UF/IFAS Extension Lake County -

FIELD TRIP: Nehrling Gardens in Gotha, FL

by Maria Quirico
May 31, 2026

Fourteen Master Gardener Volunteers (and family) toured Nehrling Gardens in May 2026. Theresa Schretzmann-Myers (Board of Directors Vice President) was our excellent tour guide. Ms. Theresa fed us history, facts, stories, and anecdotes in ... READ MORE

Category: AGRICULTURE, Conservation, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Forests, Fruits & Vegetables, HOME LANDSCAPES, Home Management, Horticulture, Invasive Species, Natural Resources, Pests & Disease, Pests & Disease, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension, UF/IFAS Extension, UF/IFAS Teaching, Water, Wildlife, WORK & LIFE
Tags: Attract Wildlife, Botanical Garden, Conservation, FFL, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Native Plants, Sustainability

The Science of Vitamin K: Small Nutrient, Big Impact

by Lori Johnson
May 11, 2026

Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin providing the body support in blood clotting and bone health. You may have heard of Vitamin K and Vitamin K2, so what’s the difference? Vitamin K1 supports blood clotting; where Vitamin K2 helps in cardiovascular ... READ MORE

Category: Health & Nutrition, UF/IFAS Extension
Tags: Vitamin K

The Florida Lubber Grasshopper

by Maria Quirico
April 21, 2026

The Eastern Lubber Grasshopper, Romalea microptera, is a destructive pest in FL. The large, 2-3" yellow-tawny adults have short wings (microptera) making them unable to fly. Their common name, “lubber” comes from the old English word ... READ MORE

Category: AGRICULTURE, Conservation, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Management, Horticulture, Invasive Species, Natural Resources, Pests & Disease, Pests & Disease, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension, UF/IFAS Extension, UF/IFAS Teaching, Wildlife, WORK & LIFE
Tags: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Gardening, Insects Affecting Plants, Invasive Species, Residential Horticulture

Common Nutrient Gaps in Plant-Based Diets and How to Bridge Them

by Lori Johnson
April 14, 2026

Plant-based diets have become increasingly popular due to their health, environmental, and ethical benefits. Consuming a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains has been linked to lower risks of heart disease, high blood pressure, ... READ MORE

Category: Health & Nutrition, UF/IFAS Extension
Tags: Plant-based Diet

Iron-Rich Foods That Fight Fatigue and Boost Energy

by Lori Johnson
April 1, 2026

Do you feel sluggish in the morning or afternoon, even after a full night’s sleep? Fatigue could be your body’s way of asking for more iron. Iron is an essential mineral that helps your body produce energy and remain focused. You can boost ... READ MORE

Category: Health & Nutrition
Tags: Iron

Landscape Fabric was a Garden Mishap!

by Maria Quirico
March 29, 2026

Landscape fabric is called weed barrier or garden cloth. It is a textile typically made from synthetic polypropylene or polyester. I put landscape fabric in all of the beds around my house at the recommendation of the landscape service I was ... READ MORE

Category: AGRICULTURE, Conservation, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, HOME LANDSCAPES, Home Management, Horticulture, Lawn, Natural Resources, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension, UF/IFAS Extension, UF/IFAS Teaching, WORK & LIFE
Tags: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Gardening, Landscape Fabric, Mulch, Residential Horticulture

Good Natives for a Butterfly Garden

by Maria Quirico
March 4, 2026

As spring approaches, gardeners often rush to buy whatever they can find to fill a butterfly garden with color. But the best butterfly gardens contain as many native plants as possible to attract butterflies and other pollinators.Butterflies ... READ MORE

Category: AGRICULTURE, Conservation, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, HOME LANDSCAPES, Horticulture, Natural Resources, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension, UF/IFAS Extension, UF/IFAS Teaching, Wildlife
Tags: Attract Wildlife, Butterfly Gardening, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Native Florida Plants, Pollinator Garden, Residential Horticulture

Overcoming Obstacles to Healthy Eating

by Lori Johnson
March 4, 2026

Eating a well-balanced diet can play an essential role in feeling better, decreasing the risk of chronic disease, and promoting weight management. Making informed choices regarding food is especially important in all stages of life. However, ... READ MORE

Category: Health & Nutrition
Tags: Healthy Eating, Nutrition Trends

Understanding Fats: A Guide to Unsaturated, Saturated, and Trans Fat

by Lori Johnson
February 2, 2026

Dietary fats are an essential component of a balanced diet; however, they are often a source of confusion and debate. There are three types of dietary fats: unsaturated, saturated, and trans fats. Understanding the health impacts of each type ... READ MORE

Category: Health & Nutrition
Tags: Dietary Fats

FIELD TRIP: Shared Harvest Garden

by Maria Quirico
January 16, 2026

January 14, 2026For our first trip of 2026, 16 MGV and 2 students went to Shared Harvest Garden in Lady Lake, FL, a volunteer-run, non-profit community garden growing fresh produce for local charities and food pantries, located at 700 Oak ... READ MORE

Category: Agribusiness, AGRICULTURE, Conservation, Crops, Farm Management, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Fruits & Vegetables, HOME LANDSCAPES, Horticulture, Natural Resources, Pests & Disease, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension, UF/IFAS Extension, UF/IFAS Teaching
Tags: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Food Bank Donations, Fruit Tree, Gardening, Residential Horticulture, Vegetable Production

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