Frequently Asked Questions

• Just about everything you need to grow something good!
• Plants for every space – Shrubs, bedding plants, tropical, indoor & native
• Garden essentials – soil, mulch, pottery, trellises & supplies
• Outdoor charm – decor to make your space feel like home
• Full-service support – garden design & installation
• Friendly know-how team that is happy to help!

Whether you’re planting your first pot or reworking your whole yard, we’ve got you covered!

Zone 9a refers to a growing region where average winter lows range from 20-25 degrees Fahrenheit. In our area, that means long growing seasons, intense summer heat, high humidity, and short, mild winters. Many plants thrive here year-round, but heat tolerance and proper watering are key.

• We have a 12 month planting season for most landscape plants. Spring (February – April): Great for vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, squash, and herbs.
• Summer (May – August): Focus on heat-loving plants like okra, sweet potatoes, and southern peas
• Fall (September – November): Ideal for a second round of crops like lettuce, broccoli, carrots, and cabbage.
• Winter (December-January): Time for hardy greens, root crops, and planting trees/shrubs.
• In Zone 9a, you often get two full growing seasons, Spring & Fall!

It depends on the plant, location in the sun and if it is in a container or planted in the ground, but a good rule is:

• Deep, less frequent watering is better than shallow, daily watering.
• Most plants need about 1-2 inches of water per week.
• In peak summer heat, container plants may need daily watering.

Always check soil moisture before watering. Don’t water on a schedule alone.

In Zone 9a heat, plants may wilt during the hottest part of the day, even if they’re well-watered. This is called heat stress wilting.

• If they recover in the evening, they’re okay!
• If they stay wilted, they need water or shade.

Some reliable favorites for Zone 9a include:

• Vegetables: Tomatoes, peppers, okra, beans, squash, cucumbers
• Fruits: Blueberries, blackberries, figs, citrus, strawberries
• Herbs: Basil, rosemary, thyme, mint
• Flowers: Zinnias, marigolds, pentas, hibiscus, lantana

We seek to carry plants that are heat-tolerant and humidity-friendly.

• During the growing season (spring through early fall)
• Every 2-6 weeks, depending on the plant and the fertilizer type
• Use a slow-release fertilizer for steady growth, or liquid feed for quick boosts
• Avoid fertilizing during extreme heat or when plants are stressed

• Healthy soil = healthy plants!
• Add compost or organic matter regularly
• Use mulch to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature
• Consider raised beds if your soil drains poorly
• In our region, soils can be sandy or heavy clay. Both benefit from organic amendments.

Mulch is a layer of material (pine straw, bark, leaves) placed on top of the soil.

Benefits:

• Keeps roots cool in summer
• Retains moisture
• Suppresses weeds
• Improves soil over time
• In Zone 9a, mulch is essential for protecting plants from heat.

• Water deeply in the early morning
• Use mulch to keep soil cool
• Provide afternoon shade for sensitive plants
• Avoid fertilizing during heat waves

• Even in Zone 9a, we can get sudden freezes.
• Cover plants with frost cloth or sheets (not plastic directly on leaves)
• Water soil before a freeze (moist soil holds heat better)
• Bring container plants indoors or undercover

Common reasons:

• Too much nitrogen (lots of leaves, no fruit)
• Poor pollination (especially in heat)
• Temperatures too high (tomatoes and peppers can stop setting fruit above 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Not enough sunlight (most need 6-8 hours daily)

• Full sun: 6-8+ hours (most vegetables & flowering plants)
• Part sun/shade: 3-6 hours of sun
• Shade: Less than 3 hours of sun
• In our climate, some plants benefit from afternoon shade in summer. Our summers can bring intense heat.

• Yes! That’s one of the biggest perks of Zone 9a!
• Warm-season crops in spring/summer
• Cool-season crops in fall/winter
• With planning, you can harvest something almost every month!

Yes! We focus on varieties that thrive in heat, humidity, and our local soil conditions. If you’re unsure what to choose, just ask. Our team is happy to help you succeed.

At Bailey’s, we take pride in offering milkweed that supports healthy pollinator habits. While we do not grow our own milkweed, we are committed to ensuring its quality and integrity. Bailey’s does not apply any fertilizers, pesticides, or chemical treatments to our milkweed at any point while it is in our care. In addition, we carefully source our plants from reputable growers who supply milkweed labeled as “untreated”, so our customers can feel confident they are making a pollinator-friendly choice for their gardens.

• We suggest natural options like neem oil or insecticidal soap. Inviting beneficial insects (like ladybugs) into your garden to handle pests for you.
• Keep plants healthy with good soil, spacing, and watering. Strong plants are your best defense.

• Companion planting is the practice of growing certain plants together, so they help each other thrive. Some plants repel pests, some improve flavor, and others attract beneficial insects. It’s all about planting with a little intention.
• Why does it work? Well, some plants give off natural scents that confuse or deter pests, while others draw in pollinators and helpful bugs. A well-mixed garden creates a more balanced, resilient, growing environment.
• Examples of GOOD companions:
  o Tomatoes + basil > may help repel pests and improve flavor
  o Marigolds + just about anything > help deter unwanted insects
  o Cucumbers + nasturtiums > can help keep pests away
  o Peppers + herbs (like oregano or thyme) > good for pest control
• Examples of BAD companions:
  o Keep beans away from onions/garlic
  o Give tomatoes and corn some space (they attract similar pests)

• Plant a mix of nectar-rich flowers that bloom across seasons, Spring through Fall, to keep pollinators fed year-round.
• Avoid harsh chemicals. Opt for natural pest control methods whenever possible.
• Add a shallow water source, like a dish with stones, and include native plants for a habitat they recognize and love.

• Flowering Perennials & Pollinator Favorites
  o Coreopsis (Tickseed) – Florida’s state wildflower! Bright, cheerful, and easy to care for
  o Blanket Flower (Gaillardia) – Handles heat and poor soil like a champ
  o Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia) – Classic summer color, loved by pollinators!
  o Blazing Star (Liatris) – Tall spikes that butterflies can’t resist
  o Scarlet Sage (Salvia coccinea) – Hummingbird magnet with pops of red
• Grasses & Texture
  o Muhly Grass – soft pink plumes in fall and very low maintenance
  o Wiregrass – Native and tough! Great for natural landscapes
  o Switchgrass – Adds height and movement
• Trees & Shrubs
  o Southern Magnolia – Iconic, fragrant blooms
  o Live Oak – Strong, shady, and built to last
  o Wax Myrtle – Fast-growing, great for privacy
  o American Beautyberry – Bright purple berries, loved by wildlife
  o Yaupon Holly – Evergreen with red berries, very adaptable
• Edible Natives
  o Blueberries (Rabbiteye varieties) – Thrive in our soil with proper care
  o Muscadine Grapes – Heat-loving and productive
  o Figs – Reliable and easy in our climate
• Groundcovers & Low Growers
  o Sunshine Mimosa – soft, fern-like leaves with pink blooms