Blackberries Pack Big Health Benefits (9/22/2026) - Blackberries may not always get the attention they deserve but they are often considered nutritional powerhouses because they provide many important nutrients while remaining relatively low in calories and naturally low in sugar. One cup of blackberries contains several key vitamins and minerals that support good health, including: Vitamin C helps support the immune system… more
Let’s Walk Florida! Join the fall program to learn virtually, walk locally and get healthier (9/22/2026) - As the weather cools, it’s the perfect time to join an easy, supportive way to become more active. Let's Walk Florida!, hosted by Florida Cooperative Extension, is a statewide virtual educational program designed to help Floridians achieve and maintain health through physical activity. Let’s Walk Florida meets you where you are - both in terms… more
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month: A Tradition on Every Table! Part-2 (9/21/2026) - September 15 – October 15 | Hispanic Heritage Month As we continue our celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month, we are reminded that Hispanic culture is not just something we observe — it is something we experience. From the rhythms of salsa music to the warmth of a shared family meal, Hispanic traditions have a… more
More Than an Itch: Protecting Your Home and Family From Mosquitoes (9/21/2026) - For many Floridians, mosquitoes are simply part of spending time outdoors. But a mosquito bite can be more than an annoyance. Mosquitoes can transmit diseases, including dengue, West Nile virus and other mosquito-borne illnesses. Recent dengue activity in Florida is a reminder that mosquito-bite prevention deserves our attention. According to the Florida Department of Health,… more
Fall Vegetable Planting Dates for Central Florida (9/19/2026) - When to Plant Warm-Season Vegetables in Central Florida The ideal planting date for warm-season vegetable crops in Central Florida is September 15. Gardeners in North Florida can generally plant about two weeks earlier, while South Florida gardeners should wait until around October 1. Start Tomato, Pepper, and Eggplant Seeds Six Weeks Before Planting Approximately six weeks… more
A Tree Is an Investment in Your Home and Health (9/18/2026) - A healthy tree is much more than a pretty part of the yard. Trees provide shade, lower energy costs, manage rainwater, support wildlife and improve air quality. They may also increase property value and support our physical and mental health. These benefits are especially important in Northwest Florida. Our long, hot summers make shade valuable. Our… more
Found an Invasive Plant? Here’s What to Do Next (9/18/2026) - Once homeowners learn what invasive plants are, they often start seeing their own yards differently. A plant they have grown for years may suddenly raise a new question: Could this be invasive? And if it is, the next question is usually: “How do I get rid of it properly?” That is a great question because… more
Passive vs Active Investing: Which Strategy Outperforms? (9/18/2026) - What is Passive Investing? Passive investing is a strategy that seeks to match the performance of the market rather than beat it. In this context, the market refers to publicly traded securities (stocks, bonds, and other investments). A passive investor typically buys shares of an index mutual fund or an index exchange-traded fund (ETF). The funds… more
What Are You Throwing Away? (9/18/2026) - We are blessed with an abundance of food in our country, but did you know that 40% of food in the United States is never eaten? How can we avoid food waste? September 28-October 4 is Food Waste Prevention Week. Check out these tips for reducing food waste. Meal Planning – this helps to… more
Florida Land Steward Update, September 18, 2026 (9/18/2026) - Congratulations Mark and Janora Crow: 2026 Jon Gould Florida Outstanding Tree Farmers of the Year The Florida Tree Farm Program proudly recognizes Mark and Janora Crow as the 2026 Jon Gould Florida Outstanding Tree Farmers of the Year, honoring more than six decades of exemplary forest stewardship, sustainable land management, and an unwavering commitment… more
The Power of Volunteers: Making a Difference Through Extension (9/17/2026) - Volunteers are at the heart of UF/IFAS Extension Taylor County. They give their time, share their knowledge and step forward when help is needed. While much of their work happens quietly behind the scenes, their collective impact can be seen throughout our community. During a program year, Taylor County Extension volunteers contributed more than 6,706… more
Does a chronic disease diagnosis change what you put in your grocery cart? (9/17/2026) - When someone is diagnosed with a chronic illness such as diabetes or heart disease, one of the recommendations is to often change what they eat. Changing what they add to their grocery cart will be a critical part of managing their health, but purchasing habits, food prices and other economic factors can make those changes… more
