Lawn & Garden Tips March 2025
Introducing the Earth Works Lawn & Garden Monthly!
We’re excited to bring you a monthly dose of expert advice to help your lawn, landscape, and garden thrive year-round! Each issue will feature timely tips and answers to common questions from our seasoned pros: Matthew Barlow – Earth Works Garden Center Manager. Chad Lakin – Earth Works Lawn Maintenance Operations Manager. Stay tuned for practical, experience-backed guidance to keep your outdoor spaces looking their best!
Have a question? We’ve got answers! ✅
Matthew Barlow
Garden Center Manager
Matt moved to Northeast Florida over twenty years ago after being bitten by the “plant bug” in a greenhouse in Houston, Texas. Since then he has been passionate about learning as much as he can about every plant he encounters. In his free time he relaxes in his backyard while tending to his vegetable garden and bonsai trees.
Matthew’s Garden Tips
Fertilizing Made Simple
Hey everyone, it’s Matthew from Earth Works! Let’s break down fertilization to help you feed your plants effectively.
1. Understanding Fertilizers
- Synthetic vs. Organic:
- Synthetic Fertilizers feed the plant directly.
- Organic Fertilizers feed both the plant and the soil, promoting a thriving ecosystem similar to how nature works.
- Solid vs. Liquid Fertilizers:
- Granular (Slow Release): Provides nutrients over time.
- Liquid (Water-Soluble): Offers immediate absorption for quick results.
2. The Golden Rules of Fertilizing
✅ Follow Instructions – More is NOT better! Overuse can burn plants.
✅ Stick to a Schedule – If the label says quarterly, fertilize quarterly. If it’s weekly, stay consistent.
✅ Place Granular Fertilizer Correctly – Avoid dumping it at the trunk; instead, apply it around the outer canopy where feeder roots grow.
3. Creating a Balanced Feeding Plan
For healthy, thriving plants, use a combination of fertilizers:
- Planting Time: Mix in Biotone for root stimulation.
- Slow Release: Apply a granular fertilizer like Dynamite once a year.
- Weekly Boost: Use a water-soluble fertilizer like fish emulsion (organic) or Jack’s 20-20-20 (synthetic) for rapid absorption.
- Houseplants & Exotics: Use liquid fertilizers formulated for specific plant types (e.g., citrus, palms, or flowering plants).
4. Special Tips
- Sick or stressed plants? Use liquid fertilizers for quick recovery.
- For maximum growth in veggies & herbs: Weekly feeding helps them reach maturity faster.
- Foliage Feeding: Plants absorb nutrients through leaves, so spray both the leaves and soil for the best results.
Find the Right Fertilizer at Earth Works
We carry a wide range of organic, synthetic, hybrid, solid, and liquid fertilizers. Stop by and chat with me, Matthew—I’d love to help you find the perfect fertilizer for your plants!
Matthew’s Garden Tips
A Simple Guide to Spring Vegetable Gardening
Growing your own vegetables can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but in Florida’s sandy soil, it takes the right approach to be successful. Earth Works Garden Center Manager Matthew Barlow shares his lessons learned from years of trial and error, so you can grow healthy, thriving vegetables with confidence.
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1. Start with the Soil
The secret to a successful garden? Great soil. Florida’s sandy ground lacks the nutrients and structure vegetables need to thrive. Whether you’re growing in containers, raised beds, or in-ground plots, you need rich, composted soil to support healthy plants.
- Containers: Use high-quality potting soil like FoxFarm Happy Frog for the best results.
- Raised Beds: A 4×8’ raised bed with 12” of nutrient-rich soil is an ideal starting point. Use a bulk compost/soil mix for affordability.
- In-Ground Gardens: If planting directly in the ground, amend the soil heavily with compost, organic matter, and slow-release organic fertilizers.
2. Watering & Feeding
- Check soil moisture before watering. If the soil is dry, water deeply. If it’s still damp, wait. Overwatering can cause root rot.
- Use organic fertilizers like Biotone Starter Plus to improve soil health and boost plant growth.
- Apply liquid fertilizers weekly. Foliar feeding (spraying nutrients directly onto leaves) gives plants an immediate boost, especially in Florida’s extreme heat.
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Best Vegetables & Herbs to Plant This Spring
✅ Tomatoes – Start early for best results
✅ Peppers – Bell, jalapeño, banana, and more thrive in warm weather
✅ Cucumbers – Perfect for trellises and raised beds
✅ Squash & Zucchini – Fast-growing and productive
✅ Green Beans – Easy to grow, bush and pole varieties
✅ Eggplant – Loves the heat and produces all summer
✅ Okra – A summer staple that thrives in Florida’s climate
✅ Basil – Loves warm weather and pairs perfectly with tomatoes
✅ Cilantro – Plant early before the heat sets in
✅ Dill – Great for pickling and attracts pollinators
✅ Oregano – Thrives in warm, dry conditions
✅ Rosemary – Heat-tolerant and a great perennial herb
✅ Thyme – Low maintenance and flavorful
✅ Mint – Best grown in containers
Chad Lakin
Lawn Maintenance Operations Manager
Chad has been a dedicated member of Earth Works for nine years, serving as the Licensed Certified Operator. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, he brings extensive expertise in operations and maintenance. Chad attended the University of North Florida (UNF) and continues to play a vital role in ensuring efficiency and excellence at Earth Works.
Services
- Landscape Design & Installation
- Paver Patios, Paver Walkways, Paver Driveways
- Firepits, Retaining Walls , Seat Walls,
- Landscape Lighting, Drainage design & Installation,
- Lawn Care Services, Lawn Maintenance, Lawn Fertilization
- Lawn Pest Control, Lawn Weed Control
- Aeration and Top Dressing
- Water Features, Koi Ponds,
- Waterfalls, Bubbling Fountains
- Garden Center & Pond Supply Store
General Services Areas
Jacksonville (Jax), Jacksonville Beach, Neptune Beach, Atlantic Beach, Ponte Vedra Beach, Ponte Vedra, Fernandina Beach, Amelia Island, Orange Park, St. Johns, Nocatee
Location
GARDEN CENTER
12501 Beach Blvd
Jacksonville, FL 32246
LANDSCAPE OPERATIONS
(not open to the public)
St. Johns Bluff
1057 St. Johns Bluff Rd. N.
Jacksonville, FL 32225
Hours
Monday-Saturday 9-5
Sunday 10-5
HOLIDAY CLOSINGS
New Year’s Day • Easter • Memorial Day
July 4th • Labor Day • Thanksgiving Day
Christmas Eve • Christmas Day