Category: Water

How Florida Residents Can Conserve Water and Keep Great Landscapes

by Michael J. Masucci
March 9, 2026

In Florida's sunshine and heat, every drop of water counts, especially during our dry spring months. That is why Hillsborough County has recognized April as Water Conservation Month since 2013, reminding residents that sustainable landscaping ... READ MORE

Category: Conservation, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, Lawn, Pests & Disease, UF/IFAS Extension, Water
Tags: BeautifulYardsLessWater, DroughtTolerantGardening, EveryDropCounts, FloridaEnvironment, FloridaFriendlyLandscaping, HillsboroughCounty, NativePlantsFlorida, SaveWater, SmartIrrigation, Water Conservation
Photo of woods

Success Story: Invasive Plant Removal at Carrollwood Village Park

by Tia Saracino
February 23, 2026

  On Sunday February 8, 2026 the project broke ground. UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County and Hillsborough County Parks teamed up for a 1.1-acre woodlands restoration project at Carrollwood Village Park thanks to a grant funded ... READ MORE

Category: , Conservation, Events, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Forests, Horticulture, Invasive Species, Natural Resources, UF/IFAS Extension, Water
Tags: Carrollwood, Grant, Hillsborough County, Restoration, Tampa, Woodlands

Turfgrass Replacement

by Susan Haddock
November 13, 2025

If 30% or more of your lawn is covered with weeds, bare spots, or other damage, it’s usually more practical to replace it with new sod. In many cases, the time, cost, and effort needed to repair the area are greater than simply starting ... READ MORE

Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, Home Management, Horticulture, Lawn, Turf, UF/IFAS Extension, Water
Tags: Florida-friendly Landscaping, Grass, Landscape, Lawn Replacement, Laying Sod, Turfgrass

Winter Landscape Care: Fertilizer and Watering Tips

by Susan Haddock
November 13, 2025

Plants use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide (CO₂) to make food through photosynthesis. In fall and winter, less sunlight, cooler temperatures, and less rain cause photosynthesis and growth to slow down. Because of this, plants need very ... READ MORE

Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, Home Management, Horticulture, Lawn, Turf, UF/IFAS Extension, Water
Tags: Fall_lawn_care, Fertilization, Fertilizer, Florida-friendly Landscaping, Irrigation, Landscape, Lawn, ProHort, SWProHort, Turfgrass, Water, Watering Efficiently, Winter Landscape

Mosquito Management

by Susan Haddock
September 9, 2024

Mosquitoes are annoying, especially that zzzzzzz next to my ear at night when one gets in the house. The rainy season promotes mosquito breeding. Mosquito breeding may lead to viruses that are transmitted from mosquitoes to humans and back to ... READ MORE

Category: Camp, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Health & Nutrition, Home Landscapes, Horticulture, Pests & Disease, Pests & Disease, Recreation, Water
Tags: Are Mosquito Sprays Safe, Mosquito, Mosquito Disease, Mosquito Licensing, Mosquito Misting, Mosquito Prevention, Mosquito Spraying, Mosquitoes, Protect Against Mosquitoes, Repellents

Green Industries Best Management Practices Certification aka Fertilizer License Training

by Susan Haddock
September 5, 2024

Click here to register for GI-BMP Certification training at UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County. GI-BMP Certification (Green Industries Best Management Practices) is required in Florida to obtain an FDACS Limited Urban Fertilizer Certification ... READ MORE

Category: Home Management, Horticulture, Lawn, Professional Development, Turf, UF/IFAS Teaching, Water
Tags: Fertilizer, Fertilizer Applicator, Fertilizer License, GI-BMP, GI-BMP Certification, Landscape, Nutrition, ProHort, SWProHort

Edible Landscaping in Central Florida

by Tia Saracino
June 6, 2024

View the recording of the Edible Landscaping for Central Florida webinar on YouTube.  The concept of edible landscaping primarily applies to growing vegetables, herbs and fruit trees in a way where it fits in with your home landscape. ... READ MORE

Category: Agriculture, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Forests, Fruits & Vegetables, Home Landscapes, Horticulture, Lawn, Natural Resources, Pests & Disease, UF/IFAS Extension, Water
Tags: Banana, Compost, Dragonfruit, Edible Landscaping, Florida-friendly Landscaping, Food, Fruit, Herbs, Home Landscapes, Irrigation, Soil, Tsilvasy, Vegetable

Water Conservation During Drought

by Tia Saracino
May 27, 2024

When it's hot and dry out it is important to think of water conservation. In Florida, more than 50% of our potable water is used for lawns and landscapes in residential housing. The goal is to keep our plants alive, while conserving water. ... READ MORE

Category: Conservation, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, Horticulture, Lawn, UF/IFAS Extension, Water
Tags: Central Florida, Desalinization, Drinking Water, Drought, Florida-friendly Landscaping, Hillsborough, Home Landscapes, Landscape, Lawn, Population, Potable Water, Tampa, Tsilvasy, Water Conservation
phyla nodiflora, matchweed, Frogfruit

Exploring Alternatives to Turfgrass for Your Landscape

by Michael J. Masucci
March 21, 2024

  Are you considering replacing your traditional turfgrass for reasons beyond just foot traffic, such as water conservation, low maintenance, or simply seeking a more environmentally friendly option? If so, you're not alone! In this article, ... READ MORE

Category: Conservation, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, Lawn, UF/IFAS Extension, Water
Tags: Discovery Garden, Florida-friendly Landscaping, Groundcovers, Hillsborough County, Uf/ifas Extension

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