Florida’s state tree, the cabbage palm, Sabal palmetto, is one the easiest palm trees to grow. The cabbage palm is a Florida native that can reach a height of 40-50 ft. tall. Do not worry though; this is a very slow growing palm. In fact, ... READ MORE
Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping
Survival of the fittest is the primary rule in my garden. If a plant constantly gets sick or is infested with insects, it is quickly escorted out of the landscape. One true workhorse in the garden is the yaupon holly (Ilex vomitoria). The yaupon ... READ MORE
Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes
We often see questions on whether or not a plant is edible in our plant clinic, and mistakes can be deadly when making an incorrect plant I.D. This week in the plant clinic, Master Gardener and Master Naturalist Don Philpott (dp@mediawiseus.com) ... READ MORE
Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, Natural Resources, Recreation
Factors Affecting Susceptibility to Cold Injury When selecting plants, it is important to understand that St. Johns County’s humid subtropical climate has a USDA hardiness zone of 9a, which means the lowest average temperature is between ... READ MORE
Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes
During Citrus County winters, temperatures can drop low enough to cause damage to tender plants.There are a number of steps gardeners can take to help provide effective cold weather plant protection. Plant protection - Plants don't need ... READ MORE
Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, UF/IFAS Extension
While January has seen some cold temperatures here in Central Florida, there are some blooms that have toughed it out. Check out the flowers featured at the UF/IFAS Extension Polk County Florida-Friendly Landscaping Demonstration Garden that ... READ MORE
Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes
I have heard that one of our soil’s best attributes is for keeping plants upright - our Florida terra firma takes a great deal of ridicule! “Moon sand” or “beach sand” are common terms used to describe our local soil conditions. Did ... READ MORE
Category: Agriculture, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Fruits & Vegetables, Home Landscapes, Horticulture, Lawn, Pests & Disease
Do you love gardening? Have you attended the annual UF IFAS Extension Orange County Master Gardener Plant Sale and Garden Festival http://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/orange/home-lawns-landscapes-and-gardens/master-gardener-mg/plant-and-garden-festival/? ... READ MORE
Category: Community Volunteers, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Fruits & Vegetables, Home Landscapes, Horticulture, Lawn, Pests & Disease, Pests & Disease, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension, Water
Water is one of our most valued resources in Florida and across the world. Both water quality and quantity are affected by landscape irrigation, fertilization, and pest management practices. Despite having seemingly extensive water resources ... READ MORE
Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, Home Management, Lawn, Natural Resources, Water
The Dirt on Dirt No matter where you live in Gulf County, soil composition can be a problem. The northern half is often very acid due to pine/pulpwood cultivation, and the southern end is alkaline because most of the soil is sand. The best ... READ MORE
Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping