Tropicals in winter and the irrigation system

susieq

Well, it finally happened, it got cold enough the other day (here on the Gulf Coast of Florida just North of Tampa) that I knew it was time to take all the tropicals off of the shelves and put them on the wagon for the winter. Actually two little garden flatbed wagaons. They live on these during the winter months so that at the first hint of a frost or freeze I can just pull them inside for the night....or for a day or two. Last night was supposed to get into the thirties so I pulled them inside for the first time this season.

This morning when it warmed a bit, out they came into the sunlight for the day. It has been in the low 40's here and they don't mind. I have been keeping Fukien Teas, Malpigghias for a few years now and they take the forty degree temps well. The olive hates anything under 45 though. I even have some Fukien Teas and Malpigghias planted in the ground along the side of the house. I didn't cover them last night. They have been there for over a year also and I hope to get some good trunks on them. They get covered once or twice a winter but really, up against the house like that, it probably isn't really needed....just C.Y.A.

In the mean time, the irrigations system has a bunch of watering heads that I have turned off now, but some more that need shutoff valves installed yet. I hate to waste water...... but with the holiday preparations and work, I just haven't had time to put in the extra valves.

We had a fire in the woodstove last night and it was very cozy. Mike got up early and stoked the fire this morning too. Don't know if the temps are going to be low enough to pull in the trees again. Will have to watch the news and see.


I hope everyone is enjoying the season. Just think, here in Florida in a few more weeks it will be root pruning and repotting season again.....my how time flies.
cheers
susieq

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