If you have a Limited Lawn & Ornamental or Limited Commercial Landscape Maintenance pesticide application certification, you need 4 hours of training to renew. The next opportunity to earn the right CEUs is November 15, 2017 in DeFuniak ... READ MORE
Category: Home Landscapes, Horticulture, Lawn, Professional Development
October brings welcomed relief from summer’s heat. And it’s a great time to plant a wide range of plants. Fall is the best time for planting shrubs. Fall planted shrubs have all winter to grow roots and so will be better established ... READ MORE
Category: Events, Home LandscapesDid you know we have caterpillars that sting here in Northwest Florida? Well, we do and you’d be wise to learn about them and how to recognize them. These caterpillars do not sting in the same way that a wasp or bee might sting. They do ... READ MORE
Category: Natural Resources, WildlifePreventive maintenance is key to preparing for storms. Even our thunderstorms can produce thirty, forty or fifty-plus mile per hour winds. But we are also now concerned with the possibility of a major hurricane making landfall somewhere in ... READ MORE
Category: Disaster Preparation, Home LandscapesLandscape personnel that apply fertilizer to the lawn or landscape plants must have a state-issued certification to perform this service. To obtain the certification, individuals must complete a Green Industries Best Management Practices ... READ MORE
Category: Horticulture, LawnLandscape personnel that apply herbicides, insecticides or fungicides must have a state issued certification in order to perform this type of work. The next opportunity to attend the review training and sit for the exam is 91317. For more ... READ MORE
Category: Pests & Disease, Pests & Disease, Professional DevelopmentFall should be our busiest gardening season in North Florida. Many plants only do well when planted during the cooler weather of fall. Fall-planted trees and shrubs have a higher survival rate as compared to those planted in spring. Many nurseries ... READ MORE
Category: Events, Home LandscapesCalling landscape employees!!! Thursday, August 17, 2017 is the next opportunity for licensed pesticide applicators to earn CEUs for renewal. Attend one or all sessions to earn what you need. The class will be held in Ft Walton Bch from 8-2. ... READ MORE
Category: Agriculture, Home Landscapes, Pests & Disease, Pests & Disease, Professional DevelopmentWhether you’re interested in vegetable gardening, beneficial insects or having a plant problem diagnosed, there are a number of gardening events happing this month through the UF/IFAS Extension Office in Okaloosa County. Lunch & Learn ... READ MORE
Category: Events, Home LandscapesMany of our favorite woody shrubs and herbaceous plants can be started from cuttings. Here is an easy method that can be used to root dozens of plants at home. You’ll need the following supplies: Sharp hand pruners. Clean plastic nursery ... READ MORE
Category: Events, Home LandscapesThe July Plant Clinic will be held Friday, July 14 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. in Fort Walton Beach at the Okaloosa County Extension building, 127 W. Hollywood Blvd. The Plant Clinic provides a place and time for people to bring in samples of plants ... READ MORE
Category: Events, Home LandscapesNot every fruit tree will grow and reliably produce fruit in North Florida. Temperature is the most important factor determining where certain fruits can be grown. It’s the reason why apples and blueberries do not do well in South Florida. ... READ MORE
Category: Events, Fruits & Vegetables, Home LandscapesThere are numerous reasons why maintaining a North Florida lawn is challenging and ultimately frustrating. One such reason is ground pearls. Ground pearls, small scale insects that bother lawn grass roots, are soil dwelling pests that are ... READ MORE
Category: Home Landscapes, Lawn, Pests & DiseaseThe season of fertilizing is in full swing. If you don't have a Limited Urban Fertilizer license from FDACS, now is the time to get one. The first step is completing the Green Industries Best Management Practices class. For more information: ... READ MORE
Category: Events, Home Landscapes, Professional DevelopmentIf applying pesticides to landscape plants is part of your job, the state of Florida requires a Limited Commercial Landscape Maintenance or Limited Lawn and Ornamental pesticide applicator certification for each individual. To earn this license ... READ MORE
Category: Agriculture, Events, Pests & Disease, Professional DevelopmentThe University of Florida has offices in all 67 Florida Counties. These Extension offices are part of the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences and they offer you the “front door” to UF experts. UF/IFAS Extension ... READ MORE
Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Fruits & Vegetables, Home Landscapes, LawnIn order to earn a pesticide application certification for any of the Chapter 487 categories ( Private Applicator, Aquatic, Ornamental & Turf, etc.) you must pass the CORE exam. To renew any existing license (including Limited Commercial ... READ MORE
Category: Events, Home Landscapes
Do you need something fun and educational for your child to do this summer? The Okaloosa County Extension Office has a suggestion for you – Camp Timpoochee. Camp Timpoochee, located in Niceville on the Choctawhatchee Bay, is the site ... READ MORE
Category: 4-H & Youth, Camp, Events, Home LandscapesQ. What’s the best lawn grass for North Florida? A. Choosing a lawn grass involves selecting a grass that best fits the site conditions. Is the site shady, do you have an irrigation system, is salt spray or saltwater a factor? Means of establishment ... READ MORE
Category: Home Landscapes, Lawn, Pests & DiseaseSpring Plant Sale Okaloosa County Master Gardeners will hold their Spring Plant Sale 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, April 22 at the Extension Annex located at 127 W. Hollywood Boulevard in Fort Walton Beach. There will be a great selection of ... READ MORE
Category: Events, Home LandscapesThis year’s first plant clinic will be held Friday, April 14 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. in Fort Walton Beach at the Okaloosa County Extension building, 127 W. Hollywood Blvd. Bring a fresh sample of the weed, plant, insect, etc., that you’d ... READ MORE
Category: Events, Home Landscapes, LawnTomatoes are popular in the home garden and the Extension office receives many calls from gardeners concerning their tomato troubles. Willie Chance, Extension Vegetable Crops Specialist in Georgia, describes common tomato problems in today’s ... READ MORE
Category: Events, Fruits & Vegetables, Home LandscapesMany of the roses grown in Florida require regular maintenance. Part of this maintenance includes pruning. But new gardeners sometimes have a hard time getting up the nerve to cut their rose bushes back. Matt Orwat, UF/IFAS Extension Agent ... READ MORE
Category: Home LandscapesQ. I have large oleanders that need to be pruned. When should they be pruned and how drastically can they be cut back? A. The best time to prune oleanders is during late winter just before new growth occurs (February - March). Oleanders flower ... READ MORE
Category: Home LandscapesNorthwest Florida winters can be a rollercoaster ride of temperatures. One week it dips to freezing for a short time and the next week it rises to spring-like temperatures. We need to hold on for this ride of up and down temperatures but not ... READ MORE
Category: Home LandscapesQ. During late fall I put down some centipedegrass sod. Will it harm my centipede sod if I overseed my new lawn with ryegrass seed? A. The ryegrass can compete with the permanent grass. I have seen centipede lawns that were weakened during ... READ MORE
Category: Home Landscapes, LawnJapanese or Saucer Magnolias, Magnolia × soulangiana, are known for their display of flowers in late winter and early spring. This has been one of the best seasons that I’ve seen in a while to enjoy these early flowering Japanese Magnolias ... READ MORE
Category: Home LandscapesLawn burweed is a winter annual weed that becomes problematic in spring. It is a low growing weed in lawns with leaves somewhat resembling a miniature version of parsley. If you had a problem with this weed and missed the narrow window to apply ... READ MORE
Category: Home Landscapes, LawnCome join the University of Florida/IFAS Extension Office for the 2017 Eco-Nomic Living Expo at the Santa Rosa Mall in Mary Esther on Saturday, February 11. This year’s Expo begins a 10 am and ends at 3 pm and includes seminars, activities ... READ MORE
Category: Events, Health & Nutrition, Home Management, Money Matters, Work & LifeGet new employees certified before the spray season begins. Feb 2 at Ewing Irrigation in Ft Walton there will be a review and exam opportunity. For more information: 20217. However 2017 brings a few changes. In order to earn CEUs for a current ... READ MORE
Category: Events, Pests & Disease, Pests & Disease, Professional Development
Need a pesticide license for Private Ag or for Aquatic applications? Here's your opportunity: January 11, 2017 Okaloosa County Extension Office 3098 Airport Road Crestview, Fl 32539 Private Applicator Pesticide License 8-11am - Private ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Events, Pests & Disease, Pests & Disease, Professional DevelopmentHappy New Year! January may seem like a downtime in the landscape and garden. But there are many jobs to perform this month to get the landscape and garden off to a good start for a new year. In today’s article, I’ll share some gardening ... READ MORE
