November at the UF/IFAS Extension Clay County Office (10/31/2025) - By Wayne Hobbs, Interim County Extension Director and Environmental Horticulture Agent November is a month of thanks and all of us at the UF/IFAS Extension Clay County office are thankful for all of you who interact with us throughout the year. Whether you're attending a workshop, bringing your children to 4-H events, or calling in… more
Snails in the Garden: Friends or Foes? (10/20/2025) - By: Marilyn Young, Horticulture Program Assistant, UF/IFAS Extension Clay County Extension Snails in the Garden: Friends or Foes? By: Marilyn Young, Horticulture Program Assistant, Clay County Extension As you walk through the garden in the morning during the mid-Summer months, you may notice skinny mucus trails shining in the sun and large holes in the… more
How to easily grow Florida native milkweed in sandy landscapes (10/10/2025) - To support monarch butterflies, the University of Florida and other conservation groups recommend Florida native milkweed species as host and nectar plants. Currently, there are three native milkweed species that are most commonly found for purchase in nurseries that specialize in Florida native plants. They are: * Asclepias incarnata, common name - Swamp milkweed *… more
Fruit Trees for Your Central Florida Yard: A New Episode of Your Central Florida Yard Podcast (10/10/2025) - Fruit Trees for Your Central Florida Yard In this episode of Your Central Florida Yard podcast, Anne and Julie talk about growing fruit in central Florida. There are so many varieties of fruit trees from temperate to tropical that it’s hard to know what will grow here. Fruit trees will not only provide ornamental interest… more
Fragrant Plants for Your Central Florida Yard: A New Episode of Your Central Florida Yard Podcast (8/25/2025) - Fragrant Plants for Your Central Florida Yard In this episode of Your Central Florida Yard podcast, we talk all about our favorite fragrant plants. What type of garden scents do you prefer? Some people like heavy florals while other people prefer a more subtle scent. We share flowers, and other garden fragrances, in this… more
2026 Master Gardener Volunteer Recruitment & FAQs (8/18/2025) - Do you love gardening? Or maybe you just want to learn more? Are you interested in being a part of a community of volunteers and sharing your gardening training with the residents in our county? If so, you’ve come to the right place! Find out what is involved in becoming a Master Gardener Volunteer (MGV)… more
Growing Happy Houseplants: A New Episode of Your Central Florida Yard Podcast (8/18/2025) - Growing Happy Houseplants In this episode of Your Central Florida Yard podcast, we talk all about how to successfully grow houseplants. Join us as we chat about how to select a houseplant for your home’s light conditions, basic tips for house plant care, and how to identify and solve basic indoor plant problems and identify… more
Save the Date: 2026 Orange County Garden Festival & Plant Sale (8/12/2025) - Saturday, March 7, 2026 | 8:30 am – 3:00 pmUF/IFAS Extension Orange County6021 S. Conway Road, Orlando, FL 32812 Spring time at our Extension Office is the best time of the year! Our biggest gardening event of the year is back, always on the first Saturday in March, we look forward to welcoming you back… more
Urban Wildlife Corridors (8/6/2025) - An important and growing landscaping trend is gardening for wildlife. This important conservation effort can help our native small wildlife populations with plants that attract and support a wide variety of our native species, especially birds, butterflies, native bees and other pollinators. Landscapes of all sizes—even small urban yards—can contribute in an important way. When… more
An Open Door to Growing More: Become a Master Gardener (7/28/2025) - Are you passionate about plants, sustainable landscapes, and community education? The UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County office is now accepting applications for the 2026 Master Gardener Volunteer (MGV) training course! We’re looking for curious, community-minded individuals who are eager to learn and ready to volunteer their time assisting with educational programs, demonstration gardens, and public outreach.… more
Gardening To Ease the Squeeze on Wildlife (6/5/2025) - Population Expansion Puts the Squeeze on Wildlife By Marilyn Young, Horticulture Program Assistant, UF/IFAS Extension Clay County Did you know the State of Florida experienced the second highest population growth in the U.S. from 2022 to 2023?2 Emigration into the state has contributed to Florida becoming the third most populated state in the nation.2 The… more
A Gardener’s Story with Betty: A Special Bonus Episode of Your Central Florida Yard Podcast (5/30/2025) - A Gardener's Story, A very special bonus episode of Your Central Florida Yard podcast A Gardener’s Story is special bonus episode where we sit down with a UF/IFAS Extension Master Gardener Volunteer who is dedicating their time and expertise to help our communities thrive. From supporting Florida-Friendly Landscaping practices to providing hands-on education, we’ll uncover… more
Impact Your Community as a Master Gardener Volunteer-Apply Now! (5/28/2025) - Impact your community as a Master Gardener Volunteer! The Master Gardener Volunteer Program with UF/IFAS Extension in Sumter County is no longer accepting applications for the class starting Fall 2025. Master Gardener Classes The Master Gardener Volunteer training class in Sumter County is a comprehensive course that starts on Wednesday, September 3 and continues through… more
