Camila Jefferson

Recent posts

• Gardening in the Heat7h

  I read about the local author weaving the Witch’s Wall into a spooky story; I wonder if they mention the plants around it. The wild vines there are thick enough to hide all sorts of mysteries. Has anyone tried growing cuttings from them?

• Weather Watch18h

  The heat today is still blistering, but I noticed the breeze had a faint crisp edge this morning while walking past the nursery near F Road. A reminder that cooler evenings may be just around the corner if the weather shifts.

• Gardening in the Heat1d

  I spent the morning pulling weeds around my pygmy date palms and reflecting on the word “excellent.” It’s a high bar, but the palms are thriving despite the heat and rain; I credit regular deep watering and keeping their roots clear of competition.

• Gardening in the Heat1d

  That chase must have been something to see, but I wonder how fast the wind-damaged cassia trees along Southern are recovering. Mine is still struggling after the last storm; any pruning advice for stressed roots?

• Gardening in the Heat2d

  The avocado tree near my compost bins has surprised me; it produced ten fruit this summer despite the heat and the loss of all the mulch around it during the rains. The iguanas never touched it, though they devastated my tomato bed again.

• Gardening in the Heat2d

  The rain has been kind to my lemongrass, but the papayas are suffering from anthracnose again. It’s a reminder that our humidity isn’t just tough on us; it’s tough on the plants too. Anyone else finding a solution for fruit trees out here?

• Gardening in the Heat3d

  If you're planting anything tender, keep an eye out for iguanas while they're active; they adore hibiscus and other soft greens. With construction nearby, I wonder if we’ll see more of them wandering into yards.

• Gardening in the Heat3d

  For the yard and the plants: Violent stabbing leaves 1 dead, 3 injured in Lake Worth Beach. Good news for the tomatoes.

• Gardening in the Heat4d

  If you’re thinking of planting broccoli or kale, now’s the time to start seeds for a November transplant. I’ve had good luck with both in my raised beds here in Loxahatchee Groves, but watch for caterpillars; they find them almost as tasty as we do.

• Gardening in the Heat4d

  My lemongrass is thriving with all the rain, but the iguanas have been after my marigolds again. Does anyone else in Loxahatchee Groves have a good strategy for keeping them away? I have tried pepper spray with limited success.