Category: Home LandscapesWith 2017 almost here, I have an idea for a New Year’s resolution that is healthy, provides exercise and is a fun outdoor activity for the entire family. Vegetable gardening can be an excellent activity to try this New Year. For the beginner ... READ MORE
Category: Home LandscapesWith today being Christmas, I thought it would be fun to look at some Christmas tree facts in today’s article. Nearly 350 million real Christmas trees are currently growing on Christmas tree farms in the U.S. alone, all planted by farmers. ... READ MORE
Category: Home LandscapesPesticide applicators needing to renew or obtain a license for treating structures or landscapes should attend the training held January 23, 2017 at the Extension office 3098 Airport Rd Crestview. Two hours sessions are designed to offer CEUs ... READ MORE
Category: Events, Pests & Disease, Pests & Disease, Professional DevelopmentDo you have that hard to buy for person on your Christmas shopping list? I have an idea, especially if that person enjoys gardening. The University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Extension Bookstore offers ... READ MORE
Category: Home LandscapesDo you have more acorns than you know what to do with this fall? When oaks produce loads of acorns, it sometimes is called a "mast" year. Do you remember the oak tree pollen and all those catkins that fell from oaks earlier this year? Catkins ... READ MORE
Category: Home LandscapesQ. I see advertising now for planting bulbs but I wonder if this is correct for here in North Florida? Are tulip bulbs a good choice here? A. Some of the northern bulbs are poor performers this far south. Tulips are in this category. It's not ... READ MORE
Category: Home LandscapesQ. I have an infestation of sandburs. Is there anything that I can use in my lawn to get rid of this weed? A. Sandbur or sandspur is a warm season (summer) annual grass. As such, it comes up from seed during spring. In the seedling stage it ... READ MORE
Category: Home LandscapesBillions of leaves blanket the fall landscape and are bagged by hundreds of homeowners to be placed curbside for local trash pick-up. Many of these leaves could be easily turned into valuable mulch or compost. Why do all those fall leaves ... READ MORE
Category: Home LandscapesSo far our fall has been unusually dry with warmer temperatures. Even though our average annual rainfall is around sixty-two inches per year, we don’t always receive rain exactly when we need it. There are times when we need to apply additional ... READ MORE
Category: Home Landscapes, WaterMany people fertilize their lawn too late with too much nitrogen. They wrongly call this practice “winterizing.” The word "winterizer" is misleading. Many of the so-called winterizer fertilizers available in our area can cause more damage ... READ MORE
Category: Home LandscapesIt is not uncommon to see leaf spots on your hydrangeas during late summer and fall. These spots are caused by a number of fungal diseases. Plant fungi and wet weather go hand-in-hand. In the Southeast U.S. we have high humidity, heavy dews ... READ MORE
Category: Home LandscapesMany people notice fine silken webbing on the trunks and branches of their trees and assume that this is a problem. But the insects that cause this webbing are not harmful to trees. They could even be considered beneficial. The tiny insects ... READ MORE
Category: Home LandscapesQ. What’s causing small branches to turn brown and die in some of my trees? A. More than likely this is caused by the Black Twig Borer. This very small beetle, about 1/16 inch long, has been active in some local trees. This is an interesting ... READ MORE
Category: Home Landscapes, Pests & DiseaseEvery time we have a dry period in spring or summer, I get those predictable calls about some mysterious pest that's playing havoc in lawns. Without realizing it, the caller usually describes a textbook example of dry spots in a lawn. And many ... READ MORE
Category: Home Landscapes, LawnNeed a Private Applicator Ag Pest Control License or an Aquatic Pest Control License? Here’s your opportunity for a review class and exam. Do you just need CEUs for license renewal? We have several CEUs available as well. January ... READ MORE
Category: Events, Pests & Disease, Pests & Disease, Professional DevelopmentNeed to obtain or renew one of the public works pesticide licenses? Then join us on December 15th, 2016 in Ft. Walton Bch. Attend one session or all four. Earn from 1-9 CEUs in many categories. For more information: county-pesticide-training-2016 READ MORE
Category: Events, Home Landscapes, Pests & Disease, Professional DevelopmentEarn the credits required to sit for the Limited Commercial Landscape Maintenance test. Attend a review session for both the Limited Lawn and Ornamental or Limited Commercial Landscape Maintenance certification exam.. Or obtain the required ... READ MORE
