Frosty But Fruitful

The most convivial friends in my circle are living their best lives. December is their entire month to shine. Halloween to Thanksgiving was simply practice. From now until New Year’s Day, there is at least one weekly convening where everyone gets together outside. Some of the talk is inevitably about how mosquitoes and flies are not interrupting our delightful time. I would not mind one mosquito or fly for each degree of warmth that can take me back to October. My covered dish is often the thing that saves me from becoming completely banished for my desire to ruin the “good weather” we are having.

This year, I have been focused on sustainability, purchasing seasonally available fruits and vegetables. Florida is a great state for this kind of practice. In December a multitude of fresh vegetables are offered. Leafy greens, cucumbers, tomatoes, celery, and avocados are ready for the salad bowl. Broccoli, Irish potatoes, and cauliflower will make my cheese addiction respectable. I am likely to have a brunch gathering, so mushrooms and peppers are needed for omelets. String beans, squash, and carrots are good for a quick stir-fry dish I can throw together after work. I did not plant any edibles this fall.

Fresh fruit is always a boon. Florida, especially Indian River County, is known for citrus. Grapefruit, oranges, and tangerines are always available for snacking. I will have strawberry and starfruit juice ice cubes to add to my drinks. Our Ruthie is probably going to charge me extra for watermelon-cutting duty. The abundance of fresh fruit is one of my favorite things about living in Florida.

There are many other seasonal vegetables and fruits available from Florida farmers. The Fresh from Florida website provides information on all foods accessible in Florida each month. Farmers markets, regular supermarkets, and roadside vendors often highlight locally grown produce. This is one of many strategies for developing a more sustainable approach to living while bolstering the local economy.

As we enter winter, it is important to remember that our landscapes are mostly filled with plants that do not appreciate very low temperatures. They especially dislike sharp drops in temperature without time for acclimatization. Even fully established plants need some assistance to mitigate damage from the cold.

On the morning before a freeze event, water your entire landscape or target your most sensitive plants. The water will insulate the roots. That water will also offer some warmth as steam to the above-ground parts of your plant overnight. It might take a few days before you can see the extent of any damage. Hopefully, there will be very little and it will be manageable.

The mango tree in my front yard is no longer under the protection of the live oak. The other plants that were under there are also very exposed. The layer of mulch we put down in October is holding up well. I will not worry about my landscape while I cook up distractions for my beloved ones. January will be here soon, bringing Florida winter into greater focus.

Nickie Munroe is an environmental horticulture agent with the University of Florida’s IFAS Indian River County Extension.