AC unit. Vines are often good choices, but check with your utility company before planting on light poles. Be sure to plant so you can still access the utility.

Handwatering - Water restrictions are still in place, and some parts of Florida, only hand watering or microirrigation is allowed. Hand watering saves water in many ways. Watering by hose means you only water when, and where, the plants need it.

What is Stormwater Runoff? - Stormwater runoff is the result of rainwater washing over hard surfaces like driveways and sidewalks, taking pesticides and other pollutants into our water systems. These chemicals can hurt, and even kill, the wildlife and plants living in our lakes, streams, and oceans.

Heavy Rain and Plant Damage - Hurricanes aren't the only weather problem for landscapes—even a heavy rain can cause water damage. Inspect your lawn and garden after a storm: pick up debris and clean out clogged storm drains, prune damaged trees and shrubs, and dry out garden beds by removing excess mulch. As a precaution against rain damage, never plant tender plants under roof eaves without gutters, and consider a rain garden to collect excess water.

Preparing the Garden for Fall - During the heat of summer, you may prefer to spend time indoors rather than working out in the yard. This is actually the perfect time to plan for your fall garden. You can even do some of the outdoor prep work if you focus your efforts during the cooler morning and evening hours.

Pruning Young Trees - Pruning young trees will help them grow into attractive, healthy adults. But pruning should only be done for structure and strength, not for "looks."

Super Drought-Tolerant Plants - With water restrictions throughout communities in Florida, many home gardeners are looking for super drought-tolerant plants that are also good-looking. Both acacia and Jerusalem thorn trees have attractive yellow flowers, rosemary gives the landscape a Mediterranean feel as well as a delicious scent, and native saw palmetto is perfect for the Florida-friendly yard.

Ground Covers for Shade - Turfgrass thrives in sunlight, so what should you do with that shady part of lawn, where the grass won't grow? Consider planting a ground cover. Many ground covers grow well with little to no sun, including liriope, mondo grass, holly fern, and asiatic jasmine.

Irrigating with Reclaimed Water - Reclaimed water is waste water that has been treated and cleaned. It's used widely throughout Florida by golf courses, businesses, and city and county governments that offer it to residents for landscape irrigation. In many cases, this reclaimed water is exempt from watering restrictions. Ask your local utility about the availibilty of reclaimed water.

Transporting Plants - Whether bringing a new plant home from the nursery or moving to a new home with your plants, transporting plants can be tricky. Think of your plant much as you would an animal. Never leave a plant in your vehicle for too long, especially during the summer. Other tips include to steady plants so that they won't fall over, and cover soil so it won't spill. Protect them from wind burn by transporting them in a covered vehicle, not a truck bed.

Rain Gauges - To conserve water, it's a good idea to let natural rainfall do most of the watering. But how do you know if there's been enough rainfall? Get a rain gauge! For an accurate measurement, place your rain gauge somewhere in the landscape away from trees, the house, and irrigation systems. Don't forget to empty the gauge after it rains so that you get an accurate reading each time!

Preventing Erosion - Rain and landscaping irrigation wash loose dirt away, causing erosion. This soil—and the chemicals in it—ends up in our lakes and rivers, causing pollution. If you're undertaking a large landscaping project, be sure to work with your contractor to prevent loose soil from washing away, and for existing landscapes, try to control water runoff by catching in rain barrels, or diverting it to a rain garden.

Sun and Heat Protection - Even native Floridians can be overcome by the heat of summer. When working in the yard, be sure to protect yourself (and your family) from heat stress and sunburn. A hat is a must, as is sunscreen. It can't be said enough: reapply often! Keep water nearby, and drink—even if you don't feel thirsty. Long sleeves and pants may seem counterintuitive, but light cotton will keep you cool while still protecting your skin.

Managing Yard Pests Responsibly - Concerns for human and environmental health have led scientists to recommend Integrated Pest Management (IPM), a strategy that helps gardeners manage pests with as few chemicals as possible.

Dollarweed - Dollarweed is the main weed problem for St. Augustinegrass lawns. With round, shiny leaves (about the size of a silver dollar, hence the name), dollarweed thrives in wet areas. While there are chemicals that kill dollarweed, they're often harmful to other plants, as well as animals. Your best bet is to control this weedy pest by hand-pulling, and not overwatering your lawn.

Taking Care of Your Hands - Your hands are some of the most important tools in your gardening arsenal, so taking care of them should be a priority. The most obvious step is to wear gloves, but not everyone likes to. If you do choose to go bare-handed, be sure to wear sunscreen. There are several tips on keeping hands clean (well, cleaner) while digging in the dirt. One example is scraping your nails on a bar of soap beforehand to block dirt from getting under the nails.

Mowing Safety - June is National Safety Month, and for good reason. Summer brings out the lawn mower, and every year thousands of people are treated for lawn mower-related injuries. The majority of those treated were children and the elderly. Luckily, it only takes a few simple steps to protect yourself—and your family—from injury.

Conserving Water - Florida's water shortages aren't going away any time soon, but our yards and gardens still need water to survive. How can we conserve water while maintaining our landscapes? It's easier than you think, and no, it doesn't mean you have to replace your lawn with gravel and cacti. Choosing the right plants for the right place, water deeply and less often, collect extra water with a rain barrel—these are just a few of the ways you can conserve water.

Selecting a Sprinkler - When selecting a new sprinkler, think about how much space it has to cover. While you don't want too much overlap (that's a waste of water), you do want to ensure that the whole area gets watered. You may need more than one to cover your yard.

Calibrating Your Irrigation System - Too much or too little water can hurt a lawn. Do you know how long to run your irrigation system? Calibrating your system will help you to apply the correct amount of water to your yard. It's easier than you think, and it can save you money as well as water.

 Preparing to Plant a Lawn - Whether starting from seed, sod, or plugs, planting a lawn is a big undertaking, but preparing the site beforehand will make the process go quicker and more smoothly. If you’re moving into a new house, remove all construction debris, roots, and rocks from the site. If you’re replacing an existing lawn, you’ll need to treat the area with an herbicide first and remove the dead vegetation. It’s important to have your soil tested, so that you’ll know the pH and nutrient levels. Your county Extension office can provide you with instructions and the materials to get you started. If necessary, you can add soil amendments and till them in. Finally, be sure the soil is evenly graded and slopes away from the house.

Courtyards - Since ancient times, courtyards have served as intimate spaces tucked away from public view. Today, they can extend your living space and provide you with a peaceful place to relax or entertain. Bold and simple design that complements the style of your house is best. You can create visual interest by growing a vine up a trellis, or by grouping potted plants around the space. Consider installing a fountain so that you can enjoy the tranquil sound of bubbling water. By adding a small tree or an awning, you can create shade and keep temperatures down.

Living Fences - Living fences are an attractive, long-lived, and low-maintenance alternative to traditional fences. They can form a physical or visual barrier, give shade, and act as a wind block. They also provide habitat for birds and other wildlife. Choose shrubs, trees, or climbing plants, such as climbing roses, a hedge of viburnums, or a row of crapemyrtles. Make sure you check the potential size of plants so that you know they’ll fit in your space. Depending on the plant, pruning may necessary to contain your living fence and keep the shape you want.