We combed through the most common questions our neighbors ask, and what we see in the field, to bring you this simple, expert-backed guide to surviving (and thriving) during the Florida chill.
The “Less is More” Approach to Maintenance
1. Should I be doing heavy lawn maintenance right now?
Short answer: No. Let it rest.
Think of winter as your lawn’s off-season. In North and Central Florida, warm-season grasses often go dormant. Here in Martin and North Palm Beach Counties, growth just slows way down.
- Skip the fertilizer: Wait for spring. Feeding your lawn nitrogen now is like giving an espresso to someone trying to sleep.
- Mow sparingly: Only mow to keep the height in check. For St. Augustine grass, keep it around 2.5 to 3 inches.
- Clean up: The best thing you can do is rake up leaves and debris. This stops pests from making a cozy winter home in your yard.
2. My grass is turning brown. Is it dead?
Likely not! This is the classic “Winter Nap.” Many warm-season grasses turn brown or brittle when the temperature drops. It is a natural defense mechanism called dormancy.
Pro Tip: If you see grey, brittle grass, it might be dead. But if it’s just brown/tan, it will likely bounce back in spring. A professional check can determine if extra help is needed.
Watering & Irrigation: The Goldilocks Rule
3. How often should I water in winter?
Overwatering is the #1 mistake we see in winter. Because it’s cooler, evaporation slows down. You generally only need to water every 7 to 14 days, depending on rainfall.
Note: Always water in the early morning. Nighttime watering in cool weather is a recipe for fungus and disease.
4. Do I need to adjust my irrigation system?
Absolutely. If your system is set to a “Summer” schedule, you are wasting water and risking root rot.
- Reduce the runtime and frequency.
- Check your zones. A broken head spraying the sidewalk is wasteful year-round, but it’s especially painful when the bill comes.
- If we get a freeze warning (rare, but it happens!), drain exposed lines to prevent bursting.
Planting & Gardening: What Grows Now?
5. Can I actually plant anything in winter?
Yes! As long as the soil isn’t frozen (which, let’s be honest, isn’t a problem in Hobe Sound), you can plant. In fact, “dormant installations” can be great because the plant isn’t stressed by the scorching summer sun.
The Secret Weapon: Mulch. Applying 2 inches of fresh mulch is non-negotiable. It acts like a blanket, keeping roots warm and holding in moisture. Our team can choose a mulch for you based on soil conditions, plant types, and drainage needs.
6. What vegetables grow in a Florida winter garden?
This is actually our favorite time to garden. You can grow delicious “cool-season” crops that would fry in July. Try planting:
- Leafy Greens: Kale, spinach, arugula, and lettuce.
- Brassicas: Broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts.
- Root Veggies: Carrots, beets, and onions.
Advanced Care: Pruning & Overseeding
7. Should I prune my shrubs now?
Be careful. You can trim dead or damaged branches, but avoid “hard pruning” (cutting way back) on frost-sensitive plants. New growth is tender; if you encourage new growth with pruning and then a cold snap hits, that new growth will freeze.
8. What is overseeding? Do I need it?
Overseeding is essentially applying “makeup” to your lawn. It involves spreading Ryegrass seed over your existing turf to keep it bright green while your permanent grass sleeps.
In South Florida, this is optional. If you love a lush, emerald-green look year-round, wait until daytime temps drop to the low 70s, rake the debris, and sow the seed. If you are okay with a more natural, dormant look, save your money!
Need a Winter Check-Up?
Winter care can be tricky. If you aren’t sure if your irrigation is calibrated correctly, or if you want to install a stunning winter landscape, we are here to help.
Jenkins Landscape has been a family-owned company serving Martin and North Palm Beach Counties since 1959. We know local soil, local plants, and local weather.
Click here to schedule a consultation or call us at (772) 546-2861.
Stay warm and happy gardening!