Category: Events, Pests & Disease, Pests & Disease, Professional DevelopmentFlorida is not known for the brilliant fall color enjoyed by some of our northern neighbors. But, we do have a number of trees from which to choose to provide some fall color in our landscapes here in North Florida. Our native flowering dogwood ... READ MORE
Category: Home LandscapesGoldenrod is easily recognizable this time of year with its showy yellow flowers held high on stems moving back and forth by autumn winds. A field full of these vivid yellow blossoms is a sight to see with a bright blue fall sky as a background. ... READ MORE
Category: Home LandscapesEvery year more than 85 million people visit Florida. However, people are not Florida's only visitors; Florida is also an inviting destination for invasive species that threaten to undermine the health of our environment. More than an inconvenience, ... READ MORE
Category: Home Landscapes, Invasive Species, Natural ResourcesNative azaleas are a treasure and can be a showstopper in your landscape. Used correctly, they literally can cause people to stop and ask, “What is that plant” as they are so spectacular in full bloom. There are a number of different species, ... READ MORE
Category: Events, Home LandscapesFall webworms are normally observed during late summer and fall when people notice the unsightly whitish or light gray webs in certain trees. Webworms enclose leaves and ends of branches with silken webbing. The worms (caterpillars) are found ... READ MORE
Category: Events, Home Landscapes, Pests & DiseaseBe prepared to apply fertilizer next spring. BMP certification is required to submit an application for the Commercial Urban Fertilizer Certification. Renew your pesticide certification while learning how to maintain the landscape. These are ... READ MORE
Category: Home LandscapesI always enjoy being outdoors and watching butterflies and hummingbirds as we move into late summer and fall. Fall is the peak season for butterflies in the Florida Panhandle and there are a surprising number of hummingbirds that migrate to ... READ MORE
Category: Events, Home Landscapes, Natural Resources, WildlifeAs we move into September, we can expect some relief from summer’s heat and humidity. This change offers a time to possibly catch up on landscape jobs. September also offers a favorable time to purchase and plant some landscape plants. ... READ MORE
Category: Events, Home LandscapesWe are fortunate to be able to grow some sort of vegetables year round in Florida. But not all vegetables will grow year round. Planting time is critical. Cool-season crops tolerate and require lower temperature. Many of these cool-season vegetables, ... READ MORE
Category: Events, Home LandscapesQ. I noticed small brown moths flying low to the ground in my lawn. Should I be concerned about this? A. Yes and no. These are probably adults of the tropical sod webworm. Moths have a wingspan of about ¾ inch and are a dingy brown. Moths ... READ MORE
Category: Lawn, Pests & DiseaseWould you like to grow more of your own food? If so, you may be interested in an upcoming gardening seminar being offered at the UF/IFAS Extension Office in Okaloosa County. Karen Harper and Marg Stewart, Okaloosa County Master Gardeners, will ... READ MORE
Category: Events, Fruits & Vegetables, Home LandscapesPerhaps we spend too much time concerned with what’s wrong in our landscapes. Though, we can learn from our mistakes. It’s helpful to identify why a plant failed or gain correct identification for a weed in order to better control it. Maybe ... READ MORE
Category: Home Landscapes, UF/IFAS ExtensionThere are areas in most landscapes where it is not practical or possible to bring in the tiller and create a flowerbed. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have color in those areas. A little imagination, a decorative container and appropriate ... READ MORE
Category: Events, Home LandscapesUniversity of Florida palm and disease Extension specialist Dr. Monica Elliott will share information on palm installation and best management practices. Timing and techniques for proper palm planting. Establishing and care for palms through ... READ MORE
Category: Home LandscapesEarn the credits required to sit for the Limited Commercial Landscape Maintenance test. Attend a review session for both the Limited Lawn and Ornamental or Limited Commercial Landscape Maintenance certification exam.. Or obtain the required ... READ MORE
Category: Events, Pests & Disease, Pests & Disease, Professional DevelopmentEarn the credits required to sit for the Limited Commercial Landscape Maintenance test. Attend a review session for both the Limited Lawn and Ornamental or Limited Commercial Landscape Maintenance certification exam.. Or obtain the required ... READ MORE
