Greener is not always better
Yards with only green grass and green hedges in them can seem a boring place. Especially when they don’t have anything blooming. There actually is a lot more to it than how it looks to you or visitors. Your yard can be a complicated place with a whole lot of things going on at once. Or it can be a monoculture with a lack of interest and variety. A monoculture is defined as only one crop grown in an area. In this case, I am using the term as having a lack of variety or diversity. With landscaping, diversity means a large variety of plants which in short means a lot of different types of insects and other life forms. Insects buzzing around your yard may be a sign of a healthy yard. What may bug you, maybe just what you need to keep your yard healthy? Planting for pollinators may be the answer.
Good Bug, Bad Bug
Around 1 in 100 insects cause harm or amount to costly problems to humans. The other 99% are often beneficial. We often only consider the things that cause harm and do not realize the benefits we reap from many organisms. That fly-looking creature buzzing around your garden may be seeking out garden pests or be pollinating your squash. I often see people ask on social media is an insect friend or foe? The truth may be that it is both, depending on your end goal. A caterpillar eating your dill might turn into a beautiful butterfly. Depending on what you have planned for that dill, will weigh heavily on what your next move will be. Finding a balance with all organisms in your landscape should be your goal. In this instance growing extra dill might be the answer. Or if you don’t eat parsley, plant it too, and move the caterpillars to that. Luckily this particular caterpillar can eat both.
Taking the Main Stage
A large group of insects and other life forms are making their way into the spotlight and given much more consideration these days. This group we call pollinators, directly influences our food sources and their availability. Most of us enjoy watching butterflies flittering around our yard and are fascinated at the transformation they go through when a caterpillar morphs into a beautiful, winged creature. Thanks to butterflies many people are now becoming familiar with the benefits of pollinators. Not all pollinators are as famous as the butterfly or considered worthy. But many other insects are also important.
As sweet as honey
Another pollinator, well known to many, is the honey bee. The non-native honey bee gathers nectar from flowers and turns it into honey. While doing this, it collects pollen for its young. It inadvertently also pollinates flowers while it works. Because people are learning how important they are to our food systems, by helping pollinate about a quarter of the food we eat, they have been given a special status by many people. While the buzz is in the spotlight, some 4000 native bees also inhabit North America and carry on in the background to fill an important role in pollination. Just over 300 native bees are found in Florida. Bees, butterflies, moths, flies, birds, mammals, beetles, and an array of other creatures make up our pollinator world.
Planting a Pollinator Garden
Creating a Mecca of flowers and resources for pollinators in your yard might be easier than you think. The Highlands County Master Gardeners would like to invite you to a class on Saturday, July 10th from 10 am until 12 pm. The class covers how to create a pollinator garden in your yard and what kinds of things you will be able to attract. The cost of the class is only $5.00 and will be in-person at the Bert J Harris Agricultural Center’s Sam Polston Auditorium in Sebring. It will also be offered online at the same time. To register for the class or to learn more, click here. You can also call the office at (863) 402-6540 for more information.
Follow and learn!
That’s what’s new from the Hometown Gardener. Like and Follow me on Facebook at Hometown Gardener. Read my blogs by clicking here. Sign up for our Highlands County Master Gardener Volunteer, “Putting Down Root” Newsletter Here. Join our Facebook groups Highlands County Master Gardeners, Science-Based Florida Gardening Answers, Central Florida Butterfly and Pollinator Club, and Heartland Beekeepers
In Highlands County, our office is at 4509 W George Blvd., Sebring. The Master Gardener Help Desk is open Monday – Friday from 9 AM to 3:30 PM
Comments:
October 5, 2021
Hello Cris, You can stay in touch with my online programs in Highlands County on Facebook at Hometown Gardener. You also have a local Extension office in Hernando County. Bill Lester is the agent there and probably has classes. here is his email address. wlester@ufl.edu. Please keep reading my Blogs!
August 7, 2021
I am in Spring Hill and would like to know if have some classes near me , also what distance from the house should plant some fruit tree?
