What happened? Our beautiful October season was definitely sidelined for a couple of real cool mornings. Thankfully it was a rare cool, extreme, drop in temperature and short lived.

I cannot note any cold weather damage here because I still have the coldest morning yet to come. Weather changes and newspaper deadlines have no fear of each other. Hopefully gardeners covered their tomato and pepper plants or brought a pot or two of tender plants into the garage or tucked them into a cozy corner of the lanai.

We have the bifold storm shutter doors on our lanai and with them closed, even against the cold north wind, the temperature stays an even 50 degrees.

The orchids tolerate a one-night drop into the 50’s and even one night in the high 40’s. This week that is what they had to do.

I have found over the years here that the nice lake we live on will mostly keep the air a few degrees higher than predicted. The dew point being under 30 is more of a problem. That means a clear cold night without any wind, or breeze will make for a bright, crisp moon glow, but will drain plants of internal moisture. Not good. Always uncover any plants first thing in the morning because the sun will heat up the covered plant and may roast it.

Do not water any plant leaves in the evening. Planted things may be helped with some watering around their feet, if the sun is shining on them, and then the moisture around them will hold in some heat. Potted plants can be covered with some newspapers and clipped together by clothespins. Paper bags can be placed over smaller pots. The garage may sound cold but it does well for most plants.

A droopy plant will probably perk up with some sunshine and a drink around the roots. Do not cut off anything until you are sure it is really damaged. Later on we will have maybe three or four days of cold, we can talk more about what to do at that time later. You will find that Horticulture and Annuals and such are amazing in our climate. They will tolerate 90 degrees at one end of the scale and 40 degrees at the other end. Well cared for plants are just a sturdy lot.

Watering is still necessary. The drying winds and cold air will dry out things fast. You will notice that the afternoons may be sunny and hot even though the nights are cold and potted plants especially still need to have their waterings.

This is not a time to rest, for the gardener.

This is not really the beginning of our colder season, just an early, wayward cold front passing through the area.

Gardeners who have finished their fall mulching can be pleased with themselves, as this cover will keep the ground warmer. There are still insects out there to use some neem or insecticidal soaps on. Still time to do some light trimming.

Citrus is beginning to ripen now, my son out in northeast Cape is watching his young orange tree which has a couple of oranges for the first time. I have a small orange tree on the lanai which seems happy and healthy enough but doesn’t seem to care a bit about producing oranges.

Fruit that looks big enough to pick, probably is. They will not all be a perfect color. Pick one and taste it, you might be surprised. The Lee County extension service will be able to guide you in selecting and growing Southwest Florida fruit trees. Speaking of the extension service, the annual Southwest Butterfly Conference and a tour will be held today, Nov. 1, at Terry Park in Fort Myers. Call the extension office at 533-7504 for details.

The Garden Club of Cape Coral is in full swing now, meeting the second Tuesday of the month, 7 p.m., at the Episcopal Church on Del Prado Boulevard, near the Veterans Memorial overpass. The program this month will be all about how to fertilize the garden and potted plants with worm castings. Yes, your eyes are not tricking you. Those dear little creatures are now doing double duty. They are always welcome as busy little aireaters in the garden soil, and now their enriched castings are causing a stir as a great fertilizer. Bags of worm castings are now on the market. It takes quite a few worms to get a reasonable amount of castings, so do not expect a large 10 pound bag. I have first-hand information that these castings are truly a great addition to organic fertilizing. Guests are always welcome at Garden Club meetings.

H. Jean Shields

Past President

Garden Club of Cape Coral