Category: Events, Pests & Disease, Pests & Disease, Professional DevelopmentDo you need something fun and educational for your child to do this summer? The Okaloosa County Extension Office has a suggestion for you – Camp Timpoochee. Camp Timpoochee, located in Niceville on the Choctawhatchee Bay, is the site for ... READ MORE
Category: 4-H & Youth, Camp, EventsThe concept of vertical gardening may not be something you’ve put much thought into. But done correctly, vertical gardening can be a space saving idea in gardens and landscapes with limited room. Vining, sprawling vegetables such as some ... READ MORE
Category: Events, Home LandscapesJune offers hotter temperatures, humidity and possible thunderstorm activity. In addition, school is out and many people take time to go on vacation. This leaves less time for landscape and garden chores. But there are things to do in the June ... READ MORE
Category: Home LandscapesThe word bonsai is pronounced bone sigh, bon means tray or pot and sai means plant. Bonsai refers to the plant being miniaturized as well as to the technique used. In today’s article, Lynn Fabian, Okaloosa County Master Gardener and member ... READ MORE
Category: Events, Home LandscapesStep 1 Identify the plant. By knowing the type of plant you can begin relating causes to symptoms seen on the plants. Step 2 Survey the site. Is the problem occurring to one plant or a group of plants? Is it a local problem in your landscape ... READ MORE
Category: Home LandscapesJoin us for a casual stroll along our native plant trail at the UF/IFAS Okaloosa County Extension Office from 10-11 a.m. on Wednesday, April 20. The Extension Office is located at 3098 Airport Road in Crestview. During the quarter mile walk ... READ MORE
Category: Home LandscapesLawn burweed is a winter annual weed that becomes problematic in spring. It is a low-growing weed with leaves somewhat resembling a miniature version of parsley. Burweed seeds germinate in fall. The plants remain small and inconspicuous during ... READ MORE
Category: Events, Home LandscapesCORE pesticide license review and exam to be offered April 19, 2016. For more information: CORE 2016 READ MORE
Category: Events, Pests & Disease, Pests & Disease, Professional DevelopmentApril 19, 2016 is a review class for the Right-of-Way category and an opportunity to earn CEUs in other categories. For more information: Right of Way 2016 READ MORE
Category: Pests & Disease, Pests & Disease, Professional DevelopmentOkaloosa County Master Gardeners will provide two gardening events this month at the Okaloosa County Extension Annex located at 127 W. Hollywood Boulevard in Fort Walton Beach. Plant Clinic The first plant clinic of this year will be provided ... READ MORE
Category: Events, Home Landscapes, WildlifeGetting ready for spring fertilizing and wondering what product to choose? Join the First Tuesday Series at the Bob Sikes Library in Crestview on April 5th from 10:30 -11:30 am. For More information: Library Program 2016 READ MORE
Category: Events, Home LandscapesLandscape maintenance professionals are often tasked with manage Knock-Out and Drift Roses on the same schedule as other shrubs, which can be difficult. UF/IFAS Extension and ValleyCrest is offering an opportunity to learn some tips. Green ... READ MORE
Category: Home LandscapesWe are quickly approaching the window of opportunity to use a preemergence herbicide in lawns. But not every lawn needs an application of preemergence herbicide – only those lawns that have a history of summer annual weeds. When used correctly, ... READ MORE
Category: LawnThis year’s Home Show, sponsored by the Building Industry Association of Okaloosa & Walton Counties (BIA), will include lawn and gardening seminars. The Home Show will be held February 27 and 28 at the Emerald Coast Convention Center ... READ MORE
Category: Events, Home LandscapesThe Greater Fort Walton Beach Camellia Society will conduct a free Camellia Workshop to introduce the camellia to area residents. This year's workshop will be held Saturday, February 6 at the Okaloosa County Extension Annex, 127 NW Hollywood ... READ MORE
Category: Events, Home LandscapesThe next opportunity to earn the BMP certificate required for the Fertilizer License application is 222516CV in Crestview. Click on the date for more information. READ MORE
Category: Home LandscapesLandscape, Structural and Termite pesticide applicators have the opportunity to earn CEUs on Monday February 1, 2016 at the Okaloosa County office in Crestview. For more information: Inside and Out Session Flyer READ MORE
