Category: Pests & Disease

April is Earth Month

by Christine Jackson

April 11, 2024

April is recognized as Earth Month. With the 22nd being Earth Day. Earth Day started as a one-day event in 1970, with protests about environmental ignorance and demanding new legislation. After this event, major environmental laws were introduced, ... READ MORE

Category: Agriculture, Conservation, Events, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Horticulture, Lawn, Pests & Disease, Turf, UF/IFAS Extension, Water
Tags: Composting, Conservation, Earth Day, Gardening, Planting

What is thatch?

by Christine Jackson

January 17, 2024

Thatch is the layer of dead material and organic matter between the soil surface and grass. It gives Florida grasses a sponge-like feel under the feet that springs back when you step. This layer can be a double-edged sword. It provides many ... READ MORE

Category: Agriculture, Horticulture, Pests & Disease, Turf,
Tags: Agriculture, Commercial Horticulture, Horticulture, Turf Disease, Turfgrass, Turfgrasses In Central Floridaa

Gardening Tip: Roses

by Eva Maria Pabon

March 27, 2023

I heard about a dangerous rose disease. How would I know if my roses have gotten it? The worst rose disease is called Rose Rosette Disease, which is a virus that is spread by the eriophyid mite. Though we have plenty of those unusual 4- legged ... READ MORE

Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, HOME LANDSCAPES, Horticulture, Pests & Disease, Pests & Disease, UF/IFAS Extension,
Tags: Eva Maria Pabon, Extension, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Roses, UF/IFAS Extension

Pesticide Safety

by Eva Maria Pabon

March 17, 2023

February was National Pesticide Safety Education Month but is not too late to learn about it. By definition, a pesticide is actually anything used to kill or repel insects, fungi, mold, mildew, diseases, animals, or weedy plants. For obvious ... READ MORE

Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, HOME LANDSCAPES, Horticulture, Lawn, Pests & Disease, UF/IFAS Extension,
Tags: Eva Pabon, Extension, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, UF/IFAS Extension

Pest to watch out for in and around the home

by Christine Jackson

February 8, 2023

Pest will be an inevitable hurdle that you must come to face being a plant owner. Just like your furry friends, plants too can suffer from bug infestations and diseases. Use this quick guide as reference to recognize and treat any infestation ... READ MORE

Category: Agriculture, HOME LANDSCAPES, Horticulture, Pests & Disease, Pests & Disease, UF/IFAS Extension

Report sick or dead birds

by Jessica Sullivan

August 1, 2022

Authors: Brittany Justesen & Jessica Sullivan, UF IFAS Extension - Osceola County Backyard poultry flocks have become more common in recent years, and small flock owners should be aware of how to prevent illness in their flocks ... READ MORE

Category: Agriculture, Livestock, Pests & Disease
Tags: Avian Flu, Backyard Chickens, City Chickens, Poultry, Small Flock, Urban Chickens

Virtual Limited Review Class is offering Pesticide Continuing Education Units (CEUs)

by Grantly Ricketts

May 4, 2021

Please join us for our Limited Pesticide Review on May 27th from 8:30 – 3:30. You may attend the full day if you need to certify for the Limited Commercial Landscape or Limited Lawn and Ornamental pesticide license or if just need the 6 CEU ... READ MORE

Category: HOME LANDSCAPES, Horticulture, Pests & Disease
Tags: Pesticide Training

Scouting and Identifying Bad Bugs in the landscape

by Grantly Ricketts

August 28, 2020

Healthy plants are happy plants! For a plant to be happy, first it needs to be planted at the right place where it will get all its requirements in the right proportion. Different plants have different amounts requirements. Plants needs soil, ... READ MORE

Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, HOME LANDSCAPES, Lawn, Pests & Disease, Pests & Disease, Turf
Tags: Bad Bugs In The Landscape

Bahia Grass Yellowing

by Grantly Ricketts

June 29, 2020

Recently, there is an increase in the number of calls to our UF/IFAS Extension office. The clients are concerns about the yellowing of their Bahiagrass. Bahia is known to be one of the hardiest turfgrasses available to us in Central Florida. ... READ MORE

Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Horticulture, Livestock, Pests & Disease, Turf,
Tags: Bahia Yellowing, Bahiagrass

Negative Effects of Overwatering Plants

by Grantly Ricketts

June 24, 2020

Central Florida experiences most of its annual rain between June 1st and September 30th. Water is a very important component for good plant health but for most people it is very difficult to find a balance. Too little water is bad, likewise ... READ MORE

Category: Horticulture, Lawn, Pests & Disease, Pests & Disease, Turf,
Tags: Bahiagrass

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