As food prices rise and food security declines, many of us are wondering how to grow more of our own food. Some people have started a raised bed garden in the backyard to grow seasonal vegetables. Others have joined or started community gardens ... READ MORE
Category: Fruits & Vegetables, Home Landscapes
When a plant person refers to a plant by its scientific name, they're not trying to be difficult they're trying to be clear. Common names are easier to remember but often lend themselves to confusion. (more…) READ MORE
Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, Horticulture
The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program (FFL) has launched the FFL Plants & Pollinators App, a comprehensive new resource that brings together plant selection, ... READ MORE
Category: Blog Community, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, UF/IFAS
The hot weather is starting to arrive, and along with it come more insects, more disease potential and lots of tomatoes! Hopefully our summer rains begin to arrive as well. When it feels like there's a riot going on in the garden, having a ... READ MORE
Category: , Fruits & Vegetables, Home Landscapes
As Mother’s Day approaches, UF/IFAS Extension horticulture expert Erin Harlow says meaningful flower gifts don’t have to come from a florist. With a little thought, she says, creative living gifts can feel more personal than traditional ... READ MORE
Category: UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension
Tomatoes, peppers and eggplants are all warm weather vegetables from the Solanaceae family They feature prominently in many of our favorite Mediterranean cuisines—from Italian, Spanish and Portuguese to Middle Eastern and North African. All ... READ MORE
Category: Home Landscapes, Horticulture, UF/IFAS Extension
It is clear that spring has arrived, regardless of what the calendar says! Some of our cool season crops, like cilantro, mustard and radishes are bolting and flowering. We often let them do this so our honey bees and native bees have a ready ... READ MORE
Category: Agriculture, Fruits & Vegetables, Home Landscapes, Horticulture, UF/IFAS Extension
When should I fertilize? Don’t jump the gun and fertilize the lawn too early. Mid April is the target date to apply the first fertilizer application to warm season lawns in north Florida. What fertilizer should I use? Find a fertilizer ... READ MORE
Category: Agriculture, Home Landscapes, Horticulture, Lawn, UF/IFAS Extension
Many people are still unaware that the USDA (U.S. Department of Agriculture) released an updated Plant Hardiness Zone Map in 2023. The most recent edition of the map until now was published in 2012 and put Duval County in Zone 9A. The average ... READ MORE
Category: Home Landscapes, Horticulture, UF/IFAS Extension
Spring is here, and with it comes a flurry of growth and activity in our gardens. Our native bees who are responsible for a large portion of pollination duties are emerging and looking for flowers to forage. It’s only early March, and we ... READ MORE
Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, Horticulture, UF/IFAS Extension