Starting a Vegetable Garden in Central Florida: A New Episode of Your Central Florida Yard Podcast(8/26/2024)by Anne Yasalonis-So you want to start a vegetable garden... Before you dig in, there are a few basic tips that will help you grow a successful vegetable garden in central Florida. From proper timing for seasonal vegetables, to soil prep, water, fertilizer, and even pest management. In this episode we will chat about deciding what to… more
September 2024 Class List(8/23/2024)by Morgan Roth-Join us at the UF/IFAS Brevard Extension office for some fun learning experiences! Make sure to follow us on Eventbrite to be notified by email whenever we post a new class: https://brevardextension.eventbrite.com Want this sent to your email? Subscribe to our monthly newsletter: https://brevardextension.substack.com Arborist Certification Workshop September 3 - 4 | 9 am -… more
Weeds in the Home Landscape: A New Episode of Your Central Florida Yard Podcast(8/19/2024)by Anne Yasalonis-Weeds in the home landscape Weed management can be stressful and difficult for many homeowners, and like many pest problems, the best way to combat problems in the lawn and landscape is through proper maintenance to promote healthy plants. In this episode of Your Central Florida Yard we talk all things weeds! A new episode… more
UF/IFAS Extension Gilchrist County to expand facilities 10-fold(8/13/2024)by Megan Winslow-Rain left a two-inch puddle on the floor of the UF/IFAS Extension Gilchrist County office Wednesday. It was a fitting reminder of the Trenton structure’s age, and one remarked upon repeatedly Friday by speakers at a ceremonial groundbreaking for its future replacement, a 20,000-square-foot building adjacent to the county agriculture complex in Bell. “This is… more
Join the 2025 Master Gardener Volunteer Training Program!(8/2/2024)by Ashley Ellis-I am delighted to announce registration is open for the 2025 Master Gardener Volunteer training program! If you're a Sarasota County resident, this is your chance to expand your horticultural knowledge, engage in meaningful community service, and connect with like-minded gardening enthusiasts right here in your own community. Imagine being part of a passionate group… more
Summer seed saving: A Master Gardener shares tips on wildflower propagation(7/31/2024)by Megan Winslow-Lois McNamara has been growing wildflowers for more than two decades, but she still remembers the species that endeared her to the hobby: blue larkspur. “My daughter brought me seeds one year and threw them in a flowerbed, and the result was so beautiful that I wanted to do that, too,” said McNamara, a Master… more
A Tropical Yard in Central Florida: A New Episode of Your Central Florida Yard Podcast(6/21/2024)by Anne Yasalonis-A tropical yard in central Florida Does the thought of living in central Florida bring to mind a tropical-looking landscape? The climate of central Florida is unique and is changing. There are many plants that thrive in this area from ornamental plants like palms and foliage plants to fruit trees. In this episode of Your… more
Support Florida’s Pollinators All Year Long(6/21/2024)by Anne Yasalonis-Landscapes that support our native pollinators are places filled with wonder! They help our environment by providing safe havens for our smallest of wildlife – bees, butterflies and more! Homeowners, institutions, developers – even apartment dwellers with balconies – can experience the reward of knowing that individuals CAN make a difference! Florida's pollinators have life… more
Time to Apply for the 2024 Master Gardener Volunteer Training Course(6/2/2024)by llw5479-The University of Florida Extension Office in Okaloosa County is taking applications for the 2024 Master Gardener Volunteer training course. We are looking for people who will provide volunteer time at the Extension Office in Crestview assisting with our planned educational activities. After successfully completing the course, participants will be ready to begin 75 hours… more
Hurricane Prep for the Landscape: A new episode of Your Central Florida Yard podcast(5/22/2024)by Anne Yasalonis-Hurricane Prep for Landscapes In this episode of Your Central Florid Yard, we talk hurricane prep for landscapes. Living in Florida includes being prepared for hurricanes. Many people know how to get their homes ready but what should do for your landscape? Join us to learn how to prepare your garden and landscape for hurricane… more
Tips on hand watering(5/4/2024)by Anne Yasalonis-It’s springtime, and gardeners in central Florida are eagerly adding new plants to our gardens. Yet this year’s very dry and breezy weather creates a challenge at the very critical time of establishing strong new roots. For most of us that means we are busy with a lot of hand watering! Did you know that… more
When Grass Won’t Grow, a new episode from Your Central Florida Yard podcast(4/29/2024)by Anne Yasalonis-When Grass Won't Grow In this episode of Your Central Florid Yard, learn what to do in your yard when grass won't grow. A new episode out now from Your Central Florida Yard Your Central Florida Yard, a podcast from UF/IFAS Extension Polk County has a new episode on what to do when grass won't… more
