1. Go Native for Low-Maintenance Beauty

Plant Louisiana natives to handle heat, humidity, poor drainage, and occasional floods. They support pollinators, need less water/fertilizer, and give that authentic bayou look with Spanish moss and cypress vibes.

• American Beautyberry – Purple berries for birds and color.
• Louisiana Iris – Stunning blooms in wet spots.
• Bald Cypress – Iconic for swamps, tolerates wet feet.
• Black-Eyed Susan – Sunny wildflowers for pollinators.
• Gulf Coast Muhly Grass – Airy pink plumes in fall.
• Cardinal Flower & Texas Star Hibiscus – Vibrant reds/pinks.

Pro Tip: Start small – mix natives with your existing beds for easy wins.

2. Seasonal Gardening Calendar (South Louisiana)

Plant year-round in our mild climate, but time it right:

1. Spring (March-May): Warm-season veggies (tomatoes, peppers, okra, squash). Plant natives like iris and black-eyed Susans.
2. Summer (June-Aug): Mulch heavily, water deeply but infrequently. Harvest okra, sweet potatoes, eggplant.
3. Fall (Sept-Nov): Cool-season crops (broccoli, cabbage, greens). Plant fall color and prep for mild winters.
4. Winter (Dec-Feb): Leafy greens, root veggies. Prune dormant plants, hurricane cleanup if needed.

Successive plantings every 1-2 weeks keep your harvest rolling!

3. Hurricane & Storm Prep for Your Yard

Hurricane season (June-Nov) hits hard – prep to minimize damage:

• Plant wind-resistant trees/shrubs (live oak, bald cypress, hollies) in groups for stability.
• Stake young plants; move pots indoors or against house.
• Trim dead branches; secure loose items (furniture, tools).
• Choose flexible natives over brittle exotics.
• Post-storm: Remove debris quickly, check for rot, replant resilient species.

Dave’s seen it all – call me for pre-season tune-ups!

4. Edible Gardening in the Heat

Our climate loves heat-loving crops:

• Okra, sweet peppers, eggplant, sweet potatoes, long beans.
• Plant in full sun with good drainage/mulch to fight weeds and retain moisture.
• Fertilize organically; watch for pests in humidity.

5. Soil & Water Wisdom for Gulf Coast

Heavy clay + rain = drainage issues. Amend with compost, mulch thickly, use raised beds. Water deeply early morning; drip irrigation beats overhead in humidity.