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Some Plants Are Real Summer Lovers

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: May 29, 2008

Florida summers are a great time for planting. One good storm can drop 1 to 3 inches of rain, which soaks into the soil and encourages roots to follow. Plants with deep roots will grow up to be drought-tolerant.

But not every shrub or tree can tolerate summer heat on top of recent transplant. These four are favorites both for their beauty and their toughness.

Since you likely won't be planting vegetables, now's a good time to "solarize" that bed.

Clear out the weeds, wet the soil, then cover with plastic for a month. That will bake out nematodes and other bad guys.

Summer's also a good time to give houseplants a spa getaway. Put them under a tree to enjoy the dappled sunlight, balmy weather and rains, and they'll be whistling, "Feelin' Groovy."

Penny Carnathan

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