Are you diving into the world of greenhouse operations, or perhaps you’re considering starting a nursery in the vibrant central Florida region? The journey can feel overwhelming, especially with many factors to consider. From understanding ... READ MORE
Category: Horticulture
Row Crop Recap In 2025, Florida peanut planted acreage was 7% above the 5-year average, whereas corn and cotton acreage were down 3% and 29%, respectively (USDA-NASS). Shifts in acreage were influenced by the financial outlook for each crop. ... READ MORE
Category: Agribusiness, Agriculture, Crops, Farm Management, UF/IFAS Extension
See the Difference: Florida’s Look-Alike Species Made Simple Is that a cormorant or an anhinga? An alligator or a crocodile? Poison ivy or Virginia creeper? If you’ve ever hesitated before answering, This or That? A Beginner’s Guide to ... READ MORE
Category: 4-H & Youth, Agriculture, , Home Landscapes, Natural Resources, UF/IFAS Communications, UF/IFAS Research, UF/IFAS Teaching
Good things are growing in Orange County, Florida! Let’s keep our minds as sharp as our tools and learn together in 2026. The exciting line-up of classes is designed to build upon topics from the basics to specifics of commercial horticulture ... READ MORE
Category: Agriculture, Events, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Horticulture, Lawn, Pests & Disease, Pests & Disease, Professional Development, Turf, UF/IFAS Extension, Water
What Are Sandspurs? Where in the world are all these little spurs coming from? Although it’s often considered a nuisance, this annual grass that commonly grows in sandy, undisturbed areas throughout much of the United States, does have some ... READ MORE
Category: Agriculture, Crops, Farm Management, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Horticulture, Lawn, Livestock, Turf, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension,
Horticultural scientist Uttara Samarakoon has joined the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Mid-Florida Research and Education Center (MREC) to focus on researching protected agriculture practices. As ... READ MORE
Category: Horticulture, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Research
Oak galls are one of my favorite examples of how complex plant–insect interactions can be. If you’ve ever walked past an oak tree and noticed odd growths (round, leafy, fuzzy, spiky, or shaped like little apples) you’ve seen the work of ... READ MORE
Category: Agriculture, , Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Horticulture, Pests & Disease, Pests & Disease, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension
Recap of December 2025 First Friday with Florida First Detector This month, we dove into the topic of invasive mites, specifically focusing on the ones that can damage plants. These tiny arachnids are everywhere: on plants, animals, humans, ... READ MORE
Category: Agriculture, Crops, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Fruits & Vegetables, Home Landscapes, Horticulture, Invasive Species, Natural Resources, Pests & Disease, Pests & Disease, Professional Development, UF/IFAS Extension
When it comes to raising sheep in the warm, humid climate of Putnam County, Florida, Katahdin sheep stand out as an excellent option. These hardy animals are known for their adaptability, low-maintenance care, and high-quality meat production. ... READ MORE
Category: Agriculture, Livestock, Pests & Disease