August 2, 2021
Neem oil as a weekly preventative would be my first go to. If it is specifically caterpillars, then Bacillus thuringiensis preventively too (AKA BT, Dipel, or Thuricide) If you use them both you will stave off both issues. Make sure you are planting things the right time of year. If you are near Central Florida, I invite you to come to my vegetable gardening class. Below is the registration link. Thanks, David https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fall-vegetable-gardening-class-tickets-157244118391
August 2, 2021
Keeping your plants evenly watered (not letting them dry out between waterings)is important as well as not over fertilizing them. Check the pH is proper (5.5-6.8) some people claim to put a tums in the ground next to them when planted. If the cultural practices are not right it may not matter how much fertilizer you use.
August 2, 2021
Keeping your plants evenly watered (not letting them dry out between waterings)is important as well as not over fertilizing them. Check the pH is proper (5.5-6.8) some people claim to put a tums in the ground next to them when planted. If the cultural practices are not right it may not matter how much fertilizer you use.
August 2, 2021
Yes it it! David
August 2, 2021
Yes it it! David
August 2, 2021
A lot of people claim they have seen them. You would think someone would have crossed them in captivity. David
August 2, 2021
A lot of people claim they have seen them. You would think someone would have crossed them in captivity. David
August 2, 2021
Jaguarundi are about that size range. If they are in Florida, I find it strange no one has caught them on a game cam. Which otherwise could explain it. Below is a link of google search. David https://www.google.com/search?q=jaguarundi&rlz=1C1GCEU_enUS948US948&oq=jaguarundi&aqs=chrome..69i57j46i433i512j0i512l8.5267j0j15&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8
August 2, 2021
Jaguarundi are about that size range. If they are in Florida, I find it strange no one has caught them on a game cam. Which otherwise could explain it. Below is a link of google search. David https://www.google.com/search?q=jaguarundi&rlz=1C1GCEU_enUS948US948&oq=jaguarundi&aqs=chrome..69i57j46i433i512j0i512l8.5267j0j15&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8
August 2, 2021
Hi Rudy, it is possible they had different fathers but also likely they just had different genetics. Kind of like a child having blue eyes while a siblings has brown eyes. The tail trait might be a recessive gene.
August 2, 2021
Hi Rudy, it is possible they had different fathers but also likely they just had different genetics. Kind of like a child having blue eyes while a siblings has brown eyes. The tail trait might be a recessive gene.
August 2, 2021
A lot of people are seeing cats they are not familiar with. Maybe a young Panther. David
August 2, 2021
A lot of people are seeing cats they are not familiar with. Maybe a young Panther. David
August 2, 2021
No telling what it was. I doubt it is something to worry about. David
July 17, 2021
"The Highlands County Master Gardeners would like to invite you to a class on Saturday July 10th from 10 am until 12 pm. The class covers how to create a pollinator garden in your yard and what kinds of things you will be able to attract." This sounds amazing! Though, I would not have been able to attend, I would love the opportunity to view it after the fact, if it is available. Was the class recorded? If so, could it be rebroadcasted? I'd be willing to pay for it, just as those who attended in person did. This class sounds like it could be something I will really enjoy, especially since I have the beginnings of a pretty nice Butterfly/Bee garden and I want to add to it.
July 1, 2021
very informatic.
July 1, 2021
very informatic.
June 8, 2021
Hi Henry, After reading your article about BER I know it is too late in the season to stop it. What product do you recommend for next year’s crop?
May 30, 2021
What is best way to control bugs. They literally devastated my garden two years in a row now. It is enough to make you give up. What do the commercial truck farmers use?
May 15, 2021
I saw one early this morning 5/15/21 in Keystone Heights, Florida. It was about twice the size of a domestic cat, taller and didn't run away immediately when I walked closer to get a view. It did take off when we were 150 feet apart.
April 4, 2021
This morning I was walking my dog with a friend- ( on Orchid Island- Vero Beach)- we see bobcats occasionally-- Panthers very late evening ( after midnight)-- this was darker in color -- smaller than a panther-- larger than a bobcat-- 2 .5 ft. Tall-- 4.5 ft. Long with very long tall-- brownish ( darker than lion color). Had to be 80-95 pounds. My dog is 85 pounds. It had an easy gait. This was at 10:00AM.. it stayed close to the foliage. The rich golden brown color was not familiar. Should we be worried.
