For many people, mistletoe is a pest, while for others, it is a symbol of Christmas cheer. The origin of mistletoe as a Yuletide symbol came from the Norse and the Druids. Both had traditions that equated mistletoe with forgiveness and reconciliation. ... READ MORE
Category: Home Landscapes, Horticulture, Pests & Disease
For humans, gathering around fire is a unique social event. For thousands of years we have been gathering around fires to cook, hold ceremonies, and keep warm. Even though today we have the modern conveniences of central heat and insulated ... READ MORE
Category: Home Landscapes
They are small but mighty. A new species of air potato beetle is being reared and released in Florida to wage war against the invasive air potato vine. First, a little background on the enemy. The air potato vine was introduced in Florida ... READ MORE
Category: , Conservation, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Forests, Invasive Species, Natural Resources, Pests & Disease, Pests & Disease
You've started to feel that welcomed North Florida cool-down, but your monthly water bill might still be reflecting the brutal summer heat. Many warm-weather grasses found locally, such as St. Augustine, Zoysia, and Bahia, will go dormant ... READ MORE
Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, UF/IFAS Extension
When we think of fall fruit, often we think about apples, pumpkins, and cranberries This year why not add persimmons to the list. Fall is when their ripening, orange fruits are very noticeable. Not only are they available in the produce section, ... READ MORE
Category: Agriculture, Home Landscapes, Horticulture, UF/IFAS Extension
September and October may be next to each other on the calendar, but they are quite different months for gardening here in northeast Florida September is a very transitional month. It usually starts off too hot, and often brings us tropical ... READ MORE
Category: , Fruits & Vegetables, Home Landscapes, UF/IFAS Extension
Perhaps you've read about how beneficial cover crops can be for building your vegetable garden soil in the off season, and planted one over the summer. Now it's time to get the fall garden going, and you're wondering what to do with the cover ... READ MORE
Category: , Fruits & Vegetables, Home Landscapes
The term “invasive species” has been getting a lot of press lately. We hear about invasive animals such as the Burmese Python, Lionfish, and Cuban treefrogs. Invasive plants like kudzu, air potato, and Brazilian pepper. Even invasive ... READ MORE
Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Fruits & Vegetables, Home Landscapes, Horticulture
One of the most popular topics for our presentations is how to create a garden that attracts pollinators. Typically, a sunny area is the best choice for establishing this type of garden, which can leave those with shady yards feeling overlooked. ... READ MORE
Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping
There are diseases in the landscape that are spread by the very tools that we use to take care of them. When we prune out diseased limbs and branches we could be moving the disease from sick plants and spreading it to healthy plants. In this ... READ MORE
Category: Agriculture, Forests, Fruits & Vegetables, Home Landscapes, Lawn, Natural Resources, UF/IFAS Extension