August in almost any location in the US is the hottest month; Orlando is no exception. The sad thing is that in the rest of the country you get to look forward to cooler fall-like weather, but here in Florida the only thing we get to look forward to is less humidity. In and of itself this is a huge thing. As they say, 'It's not the heat, it's the humidity!', and this is so true. While slightly more comfortable weather is welcome what I really want is a real fall. I want to wear jeans, boots and sweaters, but instead I will be wearing flip flops and tank tops with those jeans until about November (heck, it was 80 degrees on Christmas Day this past year).
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The best part about the onset of "fall" means I can get back out into the yard and start planting again. Fall is the best time of year to plant. Since most plants do the majority of their growing when the soil is warm, by planting in fall they get to familiarize themselves with their new surroundings before they have to expend any energy. This compounded by the (slightly) cooler temperatures lessens the chance of transplantation shock and gives your new plants the best chance of thriving. While you can still plant in the hottest part of the summer (and I have) you end up having put in a lot less effort and worry to keep your plants alive if you plant in the fall.
My plan for this fall is to replace the five or so azaleas that died for no apparent reason, plant a new magnolia outside of the breakfast room window to provide a little privacy from the street (even if my husband insists that no one looks in, though what else do they have to look at) and I want to start the front beds. In addition to all of this I will also replace the annuals in my beds and replant my containers with fall plants. There is a lot of work to do and the hardest part will be dragging my husband away from football in order to help me. So I say to everyone: get off that couch, get outside in the beautiful weather and plant something!
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