March 9, 2021
My brother-in-law found a litter of kittens, he talk two. One of the kittens had a short tail. The others did not could they have been two different daddies to the litter?
March 5, 2021
Of course, at this point, it would be hard to say what you saw. I think 40 lbs would be a little large for a Florida Bobcat but judging in the open can be difficult. If Jaguarandis are around you think there would be the occasional roadkill. I have heard many people tell that they have seen them. Also with all of the game cams, they would be sure to show up. Could you have seen an otter? There are some instances of black bobcats. My friend has seen one several times near her house. I do not think bobcats and Jaguarandi can breed. Interesting story, Thanks, David
March 5, 2021
Hi Renee, are you in Sebring? YOu can come to the Agriculture Center and we can help you get some Florida-Friendly ideas. David Austin
March 5, 2021
I want to plant FL friendly landscape on a tight budget, our front yard is weeds and is embarrassing and were on S. Egret on busy street facing east. I want people to see they can conserve water and have nice yard. We are in our 60s and have back issues that make it hard to do yard work. Thank you
February 14, 2021
DeBary Florida 1 mile from the St. John River Did I see a Bobcat on 2/13/21?? Or is it this rarely seen Jaguarondis? I was driving on 17/92WoW going 50 MPH and I saw it run from the other side of the road. Had to cross 4 lanes with a center meridian. It was long and dark gray colored. Only about a mile from my house. It just ran across the road with reckless abandon. I am talking about 40 MPH because that is the only way it could of got pass that minivan in the left lane that was about 75 feet ahead of me. The driver never saw it until it was past it and into my lane. The driver hit the brake after it past by 10 feet or less in front of her. But this cat was lightning fast. About 7 or 8 years ago I saw a Bobcat in Dutchess County New York. (About 60-70 miles north of NY City) One was casually walking around a parking lot about 100 feet in front of me. They are more stocky in NY. Has a Bobbed tail. Longer back legs. The Bobcats in Florida are longer and this cat had the Florida Bobcat proportions. Except it was almost a black color. Seemed like a cross between the Florida Bobcat to me and the Jaguarondis. Because it was too sleek and long, too dark, and think it was closer to 30 or 40 pounds. (Based on my medium sized dog I used to own that was about 45 pounds) Yes, it was longer than the Florida Bobcat, and darker. So I am at a loss as to which species it was? Howabout a hybrid between a Jaguaradis and a Bobcat? Very possible. Interesting to note: that this was in an area near where they have been removing woods for developments they are building and we have seen other animals in this area not seen before like wild hogs and turkeys. A large area of habitat has been diminished.
January 4, 2021
I'm in Palm Bay on the outskirts of town. I saw a very large cat today running full speed crossing my vehicle. It weighed at least 40lbs... muscular not too slender and was the fastest moving animal Ive seen in person. The color was light brown to gray... no spots. Although I was in my vehicle I was afraid
December 30, 2020
Hi David, Yesterday 12/29/20 a bit before 7am, my husband and I saw the largest black cat we had EVER seen walk across our patio, between our pool and lani. If I didn't know better since we live in Cape Coral, I'd swear it was a black panther type cat. This creature was between 30 and 40 lbs. height about 1 1/2 ft. with a long, sleek body and a long, long tail. Today, I found several foot prints and one very clearly marked. Took pictures with a penny, a quarter and a tape measure for scale. It measures about 3 inches across, 3 1/2 long. I've been all over the internet, found nothing even close, except a panther which makes no sense since I don't live anywhere near that type of habitat. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
December 10, 2020
Dave, anecdotal, but there appeared to be significant bobcat/house cat crosses in the new Orleans east area. Webbed paws and much bigger than most house cats.
November 25, 2020
This is the link to Dr. Klee's ordering page. https://hos.ifas.ufl.edu/public/kleeweb/newcultivars.html
October 7, 2020
Hi, I was lucky enough to be assigned to Seminole State Forest for a year. I had 10,000 acres all to myself. What a great adventure. I saw the Jaguarondis on the property several times. In earlier times, the late 60s, I owned 5 acres near Brooksville and spotted Florida Panther there several times also. I now live in Missouri and sometimes enjoy The Bobcat sightings. What a great country.