Redefining Reproductive Health: PCOS to PMOS (9/17/2026) - September is PMOS Awareness Month, a time to focus on how this condition can affect both overall and reproductive health. For decades, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) has been recognized as one of the most common hormonal disorders affecting women of reproductive age (15 to 49 years old). In 2026, an international consensus of researchers, healthcare… more
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with a Delicious & Nutritious Twist! (9/16/2026) - September 15 – October 15 | Hispanic Heritage Month Every year from September 15th to October 15th, we celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month — a time to honor the rich histories, vibrant cultures, and extraordinary contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans. From art and music to science, literature, and cuisine, Hispanic culture has woven itself… more
Fiber Is the New Protein: Are You Getting Enough? (9/15/2026) - For years, protein has been one of the biggest stars of the nutrition world. But as conversations about gut health and healthy eating continue to grow, another nutrient is beginning to share the spotlight: fiber. Fiber may not be new, but interest in it certainly is. From gut health to heart health, consumers are becoming… more
Drought rapid response project lands nearly $300K NIFA grant (9/15/2026) - You spend the money, take the time and effort, then you have your seedlings in the ground ready to start their growth into tall and hardy trees. However, as it’s liable to do, the weather turns poor and you get a severe drought, like the one that started in 2025 and carried into spring 2026. … more
Safe egg storage (9/15/2026) - I have been asked several times recently about the currently-trending practice of water glassing eggs for long-term storage and whether it is a safe practice. The short answer is no. But continue reading to find out just why it is not recommended. As interest in home backyard chicken flocks continues to grow, an old-fashioned food preservation method known as… more
Grow with Confidence at the 20th Annual Master Gardener Plant Sale (9/14/2026) - Imagine your are about to buy a lovely little plant from a store and suddenly you wonder…is it healthy? Will it survive in my yard? Will I be able to take care of it? Most of us who love plants have experienced this. Coming up soon in Sarasota is an event which will take the… more
Gardening and Alzheimer’s Disease: Cultivating Connection and Purpose (9/14/2026) - Gardening and Alzheimer's disease may intersect in unexpected ways. For many individuals living with Alzheimer's disease, the simple act of planting a seed, smelling a familiar flower, or harvesting a favorite vegetable can spark memories, encourage social interaction, and create meaningful moments with family members and caregivers. While gardening is not a treatment for Alzheimer's… more
It May Be a Little Pushy – But It Only Wants to Help (9/12/2026) - Written by MGV Linda Knight While visiting the Discovery Gardens Rose Garden, I noticed a Corky-Stemmed Passionflower (Passiflora suberosa) had pushed its tiny, pale yellow-green flower to the top of the perfectly trimmed Dwarf Yaupon Holly (Ilex vomitoria) hedge. Some of us are perfectionists and prefer our hedges to be flawless, but every now… more
A Bluebird on Your Shoulder (9/11/2026) - Written by MGV Paula Bleakley The phrase “bluebird on your shoulder” symbolizes happiness or good fortune. Who doesn’t smile when they see a picture of a chubby little bluebird in its pretty orange vest? But having one in your own backyard garden is even better-and watching them is simply irresistible. How do we attract bluebirds?… more
How Much Water Can a Rain Barrel Really Save You in Florida? (9/11/2026) - One good South Florida downpour can fill a 55-gallon rain barrel from just a small slice of your roof. Rain barrels are an easy, inexpensive way to catch that "free" water and use it on your yard — trimming your irrigation bill and keeping plants happy through a dry spell. What is a rain barrel?… more
¿Por qué convertirse en un arbolista puede ayudar? (9/11/2026) - Si trabajas en la industria verde, probablemente ya tienes experiencia con plantas, paisajismo, poda y mantenimiento de árboles. Pero ¿alguna vez has pensado en llevar tus conocimientos sobre los árboles al siguiente nivel? Convertirse en un arbolista certificado puede representar una excelente oportunidad para crecer profesionalmente, ampliar los servicios que puedes ofrecer y, sobre todo,… more
Sarasota 4-H County Council and Club Updates – September 2026 (9/11/2026) - Read below to learn about Sarasota County’s council, club, and state-wide updates. Feel free to reach out to 4-H@scgov.net if you have any questions or need more information. Refer to this link for previous monthly updates: https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasotaco/2026/04/06/sarasota-4-h-county-council-and-club-updates-april-2026/ Club Updates 4-H Livestock Club: The Livestock club elected their officers at their first meeting. They are planning on… more
Florida Land Steward Update, September 11, 2026 (9/11/2026) - APPLY FOR THE SOUTHERN PINE BEETLE ASSISTANCE AND PREVENTION PROGRAM Apply by October 9, 2026 Applications are now being accepted for the 2026 Southern Pine Beetle Assistance and Prevention Program through October 9. The program includes 44 northern Florida counties – the known range of the southern pine beetle. This program provides incentive payments… more
