Living by the beach comes with a lot of positives, but it can be tough on your outdoor plants too. Sea salt spray and occasional saltwater incursions can wreak havoc on less hardy varieties. With our plant shop right on the beachfront, we’ve had to adapt our growing styles and preferences to life in the salt spray. Here are some helpful tips we’ve learned along the way.
Start by choosing native plants that are naturally adapted to salty and dry environments. Native species are not only tougher but also support local ecosystems. Planting on the west side of your home can also help shield plants from direct ocean winds and salt spray, or planting the less hardy varieties behind the more hardy (like sea grapes, for example).
Some varieties that we thought weren’t well suited for beach life really surprised us; Monstera and other philodendron varieties, basil, spicy peppers, and even string beans have thrived. On the flip side, plants like banana, bird of paradise, and fiddle leaf figs don’t fare as well.
The University of Florida has amazing resources, backed by tons of research and science, about growing near the ocean. (UF Growing Resources)
Rainfall
For those that live on the beachside, another important factor to consider is the lower rainfall on the beachside as compared to the mainland. While the mainland tends to get frequent afternoon rain showers, especially in the warmer months, the barrier island rarely does.
This means that your plants will likely need more watering on he beachside than their mainland counterparts. It’s crucial to monitor soil moisture closely and adjust your watering schedule to ensure your plants stay hydrated, especially during the drier months.