Found in the Eastern US from Maine to Florida, the pine webworm (Pococera robustella) impacts several species of pines in the first year or two of growth. While less common, older saplings and branches of larger trees can also be impacted ... READ MORE
Category: Forests, Home Landscapes, Pests & Disease,
Recap of June First Friday with Florida First Detector Oak trees are important to our environment with various species growing throughout the world and 24 species native to Florida (90 in the U.S.). With the wide distribution of oaks, especially ... READ MORE
Category: Agriculture, Conservation, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Forests, Home Landscapes, Horticulture, Invasive Species, Natural Resources, Pests & Disease, Pests & Disease, Professional Development, UF/IFAS Extension
On June 1, many local fertilizer ordinances start the "blackout period", a restricted time of year where no fertilizers containing nitrogen or phosphorus are to be applied. What does that mean for Polk County? It is important that residents ... READ MORE
Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, Lawn, Water
UF/IFAS Mosquito Experts I recently had the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues at the UF/IFAS Florida Medical Entomology Lab (FMEL) in Vero Beach, FL. FMEL Assistant Professors Dr. Eva Buckner, Dr. Yoosook Lee, and Dr. Lawrence Reeves ... READ MORE
Category: Agriculture, , Home Landscapes, Invasive Species, Natural Resources
For Dr. Suess fans everywhere, this title might have made you think of the Lorax. The quote "I am the Lorax. I speak for the trees. I speak for the trees for the trees have no tongues”. You might be curious about how this is going to tie ... READ MORE
Category: Agriculture, Conservation, Home Landscapes, Natural Resources, Pests & Disease, Pests & Disease
Hurricanes June 1st is the first day of the 2023 hurricane season in the Eastern part of the United States. This season will continue all the way to November 30, 2023. Last year brought us two hurricanes (Ian and Nicole), which crossed the ... READ MORE
Category: Agriculture, Disaster Preparation, Home Landscapes, Natural Resources, UF/IFAS Extension, Work & Life
If a weed is just a 'plant out of place', then nutsedge takes its job seriously. Yellow nutsedge is native to North America, but can be found worldwide anywhere it's warm. Purple nutsedge is not as well traveled, and prefers slightly warmer ... READ MORE
Category: Agriculture, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes
When does a blight on a plant look like a disease, but is not? A Mexican petunia with a disease-like condition that is actually caused by microscopic mites is the answer! Many gardeners who have Mexican petunias experience this plague ... READ MORE
Category: Home Landscapes, Pests & Disease
Wild Weeds – Weed of the Month Pink Sundew Drosera capillaris Pink Sundew is an insectivorous wildflower, catching insects for its nutrient source. You'll find this interesting plant in wet areas, primarily pinelands, savannas, and ... READ MORE
Category: Agriculture, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Forests, Horticulture, Natural Resources, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension, Wildlife
Have you ever seen a tiny, metallic blue-green fly flitting to and fro on leaves and flowers in your garden? You have probably seen it but dismissed it as some either troublesome or benign winged insect not requiring a second look. However, ... READ MORE
Category: Home Landscapes