Most people think that when it comes to fertilizer (“plant food”), the more the better right? Don’t you want your vegetables or flowers to grow and look the best they can? Although many people do think this way, the logic isn’t accurate. ... READ MORE
Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Fruits & Vegetables, Home LandscapesMany people become frustrated with their lawns here in Florida. Our climate, sandy soils and pest problems are unique compared to most areas of the U.S. Most people follow incorrect lawn care practices in Florida. As a result, they waste money, ... READ MORE
Category: Events, Home Landscapes, Lawn
If you live in Hardee County, there are a range of soil types that make our area diverse. Also the former presence of citrus groves, livestock operations and vegetable fields where we now call our homestead can add a little more variety to our ... READ MORE
Category: Agriculture, Fruits & Vegetables, Home Landscapes, HorticultureA couple days after I completed planting out my two first community gardens in Dade City, my tomatoes, bell peppers, and eggplant started to show signs of pests or disease damage. Figure 1 is a picture of one of my pepper plants. Most of all ... READ MORE
Category: Fruits & Vegetables, Home Landscapes, Pests & DiseaseSo what can be done to control moles? The best thing is a trap designed specifically for moles. These traps can be found at an old-fashioned hardware store, feed stores, farm supply stores etc. The best style is one called a “chocker- loop”, ... READ MORE
Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, Lawn, Pests & DiseaseWe are nearing the end of the spring planting season in Florida. The last danger of frost has come and gone, and it’s time to start planting warm weather plants and vegetables. Usually, the spring season extends until April in central Florida, ... READ MORE
Category: Fruits & Vegetables, Home LandscapesEach spring the cry rings out, “The caterpillars are falling out of the trees!” These menaces are tussock moth caterpillars. They drop down like rain from oak trees. Besides the annoying presence of numerous hairy caterpillars, these ... READ MORE
Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, Lawn, Pests & Disease