When purchasing a plant to put in your landscape do your homework before going to your local nursery. Identify the new plant’s site location, remember not all plants can take all growing conditions.

Think about the location the new plant will be growing in:

Soils: pH level (generally in the Florida keys it ranges from 7.2 to 8.2), what nutrients are present? The Keys soils are made of Key Largo Limestone and Miami Oolite, both are alkaline therefore mimic the local hammock areas by adding wood mulch and plant natives that can take the soil conditions.

Drainage and salt water: Well-drained, poorly-drained. How high above sea level and high tides does your plant sit, remember the roots may get into the salt water.

Light: how much sun light – full sun, partial sun, shade. Remember the change of seasons create larger shady areas on the north side of the property.

Temperature: Florida Keys is located in Zone 10 b to 11. Therefore, exposure to cooler temperatures for tropical plants, exposure to extreme heat may harm plants that are living outside of their zone ranges.

Structural Limits: powerlines, underground utilities, septic tank, roof overhangs, paved surfaces, security lights

Other: salt spray and salt water inundation, wind direction, hurricane damage, and water availability, and what grew in that area before.

Check out the Florida Yards and Neighborhood handbook at: http://fyn.ifas.ufl.edu

If you have questions on the right plants to put in your Florida Keys Landscape contact the Monroe County Extension Service at: http://monroe.ifas.ufl.edu

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