Growing and Cooking with Herbs: A New Episode of Your Central Florida Yard Podcast (5/12/2025) - In this episode of Your Central Florida Yard podcast, Andrea Nikolai, the Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Agent, joins us to talk all things herbs! From growing to cooking, health benefits to recipe ideas, it's thyme for a fun episode! Many people are interested in supplementing their grocery store purchases, adding more vegetables to their diets,… more
The Toolbox Approach to Managing Insects: A New Episode of Your Central Florida Yard Podcast (5/2/2025) - Insects, bugs, pests, garden helpers.. Gardening in central Florida means having different tools for different garden tasks. And when it comes to insect management a toolbox approach is useful. Do you have a toolbox to help you tackle insect issues? Do you know what a toolbox approach looks like? In this episode of Your Central Florida… more
Create a native landscape: Tips for beginners (4/22/2025) - April is National Native Plant Month, and a great time to consider adding some of Florida’s wonderful native plants to your landscape. Let us help you create your own living landscape filled with birdsong, butterflies and native bees and more! Read on for tips on gardening and landscaping with native plants: Think about your design… more
Master Gardener Volunteer Program Now Accepting Applications (4/22/2025) - The UF/IFAS Extension Clay County Master Gardener Volunteer program is now accepting applications for 2025! This training course will prepare you to become a volunteer focused on providing educational experiences for the community in a variety of ways including school gardens, teaching workshops, and developing our educational demonstration gardens. Applications are due by July 15th,… more
Artificial Grass and the Environment: A Florida-Friendly Perspective (4/15/2025) - There are a lot of factors to consider when picking a variety of turfgrass for your yard. How much sun does your yard get? What is the pH of your soil? Will there be heavy foot traffic? When there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution to turfgrass selection, people will sometimes consider a synthetic alternative. But is… more
Don’t Miss the Spring Master Gardener Plant Sale! (4/9/2025) - If you love plants, Florida-friendly landscapes, or just chatting with someone who can tell you what’s going on with your yard, this event is for you. The 2025 Spring Master Gardener Plant Sale is happening Saturday, May 3rd, in Manatee County—and you don’t want to miss it. Expect a vibrant selection of affordably priced, locally… more
Spring Gardening Tip: Prepping a Landscape Bed for Planting (4/7/2025) - Spring is a great time to plan for that new garden or landscape bed, and one of the most important steps to take for the future health and beauty of your new plants is pre-planting landscape bed preparation. Unfortunately, it is often a dreaded chore for many gardeners. We are, after all, CREATIVE! SPONTANEOUS! When… more
Springtime and the Eastern Lubber Grasshopper (4/4/2025) - THEY’RE BAAAACK.... Those monster munchers of your amaryllis, crinum, other lilies and, well, many of your favorite garden ornamentals and edibles! We’re talking about lubber grasshopper nymphs currently hatching out in many of our landscapes. These innocent-appearing tiny grasshoppers who gather by the dozens on foliage (especially grasses and other strap-like foliage) can be seen… more
A Gardener’s Story with Celia: A Special Bonus Episode of Your Central Florida Yard Podcast (3/25/2025) - A Gardener's Story, A very special bonus episode of Your Central Florida Yard podcast A Gardener’s Story is special bonus episode where we sit down with a UF/IFAS Extension Master Gardener Volunteer who is dedicating their time and expertise to help our communities thrive. From supporting Florida-Friendly Landscaping practices to providing hands-on education, we’ll uncover… more
Dead wood: Nature’s invitation to your yard (2/24/2025) - Katy Deitz’s laurel oak was decades old, the trunk half the length of her body, when the hollowing effects of heart-rot decay rendered the tree unsafe to stand. Arborists felled the oak, and Deitz intended to grind the stump. “I’m glad I didn’t, because one, it saved me money, and two, it brought a lot… more
Winter Gardens in Central Florida (2/19/2025) - Our recent central Florida weather proves yet again that every couple of years gardeners face plant-damaging cold temperatures. During these cold snaps we bring out frost cloths and bring in containerized plants. With bated breath and crossed fingers we hope our beloved ornamental and edible plants will make it through. And we still have much… more
Celebrate Old-Time Shrubs for a Classic Central Florida Landscape (2/4/2025) - The following shrubs are a few old-time favorites that offer the true look of a central Florida landscape. These easy-to-grow shrubs bloom in the fall and during mild winters. They offer nectar to butterflies, native bees, and/or hummingbirds who will happily visit your yard at a time of the year that other plants may have… more
