Growing pumpkins in Florida does not come without challenges. Battling pest pressure, disease, and heat can make it difficult to grow a sizable fruit that can be carved or used as decoration on your porch. However, I like to think that part ... READ MORE
Category: Fruits & Vegetables, Horticulture
We are in the middle of a very hot summer. As I was mowing the yard this weekend, I stopped to take a break in the shade of the swamp chestnut oak tree in my front yard, and started thinking about the topic for this blog. Immediately my ... READ MORE
Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, Horticulture, UF/IFAS Extension
Join the Great Southeast Pollinator Census on August 21–22, 2026 Have you ever wondered how many bees, butterflies, flies, and other pollinators visit the flowers in your yard? This August, you can help answer that question while contributing ... READ MORE
Category: 4-H & Youth, Conservation, Events, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, Horticulture, Natural Resources, Recreation, UF/IFAS Extension, Wildlife
Introduction Florida's warm climate makes it an ideal place for outdoor living—but it also creates favorable conditions for ticks. These small pests can carry diseases that affect both people and pets, making tick management an important ... READ MORE
Category: Home Landscapes, Pests & Disease,
What: The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) will host an informational webinar on the New World screwworm to prepare stakeholders and interested parties as the invasive pest spreads. Information presented ... READ MORE
Category: Pests & Disease, UF/IFAS
Demonstration Gardens in UF/IFAS Extension By Lisa S. Strange, Wendy Wilber, and Brenna Sturgis This publication provides a comprehensive directory of Extension demonstration gardens across Florida, highlighting their educational focus, ... READ MORE
Category: Agriculture, Home Landscapes, Horticulture
As America prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday, the Master Gardener Volunteers of Sarasota County are marking the occasion in the most fitting way they know how — with plants! This July 4th, visitors to Twin Lakes Park ... READ MORE
Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes
Some types of Ficus trees have a bad reputation related to growing too big, categorized as prohibited, or just outright invasive. One variety of Ficus, specifically Ficus microcarpa var fuyuensis 'Green Island' is an amazing plant that ... READ MORE
Category: Home Landscapes
By early summer, many of us have pulled up our spent spring crops. No disrespect to okra or lima beans, but sometimes we just don't want to actively garden in the intense heat. So what can we do with our garden beds instead? We can grow ... READ MORE
Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Fruits & Vegetables, Home Landscapes, Horticulture, UF/IFAS Extension
Last week, the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) voted to extend the current Phase III “Extreme” Water Shortage Restrictions through October 1, 2026.Before officials enacted these restrictions earlier this year, we had ... READ MORE
Category: Conservation, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, Horticulture, Lawn, Natural Resources, Pests & Disease, Pests & Disease, Turf, Water, Work & Life