Category: Agriculture

Beautyberry stem with berries

The Importance of Using Native Plants in Zone 9

by Lisa Strange
December 2, 2025

In zone 9, native plant material is one of the most impactful choices one can make for the environment. Native plants are adapted to our climate and soils, making them more resilient, water-efficient, and less dependent on fertilizers or pesticides. ... READ MORE

Category: Agriculture, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, Horticulture, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension,
Tags: #TaylorCounty, Florida, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Horticulture, Landscaping, Native Plants, UF/IFAS Extension, UF/IFAS Taylor County

How to Care for a Fresh Christmas Tree

by Susan Haddock
December 2, 2025

Nothing brings holiday spirit into your home quite like the scent and beauty of a fresh Christmas tree. After choosing the perfect one, it’s important to care for it properly so it stays healthy, fragrant, and safe throughout the season. Here ... READ MORE

Category: Agriculture, , Conservation, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, Home Management, Horticulture, Natural Resources, SFYL Hot Topic, UF/IFAS Extension
Tags: Christmas Tree, Christmas Tree Care, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Fresh Tree, Holiday Tree, ProHort, SW ProHort

AI center goal to put technology directly into growers’ hands to solve problems

by Brad Buck
December 2, 2025

It’s one thing to listen to a farmer describe the challenges of battling pests, unpredictable weather or dwindling resources — and quite another to hand them a tool that can tackle those problems head‑on. Imagine technology that manages ... READ MORE

Category: Agriculture, Crops, UF/IFAS
Tags: #aiatuf, Agricultural And Biological Engineering, Agriculture, Center For Applied Artificial Intelligence In Agriculture, Climate, Dana Choi, Diseases, Drones, Economy, Farmers, Growers, Gulf Coast Research And Education Center, Horticutural Sciences, Kevin Wang, Nathan Boyd, Pests, Prec-ag, Precision Spraying, Prototype, Technology, Weather
A closeup of an iguana in South Florida

’Tis the season for courting iguanas: Ask IFAS unwraps bilingual guide with timely tips

by Lourdes Mederos
December 2, 2025

Just in time for the holiday season — and the start of the iguana mating period — the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) has unwrapped a bilingual resource for living with one of Florida’s most ... READ MORE

Category: , Home Landscapes, Home Management, Invasive Species, Pests & Disease, Pests & Disease, SFYL Hot Topic, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Research, Wildlife
Tags: Ask IFAS, Ask IFAS En Español, Bilingual, Damage, Florida Law, Fort Lauderdale Research And Education Center, Green Iguanas, Herbivores, Homeowners, Iguana, Invasive, Legal Considerations, Mating Period, News, Non Native, Personal Property, Plants, Resources, South Florida Landscape, Species, Spiny-tailed Iguanas, UF-IFAS, University Of Florida, Unprotected
Geometric wooden awards around a gold alligator award

2025 UF/IFAS Awardees recognized at the Dinner of Distinction

by IFAS Advancement
December 1, 2025

UF/IFAS is pleased to announce the honorees that were recognized at the 2025 UF/IFAS Dinner of Distinction. This celebration recognizes the commitment of individuals and organizations to the UF/IFAS mission of teaching, research and Extension. 2025 ... READ MORE

Category: Agriculture, Events, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Research, UF/IFAS Teaching
Tags: Adam Putnam, Allison Tant, Brady Revels, CALS, Ernest Sellers, Farm Credit, Florida Cattlemen's Foundation, Kim Sams, Melissa Putnam, UF-IFAS

Stories from The Yard: Stewardship and Florida-Friendly Beauty in an HOA Community

by Lorna Bravo
November 30, 2025

Growing a Garden with Purpose: Commitment to Stewardship As a UF/IFAS Urban Horticulture Agent, I work with passionate homeowners and Master Gardener Volunteers who are reshaping what Florida-Friendly landscaping in HOA communities can look ... READ MORE

Category: Community Volunteers, Conservation, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, Home Management, Horticulture, Invasive Species, Lawn, Natural Resources, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension, UF/IFAS Teaching, Water, Wildlife, Work & Life
Tags: Broward, Florida Friendly Landscape, Invasive Species, Master Gardener Volunteer, Protect Waterfront, Right Place Right Plant
Bowl of boiled edamame pods served with two other dishes.

Edamame, a Nutritious New Crop in Florida

by Gillian McGuire
November 28, 2025

Did you know edamame can grow in Florida? Edamame shares the same species name as the soybean, which is already an important crop in Florida. This vegetable, native to Asia, differs from the soybean in that it has bigger seeds, produces larger ... READ MORE

Category: Agriculture, Crops, Fruits & Vegetables, Health & Nutrition, Home Landscapes, Horticulture, UF/IFAS Research
Tags: Agriculture, Commercial Production, Edamame, Home Garden Crops, Horticultural Sciences Department, South Florida

Richardia grandiflora: The Pink-Flowered Weed You’ve Probably Seen but Never Met by Name

by Henry Mayer
November 26, 2025

During this season, you can see the large flower pusley, also known as Mexican clover, everywhere. This is the type of weed that inspires love-hate relationships! Landscapers call it a persistent weed, but pollinators and some homeowners love ... READ MORE

Category: Agriculture, , Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, Horticulture, Lawn, Turf, UF/IFAS Extension
Tags: FFL, Landscape, Lawn, Pollinatos, Weeds

December 2025 Activities at the UF/IFAS Extension Clay County Office

by Wayne Hobbs
November 26, 2025

By Wayne Hobbs, Interim County Extension Director and Environmental Horticulture Agent The month of December is here and we have another busy month here at UF/IFAS Extension in Clay County. Our office has a bit of extra holiday cheer with ... READ MORE

Category: 4-H & Youth, Agriculture, Events, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Fruits & Vegetables, Home Landscapes, Money Matters, UF/IFAS Extension
Tags: 4-H, Class, Clay County, Clay County 4-H, Financial, Florida Friendly, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Forestry, Garden, Gardening, Horticulture, Pile Burn, Workshop

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