Category: Turf

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

Spring Pests: The Chinch Bug

by Christine Jackson

March 13, 2024

Spring is here, an exciting time of year when the clocks go forward, sunshine and higher temperatures are more consistent. But we aren’t the only ones excited about spring. Turf pests tend to emerge when temperatures begin to rise consistently. Today ... READ MORE

Category: Horticulture, Turf
Tags: Agriculture, Bad Bugs In The Landscape, Bugs, Chinch Bugs, Commercial Horticulture, FFL, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Horticulture, Plants

Pre-emergence Herbicides- Prevention Better than Cure

by Grantly Ricketts

February 2, 2024

Have you ever felt frustrated by seeing weeds growing in your lawn? Every spring, you apply so many gallons of herbicides; the weeds go away briefly, and suddenly, they return. Winter weeds, such as Florida Snow (Florida Pusley), decorate your ... READ MORE

Category: Horticulture, Lawn, Turf
Tags: Pre-emergence

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

Turfgrass- Frequently Asked Questions

by Grantly Ricketts

June 19, 2023

As a commercial horticulture agent, I have been asked many questions about turfgrass. The following are some of the questions and answers. ■ Can I use an herbicide to control torpedograss in the St Augustine lawn? Ans: No herbicide is ... READ MORE

Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, HOME LANDSCAPES, Lawn, Turf, UF/IFAS Extension,
Tags: Turf Questions

“Kill the Weed Before it Seeds.”

by Grantly Ricketts

June 9, 2023

Between June 1st and September 30th, Florida experienced most of its annual rainfall. We love the rain because the plants are naturally irrigated, but sometimes, we wish to put the rain on a timer. Unfortunately, the rain also irrigates the ... READ MORE

Category: Lawn, Pests & Disease, Turf,
Tags: Weed Control

St Augustine Grass- Did You Know?

by Grantly Ricketts

June 7, 2023

A wide selection of St Augustine grass cultivars is available on the market. The wide selection brings about versatility. Some cultivars, such as Bitterblue, ProVista and CitraBlue, will do well in partial shade, while Floratam needs full sun. ... READ MORE

Category: HOME LANDSCAPES, Horticulture, Lawn, Turf,
Tags: St Augustine Identification

About Me! Commercial Horticulture agent

by Christine Jackson

May 18, 2023

Christine Jackson, I am the current Commercial Horticulture Agent in Osceola County. Below is a small glimpse into my background. Upbringing : Hailing from Central Kentucky. In a small town named Versailles (pronounced Ver-sales) ... READ MORE

Category: Agribusiness, Agribusiness, Agriculture, Horticulture, Turf, UF/IFAS Extension, , Welcome, WORK & LIFE

Plant Species Diversity in Urban Landscapes

by Grantly Ricketts

April 4, 2023

Plant diversity can be defined as having two or more plant species established in a landscape. Having a single species is referred to as a monoculture. The practice of monoculture is very common in housing development and street tree establishment. The ... READ MORE

Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Horticulture, Lawn, Turf,
Tags: Plant Diversity

Managing Lawn and Landscape During Drought

by Grantly Ricketts

April 4, 2023

Looking around our neighborhood’s landscape, it is evident that St Lucie County and the neighboring counties are experiencing an extended period of drought. Lawns that are not irrigated appear straw-like, the place is dusty and ornamental ... READ MORE

Category: HOME LANDSCAPES, Horticulture, Lawn, Turf, , Water
Tags: Landscape Drought

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