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Becoming a Master Gardener: A work in progress

By DEBORAH HAGGETT - Garden Club of Cape Coral | Aug 5, 2022

I have been told my flower pots are merely coffins awaiting my plants. Yes, I typically have a black thumb. Yet, I am determined to overcome my gardening challenges. This comment motivated me to find a gardening class to improve my knowledge and skills.

I began by completing several free classes offered by the Lee County Master Gardener Volunteers. As Einstein said, “The more I learn, the more I realize how much I don’t know.” Given that reality, I took the plunge and bravely enrolled in the Master Gardener Training Class. Initially, I was intimidated by the knowledge of my fellow classmates and instructors but, ultimately, I appreciated the opportunity to observe and absorb the breadth of experiences shared in each class.

Today, I offer you 10 basic concepts of the many I learned which have helped me surrender my black thumb for one sporting a pale shade of green.

Florida Gardening 101

1. If it grows prolifically in my garden, it must be a weed! There are three typical categories of weeds: Grasses, Sedges, and Broadleaf. Knowing their unique characteristics will help you keep them at bay. My preferred method is hand-weeding, but when overwhelmed there are different, dare I say it, chemicals that can come to your aid, from horticultural vinegar to herbicides. On a cautionary note, once you cross over to systemic chemicals, you can, sadly, say goodbye to pollinators. Spot treatment is a better alternative.

2. Start Clean-Stay Clean! I was pretty cavalier about transplanting plants into the nearest flower pot. Give the pot a quick rinse, throw in some potting soil, add the plant and hope for the best. What could go wrong? Well, in Southwest Florida, a lot! Fungus loves the heat and humidity here, not to mention many other microscopic creatures. Cleaning your pots and tools with a good cleanser will save many headaches later.

3. Beautiful gardens are planned! Thinking ahead in terms of color, texture and optimal placement will lead to more aesthetic gardens. I’ve learned to resist my chaotic impulse of spontaneously picking up and randomly planting the latest eye-catching plant at the nursery. This leads me to the next important concept.

4. Right Plant, Right Place! I heard this phrase often enough, but didn’t realize how many factors influence its implementation. I learned that it means so much more than sun vs. shade. Consider such factors as planting zones, soil pH, water and nutrient needs, wind and salt tolerance, and size at maturity. Watch for obstacles above ground and below. Planting too close to utility lines, foundations, fences, etc., is a recipe for disaster.

5. Research Best Practices! There are best practices for transplanting and irrigating new additions to your garden. Visit the website of the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) to find the latest research for the variety you are planting. In addition, check the root ball of new plants. If the roots are swirled around the pot, it is important to release them. Using a small hand rake or sturdy chop stick, gently rake the roots in a downward motion to separate and thin overcrowded roots before introducing them to their new home.

6. Plants Have Character! Learn the characteristics and names of your plants. The shapes and edges of leaves, the way the flowers are arranged, and the types of fruit they produce will help you identify your plants. Once identified, you can determine the light, temperature, watering, nutrition and any unique requirements they need to thrive and how to protect them from common pests.

7. Friend or Foe? Many insects are beneficial. Some are even predator insects happily targeting unwanted pests. Again, UF/IFAS can help you know the difference and introduce you to the best practices for Integrated Pest Management. Spot treat and employ least toxic methods first. Remember some pollinators are insects, too!

8. Water Efficiently! When is enough, enough?! Group plants together by watering needs. Water only as needed and early in the morning so the leaves have time to dry before temperatures cool at night. Many plants suffer from overwatering. It may help to use a water meter to know when plants need water.

9. There are nine principles of Florida Friendly Landscaping! Once you become familiar with them, you will have many more successes in your garden. There are free classes given several times a year to introduce you to these principles. The next class will be held on Sept. 24. It is offered as a live class at Rotary Park in Cape Coral and, simultaneously, as a Zoom on-line class. Registration details for both can be found at Eventbrite.com.

10. We are not in this alone! This was the most important lesson from my Master Gardener training. We all benefit from the wealth of knowledge and experiences from UF/IFAS and other extension programs across the country. Agents and volunteers at the Lee County Extension office are available to answer questions and help gardeners with the most up to date information. They can be reached at 239-533-7504 or email them at FYN@Leegov.com.

If you are interested in becoming a Master Gardener Volunteer, please note, the next training is scheduled to begin Sept. 7, 2022. This 14-week course will be held in-person, weekly, on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Enrollment is limited. Please apply at the Lee County Parks and Recreation Home Page https://www.leegov.com/parks/extension. Look for the UF/IFAS Lee County Extension Service under the section “Do you want to become a Master Gardener?” The deadline to apply is Aug. 14. The tuition for this training is $200.

If you have questions, please contact Ana Bonstedt, MGV coordinator, at abonstedt@ ufl.edu, or call her at 239-634-3863.

Cheers to all of the green thumbs out there and happy gardening to those of us who are a work in progress!

Deborah Haggett is a Lee County Master Gardener Volunteer and a member of the Garden Club of Cape Coral. Visit us at www.gardenclubofcapecoral.com