October 7, 2020
Hi, I was lucky enough to be assigned to Seminole State Forest for a year. I had 10,000 acres all to myself. What a great adventure. I saw the Jaguarondis on the property several times. In earlier times, the late 60s, I owned 5 acres near Brooksville and spotted Florida Panther there several times also. I now live in Missouri and sometimes enjoy The Bobcat sightings. What a great country.
September 27, 2020
Thank you! Super helpful
September 27, 2020
Thank you! Super helpful
September 9, 2020
Thanks for sharing blog about Homemade Hand Sanitizer and Wipes.
September 9, 2020
Thanks for sharing blog about Homemade Hand Sanitizer and Wipes.
August 23, 2020
Please advise how to order your tasty tomato seeds via email. I did so last year but lost all info about it. I was very pleased and would like to repeat with a new order, how do I go about it and the repeat donation. Sincerely, Shalom Lichtmann shaloml@shaw.ca Tel: 604 535 9960 Shalom Lichtmann 219-1655 Martin Drive Surrey B.C. V4A 6E1 CANADA
June 26, 2020
We are glad you liked it! David Austin
June 26, 2020
It looks like an interesting site. Maybe I will find time to return and read some articles. Thanks for you interest. David Austin
June 11, 2020
Wohh exactly what I was looking for, regards for posting.
June 3, 2020
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May 29, 2020
Hi Sonia, yes, Dune sunflowers are very easy to root. Pay special attention to taking the cuttings when they are turgid. Early morning before the sun hits them is best. Follow the other Easy tips also. Let me know how it works out for you. You can follow my Facebook page at Hometown Gardener.
May 28, 2020
Is it possible to root beach sunflower and transplant a large one. It’s grown too big for the flower bed & love to move it. Thanks!
May 26, 2020
Hi Tonya, In Florida we have two types of Smutgrass: small smutgrass (Sporobolus indicus) and giant smutgrass, also known as West Indian dropseed (Sporobolus jacquemontii). Giant smutgrass had become the most common smutgrass species throughout central and south Florida, this includes Highlands County. This weed is highly invasive and is spreading rapidly due to the seedheads on each plant. It is ranked as a Category I Invasive Exotic plant species. While this weed is not toxic, I would not recommend trying to make brooms out of these weeds, as this would increase the spread. If anything, you should try to control your smutgrass to help stop the spread in your area. For more information, you can visit: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/aa261 or http://bugwoodcloud.org/CDN/fleppc/plantlists/2019/2019_Plant_List_ABSOLUTE_FINAL.pdf
May 22, 2020
Hello im in florida we have smuggrass here. Is it a toxic weed or just a nusiance. We have alot i thought maybe i could make brooms if they arent toxic. Could only find advice about spraying it i want to put it to use.
May 13, 2020
Hello Henry. It is too late, in my estimation, to start tomatoes in Florida now. I would start them mid-August and they should be ready to fruit by October when the night temperatures are below 70 and cool enough for successful Pollination. Blossom End rot is really hard to reverse and pretty much impossible by this time of year. The tomato fruit that are just starting might be saved but I don't think it is worth your time. Thank you for reading my blogs. I hope you will follow me on Facebook too at Hometown Gardener.
May 13, 2020
Hi Donna, What you probably saw was a breed of house cat called a Maine Coon. I have trapped one by my home and had it neutered. They get rather large. When you search them they will show photos of people holding huge ones. These may be photoshopped because I think 20 lbs would be a large one. No, I do not think any cat you come across in Florida would be dangerous unless it had rabies.
May 13, 2020
last early evening I was watching an unusual cat... not the normal house cat. I got my binoculars out as it was walking in my yard not more than 10 - 20 feet away from me. I was in my lanai so I was able to see its face and markings very close up. After doing some searching on the internet I can say it looked exactly like the BWC Scottish wild cat. The only thing I need to know is if it is dangerous. It was very large and wouldn't want to come into its path.. much thanks for any info. Donna
May 12, 2020
We haven't planted a large garden in years, and this year's garden is a newly-tilled area of the yard not previously used. We now have blossom end rot in our tomatoes. We are applying Rot Stop but I don't know if we will be able to save our crop. Is is too late to replant, will any treatment to increase the calcium content of the soil work in time, or are we done until next year? Thank you?