Duval County volunteers keep Jacksonville trees trim(4/24/2024)by Megan Winslow-Jacksonville, the largest city by landmass in the contiguous United States, is also home to the country’s largest urban park system – more than 80,000 acres of land featuring more than 400 parks. For a decade, a cadre of gloved individuals armed with pruning shears has helped provide the city’s young trees with a healthy… more
Extension, County Volunteers Honored at Ceremony(4/5/2024)by kgeis-UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County honored a suite of high-performing volunteers at a March 19 ceremony, ahead of global volunteer month in April. At the event, held in the Sarasota County Commission chambers and including volunteers with other county departments, Extension staff highlighted five of its volunteers for outstanding achievement in 2023: Linda Collins June Haley… more
2024 Master Gardener Volunteer Recruitment & FAQs(4/2/2024)by Clarissa Chairez-Do you love gardening? Or maybe you just want to learn more? Are you interested in being a part of a community of volunteers and sharing your gardening training with the residents in our county? If so, you’ve come to the right place! Find out what is involved in becoming a Master Gardener Volunteer (MGV)… more
Can I Plant This? A Guide for Newcomers to Southwest Florida(4/1/2024)by Ashley Ellis-Welcome to the lush landscapes of Southwest Florida! As you settle into your new home, you might find yourself drawn to the idea of adding some greenery to your surroundings. But before you start digging, it's essential to understand the unique environment of this region and embrace sustainable landscaping practices. Let's dive into what you… more
Fertilizing Palms, a new episode from Your Central Florida Yard podcast(3/22/2024)by Anne Yasalonis-Yellow palm fronds? What's going on? Are you interested in keeping your palm tree healthy and green? Learn what may be causing your palm trees to turn yellow, how long it can take to correct it, and what to look for in a palm fertilizer. Find out in this episode of Your Central Florid Yard.… more
gARTening: Pound Flower Art – A Creative Twist on Botanicals(3/20/2024)by Clarissa Chairez-Welcome to the world of gARTening! In this program we focus on connecting with our residents and creating Garden + Art related activities. Today, we're exploring a unique and creative way to incorporate nature into art with Pound Flower Art! This technique, also known as flower pounding or flower hammer art, offers a unique blend of… more
Florida celebrates 45 years of Master Gardener Volunteer program(3/14/2024)by Megan Winslow-University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Extension offices will show appreciation next week for the more than 3,300 residents serving as Master Gardener Volunteers throughout the state. During Master Gardener Volunteer Week — March 17-23 — UF/IFAS Extension agents plan to recognize the hard work of their volunteers through a social… more
Why is My Palm Yellow?(3/13/2024)by Julie Schelb-One of the most common occurrences with palms is the unsightly yellow appearance that many display. So, why are palms yellow? Palm Nutrient Deficiencies Nutrient deficiencies are some of the most common causes of yellow palm fronds. So, let's take a look at some common nutrient issues that palms experience, what they can look like… more
Organic mulches in the Florida-Friendly Landscape: How do I know which ones to use?(3/7/2024)by Anne Yasalonis-The answer might be - it depends! Are you mulching a large landscape bed of trees or shrubs, or more delicate annuals or perennials? Are you creating a mulched pathway? Do you have a wildflower area? Read on for a few facts, tips and myths about mulch choices. For more complete information, check out the… more
Meet a Master Gardener Volunteer Series: UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County Speaker’s Bureau(3/6/2024)by Ashley Ellis-Meet a Master Gardener Welcome to our "Meet a Master Gardener Volunteer" blog series, where we delve into the inspiring stories and impactful contributions of the passionate individuals who form the backbone of our gardening community. These dedicated volunteers bring horticultural expertise, community spirit, and a love for sustainable practices to the forefront of our… more
Wakulla County Spring Seed Library Kickoff(3/5/2024)by khadejahscott-Wakulla County Spring Seed Library Kickoff FREE SEEDS & PLANT ADVICE MARCH 14, 2024 Wakulla County Public Library 4330 Crawfordville Hwy, Crawfordville, FL 32327 more
Wakulla County Spring Seed Library Kickoff(3/5/2024)by khadejahscott-Wakulla County Spring Seed Library Kickoff FREE SEEDS & PLANT ADVICE MARCH 14, 2024 Wakulla County Public Library 4330 Crawfordville Hwy, Crawfordville, FL 32327 more