Reading the Leaves: What Your Landscape Is Telling You (1/31/2025) - Reading the Leaves: What Your Landscape Is Telling You As a University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) horticulture agent based in Southwest Florida, I often encounter homeowners, Master Gardener Volunteers, and landscape professionals eager to solve problems in their landscapes. Many come to us asking, “What’s wrong with my plant?” But… more
Request a Master Gardener Volunteer or Extension Agent Speaker at Your Event! UF/IFAS Extension Clay County (1/23/2025) - Do you want a Master Gardener Volunteer, Extension Agent, or Program Assistant to teach a gardening topic to your group or at an event? Check out our new online request portal at https://ufl.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1XPksxmxaDYWhca . This short survey will give us information so that we can start planning to meet your needs with one of experienced… more
Resources for Your Central Florida Yard (1/10/2025) - In this post, you'll find a collection of valuable gardening and landscaping resources from UF/IFAS Extension. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, these resources will help you grow healthier plants, create beautiful landscapes, and troubleshoot common issues. Explore tips on Florida-Friendly Landscaping, lawns, plant care, and more. General Resources UF IFAS Extension… more
Winter is Coming: Protect Your Plants from the Cold (1/6/2025) - One of my favorite things about Florida is our year-round warm weather. However, when we occasionally get cold weather that falls below freezing, we need to prepare our tropical loving plants. Certain varieties of palm trees, avocadoes, mangoes, cacao, and other tropical fruiting trees can be very sensitive to cold temperatures. It is important to… more
2025 Landscape Matters Programs (12/30/2024) - Gardens and Roses When: January 9, 2025; 6pm – 7pm Where: Online or In-Person, 25 N 4th Street, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034 Registration Link: https://ufl.zoom.us/meeting/register/vAYF1i3TQgqc2WXOKsfcKw An unequivocal component of gardens is roses. Roses, especially in Florida, can be difficult to maintain. Join the Master Gardener Volunteers at the Fernandina Beach Library Branch (25 N. 4th… more
Meet a Master Gardener Volunteer: Rooted in Passion, Blooming in Service (12/30/2024) - Meet a Master Gardener Welcome to our "Meet a Master Gardener Volunteer" blog series, where we spotlight the dedicated individuals who make a significant impact in our community through their passion for horticulture and education. In this installment of our "Meet a Master Gardener Volunteer" series, we delve into Linda's inspiring story. We explore her… more
Holiday Decor from the Garden: A New Episode of Your Central Florida Yard Podcast (12/20/2024) - Want to decorate from your yard this holiday season? Do you want to learn how to use plants in the landscape to naturally add holiday color and interest in your yard and around your home? In the landscape add seasonal color by selecting the right plants for the right place AND in the right color… more
Polk County Businesses are Choosing Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ (12/13/2024) - Along with the many residents of Polk County who have chosen to implement Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ (FFL) in their yards and apply for recognition, we now have businesses and even municipalities participating. If you are not familiar with Florida-Friendly Landscaping™, it is a way to maintain landscapes in Florida that reduces the use of water, fertilizer,… more
Holiday Decor from the Garden: Ideas and Inspiration (12/9/2024) - It is the time of year when you pull out the holiday decorations, untangle twinkle lights, and decide if you want to purchase that giant Santa you saw at the store. But wait! Before you make that purchase, consider using natural items and plants for decorations this year. Whether adding plants to the landscape, in… more
Central Florida Gardening and Landscaping Fact Sheets (11/20/2024) - Looking for gardening and landscaping facts sheets specific to central Florida? Seeking resources mentioned in an episode of the Your Central Florida Yard podcast? Accessing fact sheets is a valuable way to stay informed about best practices in gardening and landscaping. These resources provide research-based information tailored to various topics, such as plant care, pest… more
Part-Time Gardening: Tips for Newcomers, Seasonal Residents, and Snowbirds: A New Episode of Your Central Florida Yard Podcast (11/19/2024) - Are you new to Florida or are you a part-time resident? In this episode join us as we talk tips for gardening in central Florida including debunking five common garden myths. Julie and Anne will discuss what you need to know when gardening, what to look for when hiring out landscaping services, and how to manage… more
Crape Murder…A Haunting Tale: A New Episode of Your Central Florida Yard Podcast (10/30/2024) - It's spooky, it's scary, it's downright terrifying! It's crape murder! Pruning crapemyrtle trees is often done incorrectly and the consequences of improper pruning are quite scary indeed. What do you know about crapemyrtles and their care? Have you heard the term “crape murder”? Ever wondered what it meant? In this episode we will discuss crapemyrtles and… more
Polk County Master Gardener Volunteers Earn Three Awards of Excellence at State Conference (10/29/2024) - The Polk County Master Gardener Volunteers earned three Awards of Excellence at the Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Conference in Kissimmee on October 23, 2024. Awards were earned in the categories of educational materials, personal communication, and communications. The educational materials project, Soil and Nutrients; A Hands-On Training for the Master Gardener Volunteer Training Course, was… more