May 5, 2020
Hi Yvonne, yes the Crested Caracara is seen throughout our area. This species is mentioned in the previous post "Bird Watching Series: Birds of Prey", but could fall under "Raptors & Vultures" as well. It's great to hear from a fellow bird watcher, keep up the great work!
May 1, 2020
Ms. Davis, You forgot to include the Crested Caracara. This is a Caribbean raptor sort of rare and new to Florida over the past ten years. I've seen one three times here and they are just awesome. Their call is almost a hoarse guffaw, like a laugh, and they have a colorful head crest and a wider beak than a hawk or eagle.
April 14, 2020
Sorry I missed this. I don't always get these from my Blogs. A better contact is my email address. davidaustin@ufl.edu
April 14, 2020
Possibly a male Panther. They may look dark under certain lighting.
April 14, 2020
Maybe a young panther or an escaped Ocelot. They've only recently confirmed female Panthers North of the Caloosahatchee It would be rare to be a young panther.
March 30, 2020
I may have listed my email incorrectly yesterday. I need someone to take a honey bee nest out of a soffit in an out building. We need to do repair work and the bees do not allow this. I would rather they are removed than killed but need for them to be gone!! My phone is (863)-385-2346.
March 24, 2020
Hi Richard, I do not know of any Bobcat tracking programs, although I have heard they have done them in other states. It would not be too far fetched if the FWC had some type of program. My Father was a wildlife Biologist and spent years trapping and using radio telemetry on wild turkeys for the FWC. Bears and Panthers have been commonly tracked with collars in Florida. David Austin
March 24, 2020
I saw what looked like a Lynks or Bobcat w a tracking collar in my backyard. I live in Boca Raton.
March 3, 2020
Wife and I saw a 2 to 2.5 feet tall dark cat, about 5 to 6 feet long with at least an 18 inch tail run across 19th Ave in Ruskin, east of I75, about 1:30 this afternoon. It was running from recently developing area south towards a conservation area that runs along the edge of Sun City Center. NOT a Bobcat.
February 25, 2020
You would need to contact Linda Conrad, the Highlands County Zoning Supervisor (863)-402-6638 for more information on locations in the county.
February 25, 2020
Are we allowed to own chickens in highlands county outside of city limits? I live in Sebring, but in county jurisdiction at the end of scenic highway just before the new panther parkway.
January 23, 2020
Five foot is too small to be a full grown panther. A Young panther is a possibility. Under the right light conditions a bobcat could appear grey but the tail would be short.
January 23, 2020
Spotted a dark solid grey colored feline with long tail. 5 ft from nose to tail. Marjory Stoneman Douglas Preserve, Wellington, FL. Any idea?
January 19, 2020
Spotted in Venice Isles Estates on Sat. Jan. 18th a very large spotted wild cat with a long tail during the daytime. Along the side of the drainage ditch Cervina Dr. N. Looked at us for several seconds before going into the brush. I would have said it was larger than twice the size of a house cat.
December 26, 2019
It would be odd for a bobcat to come through a pet door. A photo of the track with a coin next to it for comparison would be a possible helpful to possibly ID.
December 23, 2019
Just saw my first bobcat on the st. Augustine/Jacksonville line 10 minutes ago. It was exactly colored like the picture above. Twice as big at least as a house cat but the head was not that big. It was about to run in the road ahead of us and I yelled to my son to watch out and it slowed before turning back to the woods. Beautiful animal. Lived in all parts of Florida for 28 years and didn’t realize we had them.
September 25, 2019
Thank you so much for the resources!
September 9, 2019
Came here because there is a very large paw print on my patio table. Not a dog. Not a domestic cat. Must have come through the open pet door and jumped on dirty table then left.
