Category: Horticulture

Found an Invasive Plant? Here’s What to Do Next

by Sara MacDonald
September 18, 2026

Once homeowners learn what invasive plants are, they often start seeing their own yards differently. A plant they have grown for years may suddenly raise a new question: Could this be invasive? And if it is, the next question is usually: “How ... READ MORE

Category: , Community Volunteers, Conservation, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, Horticulture, Invasive Species, Pests & Disease, Recreation, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension, Wildlife
Tags: Florida Friendly Landscape, IPM, UF/IFAS Extension St. Lucie County

Growing Garlic in Florida

by Julia Sirchia
September 18, 2026

If garlic (Allium sativum) is a staple in your kitchen, you might want to consider making it a seasonal staple in your garden. In late fall and early winter, you can grow garlic in Florida. If you have tried to grow garlic in the past without ... READ MORE

Category: Horticulture
Tags: Bulb, Cool Season, Garden, Gardening, Garlic, Home Garden, Vegetable

Watch Out for Stinging Insects

by Mark Tancig
September 18, 2026

As we enter September, many gardeners are getting their landscapes back in shape after the long, hot summer months. There are likely some large weeds and/or vines that have taken up areas where they are not wanted. As you begin to hack these ... READ MORE

Category: Horticulture, Pests & Disease
Tags: Gardening In The Panhandle, Hornets, Panhandle Gardening, Stinging Insects, Wasps, Yellow Jacket

Discover the Sweet Potential of Persimmons at the UF/IFAS Persimmon Field Day

by Danielle S. Williams
September 16, 2026

Persimmons are an increasingly popular fruit crop in North Florida that are prized for their rich flavor, vibrant color, and adaptability to the state's climate. With varieties ranging from astringent to non-astringent, persimmons offer growers ... READ MORE

Category: Agriculture, Home Landscapes, Horticulture
Tags: Panhandle Gardening

Florida Lawn Insect Control

by Lake County Master Gardener Volunteer
September 15, 2026

Written by MGV Clayton Yuen Florida’s Five Most Destructive Lawn Insect Pests: What Homeowners Need to Know A lush green lawn is a source of pride for many homeowners, but beneath the surface, insect pests may be quietly causing extensive ... READ MORE

Category: Agriculture, Home Landscapes, Horticulture, Invasive Species, Lawn, Natural Resources, Pests & Disease, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension, UF/IFAS Research
Tags: Armyworms, Chinch Bugs, Florida Lawns, Lawn Insect Pests, Mole Crickets, Sod Webworms, White Grubs

UF launches initiative to support rapid-response research when invasive pests threaten Florida agriculture

by Lourdes Mederos
September 14, 2026

When a new invasive pest or plant disease appears, scientists have a small window of opportunity to address the threat before it spreads and becomes a much larger problem, potentially devastating Florida's agriculture, nursery industries, natural ... READ MORE

Category: Agriculture, Blog Community, Crops, Events, Fruits & Vegetables, Horticulture, Invasive Species, Natural Resources, Pests & Disease, Pests & Disease, SFYL Hot Topic, UF/IFAS
Tags: Agriculture, Challenge 250, Horticulture, Invasive Species, Nursery, One Night In The Tropics, Rapid-response, Safeguard Ecosystems, Top News

Una iniciativa de UF impulsa el apoyo a la investigación de respuesta rápida contra amenazas invasoras para la agricultura de Florida

by Luz Bahder
September 14, 2026

Creado por Lourdes Mederos, gerente de relaciones públicas en español para el Departamento de Comunicaciones de UF/IFAS. Cuando aparece una nueva plaga invasora o una enfermedad vegetal, los científicos disponen de muy poco tiempo para actuar ... READ MORE

Category: Agribusiness, Agriculture, Crops, Events, Farm Management, Horticulture, Invasive Species, Livestock, Pests & Disease, Turf
Tags: Desafío 250, Español, Especies Invasoras, Homestead, One Night In The Tropics, Spanish, Una Noche En El Trópico

Gardening and Alzheimer’s Disease: Cultivating Connection and Purpose

by Julio Perez
September 14, 2026

Gardening and Alzheimer's disease may intersect in unexpected ways. For many individuals living with Alzheimer's disease, the simple act of planting a seed, smelling a familiar flower, or harvesting a favorite vegetable can spark memories, encourage ... READ MORE

Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Horticulture, Relationships & Family, UF/IFAS Extension

It May Be a Little Pushy – But It Only Wants to Help

by Lake County Master Gardener Volunteer
September 12, 2026

Written by MGV Linda Knight While visiting the Discovery Gardens Rose Garden, I noticed a Corky-Stemmed Passionflower (Passiflora suberosa) had pushed its tiny, pale yellow-green flower to the top of the perfectly trimmed Dwarf Yaupon ... READ MORE

Category: Agriculture, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, Home Management, Horticulture, Natural Resources, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension, UF/IFAS Research, UF/IFAS Teaching, Wildlife, Work & Life
Tags: Corky-Stemmed Passiflower, Florida Host Plant, Gulf Frittilary Butterfly, Julia Butterfly, Passiflora Suberosa, Zebra Longwing Butterfly

A Bluebird on Your Shoulder

by Lake County Master Gardener Volunteer
September 11, 2026

Written by MGV Paula Bleakley The phrase “bluebird on your shoulder” symbolizes happiness or good fortune. Who doesn’t smile when they see a picture of a chubby little bluebird in its pretty orange vest? But having one in your own backyard ... READ MORE

Category: 4-H & Youth, Agriculture, Clubs & Volunteers, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, Home Management, Horticulture, Natural Resources, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension, UF/IFAS Research, UF/IFAS Teaching, Wildlife, Work & Life
Tags: Attracting Bluebirds, Bird Baths, Eastern Bluebirds, Nest Building

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