Being a Florida Newbie, or Living the Tropical Life: Hurricane Preparation and Busy Gardening Month

My mind is going in so many different directions this month. This is my first year of trying to be prepared for hurricanes in this area, mainly because recently hurricane "Earl" formed and luckily just went up along the coast toward Canada. Maybe that will pay them back a little for all the cold weather they send down to the U.S. Hah! At the time of my writing, "Igor" is listed as a Category 4 Hurricane that will hit Bermuda and aim north, they say. "Julia" is in the eastern Atlantic and so far is a Category 3.

Last year there weren't any hurricane formations to be worried about in Florida, but the media are really pushing it this year. Every store has the merchandise you would need to purchase for your needs in case one hits. Things like flashlights and fresh batteries, cleaning supplies, water, canned goods, first aid kits, disinfectant, garbage bags and so many other items you may not be able to buy once a hurricane hits. The Hurricane Checklists tell you to get extra cash from the ATM since they will not be working later on. I gathered my Important Papers (such as Birth Certificate, House and Car Insurance papers) to take with me in case of evacuation. I would also take my photos, as well as computer and charger and phone and charger, and clothing of course. I drove the evacuation route and tried to choose a town and hotel I would stay in during the storm; at least 2 options. We are told to keep our cars filled with gas in case of evacution. The idea of being prepared is to prevent last- minute shopping and waiting in long lines.

Then of course, before leaving for a safe haven, we are to cover our windows to protect them from flying debris. In my case, closing the metal awnings and locking them down securely. Turning off the water and electricity at their main sources is also recommended. Thinking, planning and preparing for all of this has really made me nervous and on-edge. My neighbor, who has lived here for 10 years, keeps assuring me that chances are likely their won't be a major hurricane. It's been 5 years since one has done any damage to Florida. I'm keeping my fingers crossed!

I also cleaned my gutters, caulked around several windows to provide extra protection against leaks, trimmed all the shrubs around the perimeter of my house and stored my grill and extra seating from the porch in the shed. All loose, empty gardening pots are also stored away. Basically, anything that will fly around in heavy wind needs to be stored indoors.

In the meantime, I'm trying to get my Fall plantings started. All of the vegetables I plant will be in containers but the remaining plants, such as shrubs, are planted in-ground. Just yesterday I planted a small Black Mission fig tree in a containter in order to keep it a smaller size by pruning it back as it grows, since they can grow to 10 feet. I hope this works. Today I've got to get out there and plant a Natchez blackberry bush. I'm planting it in the ground so it can spread to it's full 3 feet. I'm really hoping it grows quickly and produces berries for me since picking blackberries is a fond memory for me. We had tons of blackberry bushes growing around the edge of the property where I lived in Pennsylvania. I loved going out in the morning to get a big bowl full of berries to put on my cereal. (Sigh.)

Natchez Blackberry

Black Mission Fig

So far this September I've started 2 tomato plants, one of which has been completely eaten by Something (unknown) except for it's main stem! What is that? So far so good on the second one. They are both slicing tomatoes. The cherry tomato I planted for summer yield is still producing well.

I've got a small watermelon plant, a zucchini plant, a baby pumpkin plant and a crookneck squash plant all started from seed that need to be transferred to larger, self-watering containers soon. I'm also planning on trying to grow Swiss Chard this year, as well as lots of beets and spinach. I always have a container of spring onions growing, as well as a garlic plant. If I had a stronger back, I'd turn my entire back yard into a vegetable garden!

I've bought several packets of Blanket Flower (Gaillardia) seeds. They are perennials and are supposed to flourish here in my Zone 9b. We'll see. So, I have lots of work to do. I better get out there and get started!

Here are a couple of photos of other fruits and vegs that seem to be growing steadily.