August 22, 2019
Hi Alfred, Here is a PDF with the information: https://documentcloud.adobe.com/link/track?uri=urn%3Aaaid%3Ascds%3AUS%3A833c3fdb-8152-4b23-903b-54a94434072b
August 16, 2019
Need a pdf document
July 24, 2019
Interested
June 24, 2019
Hi Melanie, there are a lot of weird reporting of strange animals. I suppose exotics can escape and roam the local woods. Someone near Naples also mentioned seeing a ring tailed cat-like animal. 30 years ago before everyone had a game camera it seemed a lot more possible that these animals were around. Now that digital cameras are catching images all over the state you would think these animals would be captured on film. As many people that describe Jaguaranda type cats we should be getting them on game cameras. Very odd indeed.
June 24, 2019
Hi Lynne, I have a photo of a cat that fits the same type of description. According to most things I have read, bobcats should not be able to cross with domestic cats. I have heard others swear that they believed they did. I would love to see your photos. If you could email them to davidaustin@ufl.edu I will send the photo I took at my own home.
June 23, 2019
I live in Palm Beach County and have been running a trail camera outside my gate at night. I've been seeing what is either a very tall stray tom cat (domestic feline) or a hybrid. It's hard to decipher his coloring in the IR light but I estimate him to be at least 12" at the shoulder, very slender with a long tail. His hind legs are much longer than the front. Can bobcats interbreed with domestic cats?
June 19, 2019
Could there be a ring tailed cat on Elgin South of Duke field. I saw a long tailed animal on the side of the highway about 5 years ago and try to spot it again whenever I drive through there. It had a body like I would think a lemur does. Then tonight I saw on a wildlife page that North American has something like a raccoon that got the discription!
June 14, 2019
Hi Ron, Sorry I just saw this. Usually you can contact a local Beekeeper Association. Asking people on Facebook gets a lot of responses. I hope it worked out for you and the bees. David Austin
June 14, 2019
Hi Tom, I don't know of one place you will find all of the answers. James Stephens's book Vegetable Gardening in Florida is a pretty good one. Here is the direct link into UF's Electronic Data Information Source. EDIS. Hopefully this is helpful.
June 14, 2019
Hi Linda, I have not gotten into the habit of checking these emails. Hopefully I will do better in the future. I hope you found a home for the bees. If they are hanging in a ball (swarm),they will usually move along to their new location in a couple days without intervention. Thanks for your response. David Austin
June 14, 2019
Punta Gorda seems to be a hot spot for sightings of strange cats.
June 14, 2019
Could it have been a young panther? DAvid
June 14, 2019
David, you are not the first I have heard these stories from. Many very compelling. With all of the Game Cams up you would think we would have a photo by now. David Austin
June 14, 2019
Hi Mindy, They are not supposed to be able to cross. Curious to what you saw, though.
June 14, 2019
Bob, I have no idea. Feral cats are not supposed to cross with bobcats although I know some people that claim they do. I got the attached photo off my porch. It could be a Manx cross but I found the long back leg to be more like a bobcats. Something to think about but no real proof of there existence. I will send the photo from a different account since I am not sure how to do it from this one. David Austin
June 14, 2019
Hi Peter, Just finding these messages! Bobcats come in different color variations. I have a friend who spots a black one regularly. David Austin Hometown Gardener on Facebook
June 14, 2019
Hi Staci, yes, it would be very unusual. There are not very many female Panther north of the Caloosahatchee river. Possibly a Young male panther that was lonely. The two cannot crossbreed together and both animals are generally loners unless mating. Mating happens over a short period and then they would both go their separate ways. Very unusual. You should carry your camera with you! Sincerely, David Austin Hometown Gardener on Facebook
June 5, 2019
My son and i were playing golf today in Carabelle. We were driving back to St. George about 5:30 pm and a large (twice the size of a house cat), long, and lean (but muscular) cat bounded across the road in front of us. It had a long tail and had a solid bronze short-haired coat. I looked at some pictures of jaguarondis after reading your blog and it looked pretty darn similar. I had to google it as soon as we got back to our beach house because it was so unusual. I honestly don’t believe it was a feral cat.
April 19, 2019
I saw an extremely strange and exotic looking wild cat near Punta Gorda. I have seen wild cats in the northern climes, none of which looked like this short haired speed. Spotted cat that is thin with long legs and a small head.