Join Us on November 9: Discover, Learn, and Connect at the UF/IFAS Extension Broward MGV Open House! (10/12/2024) - Article by UF/IFAS Extension Broward County Urban Horticulture Agent Lorna Bravo Join us for our FREE open house On Saturday, November 9, UF/IFAS Extension Broward will host an open house from 9 a.m. to noon at 3245 College Ave. in Davie. This event is open to the public and offers a unique opportunity to explore… more
Learn, grow and connect with UF/IFAS Extension Broward Master Gardener Program at the Nov. 9 open house (10/3/2024) - There is something for everyone at UF/IFAS Extension Broward County. Whether it’s finding the right 4-H youth activity, growing your garden, training to be an arborist or needing an expert to diagnose your landscape woes, UF/IFAS Extension Broward County has that and more with all your resources under one roof. On Nov. 9, UF/IFAS Extension… more
Crafting Spooky Season Planters: A BONUS Episode of Your Central Florida Yard Podcast (10/1/2024) - It's a spooky season bonus episode! Let's create spooky season planters for our ghoulish gardens! Are you ready for spooky season? Today we have a fun bonus episode for you about combining plants in containers (along with using items found in the yard) for frightfully fun seasonal decor. In this episode we will chat about… more
Spooky Season Planters: Transforming Planters into Hauntingly Beautiful Holiday Decor (10/1/2024) - Are you ready for spooky season? Sure, you can buy decorations, but consider combining plants in containers (along with using items found in the yard) for frightfully fun seasonal decor! Use spooky season colors when planning your containers. Look for flowers and foliage in colors like black/purple, dark green, chartreuse, orange, red, white, and yellow.… more
Create a Wattle in Your Yard (9/5/2024) - Are summer storms dropping dead branches and twigs onto your yard? Recycle them and create a "wattle" fence! Wattles, or hurdles, have been in use since the Middle Ages; originally used as portable fencing for grazing sheep. Over time, designs have evolved and many examples of beautiful woven fencing can be found worldwide. Back to… more
Harmony in Bloom: Announcing the 2025 Garden Festival & Plant Sale (9/3/2024) - 2025 Orange County Garden Festival & Plant Sale Saturday, March 1, 2025, from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm Mark your calendars! The 2025 Garden Festival & Plant Sale will take place on Saturday, March 1, 2025, from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm at UF/IFAS Extension Orange County, 6021 S. Conway Road, Orlando, 32812. Get ready… more
Starting a Vegetable Garden in Central Florida: A New Episode of Your Central Florida Yard Podcast (8/26/2024) - So you want to start a vegetable garden... Before you dig in, there are a few basic tips that will help you grow a successful vegetable garden in central Florida. From proper timing for seasonal vegetables, to soil prep, water, fertilizer, and even pest management. In this episode we will chat about deciding what to… more
September 2024 Class List (8/23/2024) - Join us at the UF/IFAS Brevard Extension office for some fun learning experiences! Make sure to follow us on Eventbrite to be notified by email whenever we post a new class: https://brevardextension.eventbrite.com Want this sent to your email? Subscribe to our monthly newsletter: https://brevardextension.substack.com Arborist Certification Workshop September 3 - 4 | 9 am -… more
Weeds in the Home Landscape: A New Episode of Your Central Florida Yard Podcast (8/19/2024) - Weeds in the home landscape Weed management can be stressful and difficult for many homeowners, and like many pest problems, the best way to combat problems in the lawn and landscape is through proper maintenance to promote healthy plants. In this episode of Your Central Florida Yard we talk all things weeds! A new episode… more
UF/IFAS Extension Gilchrist County to expand facilities 10-fold (8/13/2024) - Rain left a two-inch puddle on the floor of the UF/IFAS Extension Gilchrist County office Wednesday. It was a fitting reminder of the Trenton structure’s age, and one remarked upon repeatedly Friday by speakers at a ceremonial groundbreaking for its future replacement, a 20,000-square-foot building adjacent to the county agriculture complex in Bell. “This is… more
Join the 2025 Master Gardener Volunteer Training Program! (8/2/2024) - I am delighted to announce registration is open for the 2025 Master Gardener Volunteer training program! If you're a Sarasota County resident, this is your chance to expand your horticultural knowledge, engage in meaningful community service, and connect with like-minded gardening enthusiasts right here in your own community. Imagine being part of a passionate group… more
Summer seed saving: A Master Gardener shares tips on wildflower propagation (7/31/2024) - Lois McNamara has been growing wildflowers for more than two decades, but she still remembers the species that endeared her to the hobby: blue larkspur. “My daughter brought me seeds one year and threw them in a flowerbed, and the result was so beautiful that I wanted to do that, too,” said McNamara, a Master… more