Spooky season has arrived, bringing with it festive fun filled with ghosts, pumpkins, and a seemingly endless supply of candy. Halloween may be full of spooky fun, but there's a hidden trick lurking in many treats: added sugar. According ... READ MORE
Category: Health & Nutrition
With the back-to-school season in full swing, mornings can feel rushed as families juggle getting out the door on time. But even during the hustle, it’s important to make sure children start the day with a healthy breakfast whether ... READ MORE
Category: Health & Nutrition
Are you looking to attract wildlife to your yard? Consider the Japanese Blueberry (Elaeocarpus dentatus). Although relatively new to the industry, this evergreen tree makes an excellent choice for wildlife-friendly yards throughout USDA ... READ MORE
Category: Agriculture, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, Horticulture, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension
The introduction of Dutch elm disease in the 1930s marked a turning point in American urban forestry. Millions of the once iconic elm trees across the U.S. were lost. The disease originated in Asia, where native elm species show some natural ... READ MORE
Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Forests, Home Landscapes, Horticulture, Pests & Disease, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension,
As edible landscaping continues to gain momentum, many Central Florida homeowners are exploring the concept of growing a food forest. A food forest is a layered, productive forested containing various fruit trees in your own back yard. If you're ... READ MORE
Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Fruits & Vegetables, Horticulture, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension,
Keystone species are critical because entire ecosystems rely on their presence to remain balanced. If removed, the ecological structure may collapse. They differ from indicator species, which reflect the health and maturity of an ecosystem rather ... READ MORE
Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Forests, Home Landscapes, Horticulture, Natural Resources, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension,
The Sand Pine (Pinus clausa) is our only native pine harvested as a Christmas tree. Its compact, conical shape and dense, waxy needles make it perfect for seasonal decorating and year-round appeal. If you need a trick to remember its name Latin ... READ MORE
Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Forests, Home Landscapes, Horticulture, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension
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 ... READ MORE
Category: Home Landscapes, Horticulture, UF/IFAS Extension, , Water
Many of you may love to travel by plane, and if you’re anything like me, you may enjoy getting a window seat. I think that there is something wonderful about looking down on the earth, seeing people moving about their day, fields ... READ MORE
Category: Conservation, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Horticulture, Lawn, Turf, , Water
Just recently, I received a great plant from a volunteer – a sharp and pointy agave, large but in its infancy. Despite its young age, it is still an ornery plant for the garden. This agave when planted in the landscape will grow to become ... READ MORE
Category: Home Landscapes, Horticulture, UF/IFAS Extension