April 3, 2019
David, I recently graduated from the Master Gardener program in Seminole County. I am overwhelmed by the depth and breadth of information on UF’s IFAS web site! I am particularly interested in vegetable gardening and I am looking for a single repository of information that would help me identify pests and diseases of vegetables we grow in Florida WITH photos to aid in identification. Any recommendations? Thanks in advance, Tom Sacher
March 27, 2019
I have recently discovered 2 honey bee nests on my property. If you or someone might be interested in saving these bees you may contact me at my email address below. If no one responds I will probably be forced to exterminate them as someone might view them as a threat. That would be a small or maybe a large tragedy to me. Please contact me as soon as possible.
March 23, 2019
Are these 2 and possibly 3 large cat predators the only ones? Or is there a possibility of other large cat predators? We live in a highly forested area, well it was. They keep clearing space for more and more unnecessary apartments, homes, stores, etc and I have seen large predators run by but have never been close enough (thank goodness) to identify. And it’s usually late and these animals are fast!! We have wild deer, rabbits, boar, large cats, etc and I’m just wondering what else there could be because like I said have seen other large, fast animals and just could not identify. We have a small/medium dog and my daughter takes him out and sometimes she takes him out super late and want to inform her on signs/animals/noises to look out for. Thank you!!
March 15, 2019
I live outside of Tallahassee and I have seen a Jaugaronda three times in the last 20 years. The latest spotting was around 2 weeks ago.
March 11, 2019
Great Article! Thanks for helping bring the livestock industry to a new group of folks!
March 11, 2019
We have suddenly acquired a queen bee and hundreds of honey bees that we don't want to kill but am not willing to pay $200 or more to have them removed. We are next to the wildlife preserve where they had a burn last week and the bees may have come from there. Will someone take them away or should we kill them, I really don't want to kill them.
February 23, 2019
There’s is a bobcat carcass on side of ocoee-apopka Rd in Ocoee Fl 34761
February 19, 2019
I was out watering a plant and low and behold a what looked like a mix of panther and bobcat ran about 50 ft in front of me and then a bobcat ran the other way also . Within minutes a rabbit ran out . I live in Punta Gorda in the country Area
February 19, 2019
Is it common for a bobcat and panther to be "travelling" together? We've had several sightings of this unusual pairing recently near Shell Creek reservoir in Punta Gorda, Florida. Homesteads here are rural and 3-5 acres.
January 12, 2019
Bob Lavery i posted a comment last month which may have not been received, but I'd love to get your opinion on what appeared at twilight one evening to be a Bobcat in every respect (size, tawney color, distinctive Bobcat "face" and behavior), except for its long bushy tail with white rings at the end. We live in North Naples in a preserve/golf community east of I 75 that borders on woods and has plenty of rabbits. I've seen squirrels with similar tails but this creature was 2-3X the size. A panther doesn't fit either. I suppose a feral cat/mutant is a possibility. Thanks for your help.
December 25, 2018
I live on a golf course and nature preserve in North Naples. At dusk on Christmas Eve a tawny colored cat with characteristic bobcat ears and face (paler than the body in color), 2.5-3 feet in length cautiously stepped through the perimeter between my lanai screen and the bordering brush/woods stared at me as a cat would. At the end of its relatively long and bushy tail, it had several white rings at the end. I've looked over the images of bobcats and young panthers, but none seem right. Any ideas? A feral cross-bred cat? Thanks is advance.
December 19, 2018
Sorry I am just seeing this. Meetings are 3rd Thursday of each month. 4509 Geoprge Blvd. Sebring. Ag civic Center, back side of the building in conference room 2. Tomorrow night is a potluck for our Christmas meeting. You are welcome to come and introduce yourselves. Optional $10 white elephant. My email is davidaustin@ufl.edu. The blog does not direct my messages to my email unfortunately.
December 19, 2018
The description sounds correct but there is no real proof. Others have told about possible populations across the state but until one shows up as a roadkill or otherwise it would be hard to prove. Lots of people have game cams now but I have not seen any show up in photos either. Thanks for taking the time to read the article.