Wakulla County Spring Seed Library Kickoff(3/5/2024)by khadejahscott-Wakulla County Spring Seed Library Kickoff FREE SEEDS & PLANT ADVICE MARCH 14, 2024 Wakulla County Public Library 4330 Crawfordville Hwy, Crawfordville, FL 32327 more
Wakulla County Spring Seed Library Kickoff(3/5/2024)by khadejahscott-Wakulla County Spring Seed Library Kickoff FREE SEEDS & PLANT ADVICE MARCH 14, 2024 Wakulla County Public Library 4330 Crawfordville Hwy, Crawfordville, FL 32327 more
Wakulla County Spring Seed Library Kickoff(3/5/2024)by khadejahscott-Wakulla County Spring Seed Library Kickoff FREE SEEDS & PLANT ADVICE MARCH 14, 2024 Wakulla County Public Library 4330 Crawfordville Hwy, Crawfordville, FL 32327 more
Wakulla County Spring Seed Library Kickoff(3/5/2024)by khadejahscott-Wakulla County Spring Seed Library Kickoff FREE SEEDS & PLANT ADVICE MARCH 14, 2024 Wakulla County Public Library 4330 Crawfordville Hwy, Crawfordville, FL 32327 more
Wakulla County Spring Seed Library Kickoff(3/5/2024)by khadejahscott-Wakulla County Spring Seed Library Kickoff FREE SEEDS & PLANT ADVICE MARCH 14, 2024 Wakulla County Public Library 4330 Crawfordville Hwy, Crawfordville, FL 32327 more
Horticulture Workshops and Events in Clay County – March 2024(3/1/2024)by Wayne Hobbs-March is a busy month for our horticultural programs as the gardens wake up and we get to work updating our demonstration areas at the office, answer the spring gardening questions of our communities, and go out to educate around the county. Even more exciting is the preparations underway for the 2024 Clay County Fair.… more
Cultivating Sustainable Bliss: Announcing the 2024 Orange County Garden Festival & Plant Sale!(2/20/2024)by Clarissa Chairez-Spring is just around the corner, and with it comes the much-awaited 2024 Garden and Plant Festival! This year, we're thrilled to present the theme, "Sustainable Garden Paradise," where we'll delve into the world of eco-friendly plants, Florida-friendly gardening, and sustainable horticultural practices. The festival is entirely organized by our dedicated Orange County Master Gardener… more
Meet a Master Gardener Volunteer Series: UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County Educational Outreach Garden(2/12/2024)by Ashley Ellis-Welcome to our "Meet a Master Gardener Volunteer" blog series, where we delve into the inspiring stories and impactful contributions of the passionate individuals who form the backbone of our gardening community. These dedicated volunteers bring horticultural expertise, community spirit, and a love for sustainable practices to the forefront of our Master Gardener Volunteer (MGV)… more
Growing Together: Orange Co Master Gardener Volunteer 2023 Highlights(2/2/2024)by Clarissa Chairez-UF/IFAS Extension owes much of its success in community outreach and horticulture education to the invaluable contributions of the Master Gardener Volunteer (MGV) Program. From providing assistance in the Plant Clinic to conducting classes countywide, supporting our 4-H initiatives, and drawing crowds of over 2,300 at our annual Garden Festival & Plant Sale, our dedicated… more
Horticulture Workshops and Events- February 2024(1/31/2024)by Wayne Hobbs-In February, the UF/IFAS Extension Clay County Master Gardeners and Horticulture Agent have plenty of opportunities for you to learn and increase your gardening skills! Here are some upcoming classes and events. UF/IFAS Extension Clay County Master Gardener Volunteers host a help desk every month of the Orange Park Farmers Market at the Orange Park… more
Meet a Master Gardener Volunteer Series: Shamrock Park Demonstration Garden(1/24/2024)by Ashley Ellis-Welcome to our "Meet a Master Gardener Volunteer" blog series, where we delve into the inspiring stories and impactful contributions of the passionate individuals who form the backbone of our gardening community. These dedicated volunteers bring horticultural expertise, community spirit, and a love for sustainable practices to the forefront of our Master Gardener Volunteer (MGV)… more
Spanish Moss, a new episode from Your Central Florida Yard podcast(1/22/2024)by Anne Yasalonis-Spanish moss: creepy or cool? What comes to mind when you think of a southern landscape? Large, graceful oaks draped oh-so-perfectly with Spanish moss? Spanish moss is a quintessential part of our landscapes “down south” and it is often something that interests our visitors. What do you know about Spanish moss—there are many myths and… more
Horticultural Workshops and Events- January 2024(1/12/2024)by Wayne Hobbs-Come out of the cold and rainy weather this January to learn more about horticulture with the UF/IFAS Extension Clay County and our amazing Master Gardener Volunteers . Here are some of our available workshops this month: Homeowner Hydroponics: Learn about how to start and manage your own hydroponic systems in this fun workshop, you… more
