Updated 03/15/20 As we continue to monitor COVID-19 in Florida, I wanted to take a moment to update our UF/IFAS Extension community about our current status, best practices and next steps. Please call your local UF/IFAS Extension office… Read More
By Ralph E. Mitchell The title of this article needs a great deal of explaining! First, I am talking about the black olive tree, Bucida buceras, (not a true olive) a common, well-liked shade tree in our area. … Read More
By Ralph E. Mitchell While I often write about plants and pests outside the house, on occasion I also like to talk about common household pests that many of you may be dealing with – both seen and… Read More
By Ralph E. Mitchell Time for some personal horticultural growth and goal setting in the gardening department! The New Year is a great time to make some horticultural resolutions that will benefit any landscape. Let’s look at some… Read More
By Ralph E. Mitchell For every pest, there always seems to be a pest of that pest – a predator, parasite or some type of beneficial organism – that suppresses any aforementioned pest to levels we can live… Read More
The annual Landscape Gardening Series sponsored by the University of Florida/IFAS Extension Charlotte County Master Gardeners will begin Thursday, January 23. Six sessions will be held on consecutive Thursdays at the Port Charlotte Beach Complex, 4500 Harbor Blvd…. Read More
By Ralph E. Mitchell To newcomers and long-time residents alike, palms make Florida a paradise to the eye and spirit. Unfortunately, there is a “little devil” of a disease that attacks our palms – Ganoderma butt rot! This… Read More
By Ralph E. Mitchell Insecticidal soap is perhaps the most-used pesticide in my landscape. Its use as a topical spot treatment for many soft-bodied pest insects and spider mites is unequalled. Insecticidal soap is still an insecticide and… Read More
By Ralph E. Mitchell Pest problems can come on a large or small scale. Think of the myriad of microbes that can bring us to our knees. A flea may be tiny, but look at the aggravation it… Read More
By Ralph E. Mitchell I hate pickleworms for attempting to ruin my summer squash! They slip into my zucchini, pattypan, and straight-neck squash unawares until I see the telltale hole and frass. Cut open, the squash is generally hollowed… Read More