November 30, 2018
I live in Niceville Florida on the eastern side of the Eglin golf course over the years there’s been spotting‘s of a large cat with a long tail that’s been bushy in a flat face the cats is dark in color. About one year ago three were spotted together .could this be the jaguaronda?
October 25, 2018
Hi Barry, We are having a Class on vermiculture in Conference room two at 11 am. Here's the info on it. Worm Farming -- an environmentally friendly way to recycle kitchen and other organic wastes into top-notch fertilizer -- will be the focus starting at 11 a.m. Leading the free workshop will be Master Gardeners Peggy Davis and Judi Bentley. The workshop relates to a vendor booth, where equipment and instructions will be available for general information of purchase. I will add your address to our email list. David Austin
October 25, 2018
David, I am a new and very small worm farmer/vermicomposter in Highlands County. I'm just getting my feet wet and learning how NOT to kill my worms and make creditable worm castings. What's on tap at the 2018 Garden Festival with regards to worm farming? Can I help with anything in that arena? Sincerely, Barry Rehbein
September 14, 2018
A friend in California shared a Garden Treasure tomato with me. If I save the seeds to plant next spring, will the seeds be true Garden Treasure tomatoes? If not, where do I order seeds from? Thanks!
September 11, 2018
Thanks David.... Good information and great photos!
August 27, 2018
Hello, My husband and I are interested in the September Heartland Beekeepers meeting will be, day, time and location. We have been here in Spring Lake, Highlands county and haven't really seen any bees at all. A lot of fire ants and wasps but no bees.
August 17, 2018
We saw a gray colored “ bobcat” ilike cat tonight. I would say at least 12-14 lbs if not more based upon my cat who is thin and weighs about 6 lbs. he showed his face on Singer Island and took off after checking us out
July 27, 2018
Hi Lorraine, this was in the spam folder. Larry Smith can help you get bees. He may even work with you on a box. Do you plan on working the bees? You will need a suit, smoker, hive tool at a minimum to start. The September Heartland Beekeepers meeting is about "Is beekeeping for you" It is free and a precursor to a class I will be giving this fall to teach backyard beekeepers the basics and hopefully finish off with them owning a hive.
July 13, 2018
Yes Tom. There are over 300 native bees in Florida and Mason bees are included in that.
May 3, 2018
Yes, We have over 300 native bees and Mason bees are part of those. They nest in 6" holes in wood so nesting boxes are fairly easy to make. this article shows some different bee houses. http://www.foxleas.com/make-a-bee-hotel.asp
May 3, 2018
will mason bees do well in Highlands county?
February 21, 2018
Can I buy a hive for my property locally? Or the box and stuff I will need? I will be living on my property by may or June. That is when I wish to start this.
February 13, 2018
Hi James, I recommend one seed per container with tomatoes and other veggies. Maybe more seeds with herbs. Start them in the same light you plan to grow them in. Make sure you keep them moist. If growing inside for warmth make sure there is as much light as possible. a container 2 inches or less works best because you want the seedling to have a fairly developed root system when you transplant. usually at 4-6 weeks.
February 12, 2018
would like to know what is the best way to plant the seeds in small containers for transplanting later? How many seeds in one small container?
January 16, 2018
Thank you Ashley! We are so excited to have you in the Highlands County office and i am thrilled that you have taught me about the PINK Resolution!
January 13, 2018
Hey There. I found your blog using msn. This is a very well written article. I will make sure to bookmark it and return to read more of your useful info. Thanks for the post. I will definitely comeback.
January 9, 2018
What a well-written article! It's amazing how easily we forget to care for ourselves. Thank you for your practical, yet authentic advice!
December 16, 2017
nice post
December 16, 2017
thanks
December 13, 2017
Yes, I will add you to our Newsletter list!
December 11, 2017
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December 10, 2017
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December 9, 2017
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November 11, 2017
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October 31, 2017
Hi, I am just able to sign in here. You can get the tomato seeds from the following UF website. http://hos.ufl.edu/kleeweb/newcultivars.html
October 7, 2017
Would like to have some seeds of Garden Treasure for my mini garden.
October 7, 2017
Would like to have some of the Garden Treasure seeds for my mini garden.
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