UF/IFAS Extension Bookstore News - Feb. 21-27

The plants you bring home from garden centers and nurseries may look beautiful in your landscape, but they might be invasive species that can escape your yard and quickly spread into other areas, becoming an ecological and economic nightmare.

Plant This – Not That is an identification guide written by UF/IFAS Extension horticulture agents to help people find safe alternatives to invasive ornamental plants, including trees, shrubs, vines and groundcovers.

Twenty-two full-color entries feature an invasive plant that is commonly found for sale, including its description, distribution and range, and ecological threat. Each of these bad actors is paired with a list of beautiful non-invasive alternatives to plant instead.

The guide also features an introduction to invasive plants, a list of resources, and a detailed bibliography for further study.

Plant This – Not That is a handy thing to have when you’re shopping for new plants. Combined with Florida-Friendly Landscaping^TM resources, you can make informed decisions that will result in a beautiful landscape that grows in harmony with its natural surroundings.

64 pp.

$14.99

Raising Backyard Chickens for Eggs

Mary Henry, Jessica Ryals, Alicia Halbritter, and Derek Barber

It’s easy to see why more people today are raising their own backyard chicken flocks – they’re a good source of fresh eggs and a fun way to learn about caring for animals, self-sufficiency, and connecting with where our food comes from. And with planning they can even provide a source of trade or income.

This UF/IFAS Extension guide is a concise introduction to raising your own backyard flocks, including information on local ordinances, building coops, feeding your chickens, protecting your flock from predators, selecting breeds, gathering eggs, keeping your birds healthy and more. Whether you want to start a business, bring eggs to the breakfast table or welcome new pets into your family, this book is the perfect starting place.

32 pp.

$6.00

Florida Fruit & Vegetable Gardening

Robert Bowden

Cool Springs Press

Growing your own edibles is a great way to get exercise, improve your diet, save money and learn about agriculture. It’s like joining a health club and taking a science class at the same time! Florida Fruit & Vegetable Gardening is the place to start, with easy-to-use tips for creating a garden and fully illustrated advice about where, when and how to plant 35 vegetables and 25 fruits and berries that do well in Florida’s growing climates. From collard greens to pineapple, this is a concise and entertaining guide to creating your own garden of eatin’.

256 pp.

$24.99

For more, visit http://ifasbooks.ifas.ufl.edu