Welcome to Your Central Florida Yard, a new podcast from UF/IFAS Extension Polk County(1/5/2024)by Anne Yasalonis-Welcome to gardening podcast series where we explore how to successfully garden in the unique climate of central Florida. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this podcast is for you. So grab your shovel and get ready to dig into this monthly podcast for gardeners in and around the central Florida area!… more
Aromatic Sweet Almond Bush(12/28/2023)by Jamie Daugherty-One of my all time favorite plants in my backyard are my sweet almond bushes. I first discovered these plants as I wandered around a local lawn and garden center, drawn to their wonderful almond scent emanating from its small, white flower clusters. They are one of two plants that I added with pollinators in… more
2024 UF/IFAS Extension Clay County Master Gardener Citrus Picking Starts Now!(12/20/2023)by Wayne Hobbs-It is winter and the temperatures are dropping, the holiday season is upon us, and citrus across the state is ripening on the trees. In this season of giving, have you ever noticed your backyard orange trees produce just too much fruit for you to eat? If that's the case, consider having the UF/IFAS Clay… more
Hillsborough County Extension Partners with Tampa Family Health Centers to Provide Planter Pots(11/29/2023)by Tia Silvasy-The Planter Pot Giveaway at the Tampa Family Health Center (TFHC) was a huge success! We provided a total of 90 low-income households with pots, soil and seeds to improve their food security and health. The planter pot kits were provided through a grant with the USDA-NRCS. UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County Master Gardener Volunteers provided… more
2024 MGV Landscape Matters Programs(11/28/2023)by Taylor Clem, PhD-Landscape Matters: Old World Roses When: January 10, 2024; 10:15am – 11am Where: Online or In-Person, 25 N 4th Street, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034 Registration Link: https://ufl.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJIqcuiqpzMuHNJnqZhrxSEr-h8qT81vhk8l An unequivocal component of gardens is roses. Roses, especially in Florida, can be difficult to maintain. Join the Master Gardener Volunteers at the Fernandina Beach Library Branch (25… more
Grow Grapes? Wine Not? Muscadine grapes in Florida.(11/17/2023)by Wayne Hobbs-The grape of the south, the Muscadine The grape of the south is the muscadine. It is one of the few grape varieties that perform well in the hot climate of the southeastern United States. The native variety of muscadine is called 'Scuppernong'. Here in Florida it grows well in our poor soil conditions. It… more
Proper Planting: Trees and Shrubs(11/16/2023)by Anne Yasalonis-Trees and shrubs can be purchased in many sizes, most are no smaller than a one gallon size, and many go up to 7 gallon (or larger). Because of both size at planting and maturity, cost of plants, and large root spread, planning for proper placement before planning is important. 1. Always call before you… more
Proper Planting: Annuals and Perennials(11/1/2023)by Anne Yasalonis-Proper planting ensures a good start to a healthy landscape. The following guidelines for installing plants apply for sandy, well-drained soils. Annuals and Perennials Annuals and perennials are typically small (4”) to one gallon sized pots and last at least one season. Examine plants prior to purchasing. Check for signs of disease or insects. Check… more
Let’s Get Florida-Friendly Polk County!(10/27/2023)by Julie Schelb-What's the big deal? As one of the fastest growing counties in Florida, Polk County, it's time to get serious and get Florida-Friendly! With so much development and population growth our natural resources, including our water resources, are strained. What is Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ and how can it help? Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ is a program offered through… more
Something bugging your landscape? Ask for help at the Residential Plant Clinic in Apopka!(10/16/2023)by Clarissa Chairez-Orange County is the 5th largest county in the state of Florida. Our residents are fortunate to have access to 2 free Plant Clinics, one of which is located in Apopka at the UF/IFAS Mid-Florida Research and Education Center (MREC)! At our Plant Clinics, residents can find answers to what’s ailing their landscapes, from lawns… more
Scent-sational Shrubs: Unveiling the Aromatic Allure of the Tea Olive(9/22/2023)by Wayne Hobbs-When it comes to choosing plants for my yard, I follow my nose. And I have found nothing is more aromatically exquisite than the Osmanthus fragrans, tea olive tree. The tea olive is a tree, reaching heights of 20 feet or more, but since it is slow growing, it is usually pruned and kept as… more
Late summer in your Florida-Friendly landscape: A few quick tips(9/2/2023)by Anne Yasalonis-It’s the end of summer and it’s hot--and not just hot, but hot and humid! Now is a good time to keep your garden activities to a minimum. If you work in your landscape addressing the few chores that might be necessary, always remember to STAY SAFE! Work primarily in the morning or late afternoon… more