Good For You Snacks (9/11/2026) - Snacks can be a great way to help you get the nutrients you need to stay healthy. The key is to choose foods that are rich in vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients so you can get the most “bang” for your nutrition buck. The next time you get the munchies between meals, reach for one… more
Cauliflower: A White Vegetable (9/11/2026) - Fall is a great time to enjoy cauliflower! This versatile vegetable is a nutritious addition to meals and can be prepared in many different ways. Cauliflower is most commonly white, but did you know it can also be orange, green, and purple? What Is Cauliflower? Cauliflower is a cruciferous vegetable and a member of the… more
Could AI Help Find Diesel Contamination in Soil After a Hurricane? (9/10/2026) - The aftermath of a hurricane or major storm is easy to see in an agricultural or coastal region. The physical damage includes flooded roads and buildings, downed trees and disrupted infrastructure. However, some of the biggest environmental impacts can be more difficult to see. Damaged fuel tanks and control valves can leak, spilling diesel in… more
Asparagus: A Fresh and Nutritious Vegetable (9/10/2026) - It is the perfect time to enjoy fresh asparagus! I just ordered a side dish of grilled asparagus last week, at a restaurant, and it was wonderful. These bright green spears are not only delicious but also provide important nutrients that can be part of a healthy eating pattern. Whether roasted, steamed, grilled, or added… more
Are food recalls becoming more common? UF food expert puts recalls into perspective (9/10/2026) - Recent recalls involving eggs and salmonella-linked jalapeños, along with investigations into cyclospora and other produce-related illnesses have fueled concerns by consumers that food recalls are becoming more frequent. While the steady stream of headlines and social media traction can make it seem like the nation's food supply is becoming less safe, a University of Florida… more
Engaging Youth with Gardening and Life Lessons at R.C. Bannerman Learning Center (9/10/2026) - What started as an unused tennis court is now an thriving garden oasis in the middle of Green Cove Springs, Florida thanks to the dedication of the Master Gardener Volunteers with the University of Florida/IFAS Clay County Extension along with the hard work of staff and students at R.C. Bannerman Learning Center. Bannerman Learning Center… more
UF’s Food is Medicine Initiative gaining momentum to harness the power of cross-campus collaboration (9/10/2026) - Improving health is a shared goal, but the key to addressing complex health challenges is bringing everyone to the table to share knowledge, learn from one another, and find solutions. Through our Food is Medicine (FiM) Initiative, UF is bringing together expertise from across the university to address one of the nation's most pressing health… more
Resumen: Pozos privados en Florida: Conceptos básicos y cómo mantener la calidad del agua (9/10/2026) - Gracias a todas las personas que participaron en el seminario web “Pozos privados en Florida: Conceptos básicos y cómo mantener la calidad del agua”, organizado por la Red de Propietarios de Pozos de Florida (UF/IFAS Extension Florida Well Owner Network (FWON) de UF/IFAS Extension. Lo que cubrimos Este seminario web presentó una visión general de… more
¿Ha oído hablar del avispón de patas amarillas? Lo que los propietarios de viviendas en Florida deben saber (9/9/2026) - Si disfruta pasar tiempo en su jardín, probablemente ha visto una buena cantidad de abejas, avispas y avispones. Pero ¿qué haría si encontrara un insecto que pareciera un avispón de patas amarillas? El avispón de patas amarillas (Vespa velutina) es una avispa invasora que se alimenta de abejas melíferas. Aunque no se ha detectado en… more
Pollinators keep a later calendar in human-modified landscapes — A UF study explains the phenomenon (9/9/2026) - Human development may be changing more than where pollinators live — it may also be changing when they are active. University of Florida researchers at the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) found that pollinator seasons shifted later in the year across some of the most human-modified landscapes in the eastern United States. Using… more
4 Simple Food Safety Steps for this Holiday Season (9/9/2026) - September brings fall festivities, cozy attire, pumpkin spice lattes, and the upcoming holidays. Gatherings with friends and family are around the corner, which makes this a good time to discuss safe food handling to create a safe environment and reduce the risk of getting our loved ones sick. It is also timely, as September is… more
Pulses: Small Foods with Big Health Benefits (9/9/2026) - Have you heard the word “pulses” used when talking about food? You may already be eating pulses without realizing it! But what exactly are pulses, and how are they different from legumes? What Are Pulses? Pulses are the edible, dried seeds of plants in the legume family. They grow in pods and come in a… more
