I don't plant here in the beds in direct sun from May 1 until it cools in the fall. It's just to hot for the plant, and most will succumb to crown rot, especially if the roots are disturbed or injured. If I had them, I would pot them up in two gal pots, keep them in the shade and water every 2-3 days. They should be in good shape and ready to plant out in the beds in fall. Good luck, Ed

I have two FlordaSun peach trees and I'm in Alachua County. I planted them in January of 2012. They did not break dormancy until mid-April last year. Several people on this forum told me they were likely goners, but that happily was not the case. The trees did not bloom last year but I didn't expect much since they were new. So far this year the trees are still dormant. Given what happened last year, I'm not concerned yet. These peaches are supposed to require 300 chill hours, and they've had well over that, but it was the same last year even though we had an early spring-- they got their chill hours earlier in the winter.

I put in my sugar snap peas in early October with the hope that they'll be all done by February/March, when I can use the same bed and trellis for my cherry tomatoes. Last year my sugar snaps went in in December, but they weren't done until almost May, which was a very late start for my toms. We've had 90F temps since early October, and the peas are doing fine.

First off, welcome to FL. Rule #1 is forget everything you know about gardening in Canada or anywhere else in the U.S. for that matter. You've entered a different world. As for the sand, all you can do is keep adding organic matter for many, many years to make it viable. Those oak leaves are our favorite way of doing that, so don't rake them up and throw them away. Can you send a picture of the "mounds" of mushrooms? It may be honey mushrooms, which grow on oak roots, and are edible, but you MUST have them identified by a mycologist (mushroom specialist), because there is another species that looks similar that's poisonous. Those mushrooms grow out of oak roots, so there is really not much you can do about them. As for the moss, that means there is too much moisture and too much shade in that area, and that the drainage is bad. Do you know what kind of lawn she has? If it's St. Augustine, it is a very thirsty grass and must be watered frequently, or it will die, and the only thing you can do is resod it. It does spread, so you can plug more in the bare spots if it's not all dead. Lawns in FL are difficult at best. They are susceptible to all sorts of bugs, fungi and viral diseases.You should have someone come out and look at the grass to see if maybe it is infested with fungus or insects. You can call your local extension service and they will be happy to provide you with information and a soil testing kit. In the meantime, READ, READ, READ! The University of Florida runs our statewide extension service, so it's website is a treasure chest of information. BTW, hostas don't grow down here. Well, they will struggle along in N. Florida, but Orlando -- no. They do have one that has been developed for "warmer climates" that they sell in big box stores. Do not be deceived. Neither do lilacs and most spring flowering bulbs. There are a lot of wonderful things that do well here, but you have to grow what works. Find a good local garden center that can tell her what to grow, because your knowledge will not help her in FL, no offense, but it's true. We tend to like gingers and bromeliads for shade. There are so many beautiful ones that will grow here. Plus, USDA zones are very important here. We have I think 7 or 8 of them. 9a is different than 9b. I can grow things here in 9a that she can't grow down in 9b where she is, and vice versa. 9b is more tropical and we are more temperate. If you find a plant that says it will grow in zone 9, find out if it's 9a or 9b before you plant it. I don't know what else to say. I suggest she go to the library and check out some books on Florida gardening, and if possible, join a local garden club.