Mosquito species known only from Mexico recorded in U.S. for first time (9/8/2026) - While most people may associate mosquitoes with Florida’s swamps, Arizona’s deserts and mountains are also home to a surprising variety of mosquito species. A University of Florida mosquito scientist has documented one of those species for the first time in the U.S. The mosquito, scientifically known as Aedes amateuri, was previously recorded only in Mexico.… more
The Big Bend’s Next Economic Spark May Be Growing in 4-H (9/7/2026) - For many people, 4-H still brings to mind livestock projects, agriculture and county fairs. Those traditions remain important, but they represent only part of what modern 4-H offers. Across Florida, 4-H is a community-based positive youth development system that connects young people with caring adults, university expertise and opportunities to learn by doing. Florida 4-H… more
Piense antes de fumigar: Cómo usar el Manejo Integrado de Plagas en su paisaje de Florida (9/4/2026) - ¿Vio un insecto en su planta? No lo fumigue todavía. Encontrar un insecto en su planta favorita puede ser preocupante. Quizás se pregunte: “¿Está dañando mi planta?” o “¿Cómo puedo eliminarlo?”. Antes de buscar un pesticida, observe con más detenimiento. Ese pequeño paso es el comienzo del Manejo Integrado de Plagas (MIP). El MIP es… more
Recap: Private Well 101 – Understanding Your Well and Water Basics (9/4/2026) - Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Private Well 101: Understanding Your Well and Water Basics webinar, hosted by the UF/IFAS Extension Florida Well Owner Network (FWON). We had participants joining from across Florida and a great set of questions throughout the session! What We Covered This webinar provided an overview of Florida's… more
Spice Blend Day: Building Confidence in the Kitchen, One Flavor at a Time (9/4/2026) - What happens when you open your spice cabinet and stop thinking of herbs and spices as ingredients you simply add to a recipe—and start seeing them as tools for creating flavor? That is what Spice Blend Day is all about. Making a spice blend may seem simple, but it is a hands-on cooking lesson. Participants… more
Think Before You Spray: Using Integrated Pest Management in Your Florida Landscape (9/3/2026) - See a bug on your plant? Don't spray it just yet. Finding an insect on your favorite plant can be alarming. You may wonder, “Is it hurting my plant?” or “How do I get rid of it?” Before reaching for a pesticide, take a closer look. That small step is the beginning of Integrated Pest Management… more
September for Sickle Cell (9/1/2026) - September is National Sickle Cell Awareness Month, established by Congress to spotlight the need for research, better treatments, and support for people living with sickle cell disease (SCD). SCD is a group of inherited disorders that affect hemoglobin, the iron‑containing protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. Normal, healthy red blood cells are round… more
Suncoast Grown and Gathered: Longans for August (8/31/2026) - At the Sarasota County UF/IFAS Extension Office, we've been cultivating a Food Forest to showcase the most productive, unique, and often underutilized fruits and crops suited to our distinctive southwest Florida climate. Through this project, we aim to inspire and educate our community by offering a firsthand look at these remarkable trees, shrubs, and vines,… more
A New 4-H Year Begins in Wakulla (8/30/2026) - At the Wakulla 4-H Open House, the new club year did not begin with a speech. It began with music, conversation, curious questions and the unmistakable energy of young people discovering what they might try next. On Saturday, Aug. 29, close to 200 people moved through the Agricultural Arena at the UF/IFAS Extension facility in… more
Culinary Creations with Okra (8/28/2026) - One of my favorite parts of the summer season is cooking with all the summer fruits and vegetables. While I love summer vegetables, one that I used to shy away from cooking was okra. Whenever I would cook it, the result would be slimy and mushy. After experimenting with various preparation methods for okra, I… more
Florida Land Steward Update, August 28, 2026 (8/28/2026) - HURRICANE SEASON IS RAMPING UP. ARE YOU READY? We are keeping an eye on Dolly, the next named tropical storm in the Atlantic. We’ve learned the hard way in recent years that powerful hurricanes can make their way inland and do considerable damage to forest lands and agricultural enterprises. It’s time to be ready… more
A Full-Circle Moment: From Curious Kid to Extension Agent (8/27/2026) - Did you know that youth who participate in organized group activities often develop a stronger sense of belonging, greater confidence, and leadership skills that can positively influence their future? I can personally attest to that. Recently, I was looking back through some old photos, and I found a few that made me smile. The… more
Be Sugar Smart (8/27/2026) - Take a trip to the grocery store and pick up almost any packaged food item. Chances are, it contains added sugar. While enjoying an occasional sweet treat is perfectly fine, regularly consuming too much added sugar has been linked to weight gain, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, tooth decay, and other chronic health conditions. Sugar… more