Category: Events, Pests & Disease, Pests & Disease, Professional DevelopmentThe beginning of a New Year is a great time to evaluate your lawn, landscape and garden and to formulate resolutions for the New Year that will lead to improvements. Otherwise, you’re likely to move well into 2016 making the same old mistakes ... READ MORE
Category: Events, Home LandscapesThe end of the year is fast approaching. Pull out that pesticide license to see when it expires. Don't wait for the last minute notice from the state. Mark you calendar for January 7th, 2016 in Crestview and plan to get those CEUs out of ... READ MORE
Category: Events, Pests & Disease, Pests & Disease, Professional DevelopmentJoin Okaloosa County Extension along with University of Florida Institute of Food & Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) and the Florida Peanut Producers Association to help take a bite out of hunger by participating in a local peanut butter ... READ MORE
Category: Community Volunteers, Events, Health & NutritionNovember 4, 2015 is a free informative program designed to update you on pruning and tree biology. FNGLA and ISA CEUs are approved. For information: Tree_Pruning_Flyer READ MORE
Category: Events, Home Landscapes, Professional DevelopmentWe are blessed with a wealth of native wildflowers here in Northwest Florida, many of which are blooming now. We get many questions from the public related to the identification of these plants, usually when these wildflowers are in bloom. ... READ MORE
Category: Events, Home LandscapesTiming is critical when it comes to weed control. The mistake most homeowners make is to wait too late to treat winter weeds. If you plan to use a preemergence herbicide in your lawn to control winter annual weeds, you need to apply the product ... READ MORE
Category: Events, Home Landscapes, LawnRight-of-Way and Natural Areas Pest Management Wednesday, October 21, 2015 Okaloosa County Facility Maintenance Auditorium 5479 Old Bethel Rd Crestview, FL 32536 $10.00 11:30 - 12:00 Registration 12:00 - 12:50 Managing ... READ MORE
Category: Events, Pests & Disease, Pests & Disease, Professional DevelopmentLandscape Weed and Insect Pest Management Wednesday, October 21, 2015 Okaloosa County Facility Maintenance Auditorium 5479 Old Bethel Rd Crestview, FL 32536 $10.00 7:00 - 7:30 Registration 7:30 - 8:20 FDACS Rules and Regulations ... READ MORE
Category: Events, Pests & DiseaseManaging Weeds Safely Tuesday, October 27, 2015 Okaloosa County Extension 3098 Airport Rd. Crestview, FL 32539 $10.00 8:30 - 9:00 Registration 9:00 - 9:50 The Environmental Fates of Pesticides 9:50 - 10:40 How To Read ... READ MORE
Category: Events, Home LandscapesTropical storm season officially ends November 30. I’m not predicting a storm but even with our average winds during a typical thunderstorm, you’d be wise to prepare. Falling trees and flying landscape debris during a storm can cause ... READ MORE
Category: Disaster Preparation, Events, Home LandscapesA plant clinic will be held Friday, September 11 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Fort Walton Beach at the Okaloosa County Extension building, 127 W. Hollywood Boulevard. The plant clinic is designed to provide a place and time for people to bring ... READ MORE
Category: Events, Home LandscapesThe State of Florida requires a license for green industry employees that perform fertilizer distribution in the landscape. The application must include a Best Management Practices certificate. The next opportunity to earn one is September ... READ MORE
Category: Events, Home Landscapes, Professional DevelopmentHealthy trees provide many benefits for our environment and landscapes here in Northwest Florida. They cool our surroundings, buildings and homes in the hot summer months. Trees provide aesthetically pleasing views, provide privacy and so much ... READ MORE
Category: Events, Home LandscapesOur hot temperatures may not indicate it, but it's time to begin a fall vegetable garden. Cool-season vegetables include many of the leafy-green vegetables such as cabbage, collards and spinach. Other cool-season vegetables that you can enjoy ... READ MORE
Category: Events, Home LandscapesIt's time to think about renewing pesticide licenses. If your Limited Commercial Landscape Maintenance or Limited Lawn and Ornamental license expires this fall, the next opportunity to get the CEUs is 82715CV. READ MORE
Category: Events, Pests & Disease, Pests & Disease, Professional DevelopmentQ. I’ve had a successful year with my vegetable garden and am looking for a class on how to safely can some of my produce. Does the Extension Office have an upcoming class that I can attend? A. Yes. Jill Breslawski, UF/IFAS Extension Family ... READ MORE
Category: Events, Food Safety, Fruits & VegetablesMany older, thinning, declining lawns need to be reestablished. Sometimes we waste time and money attempting to rejuvenate an older, thinning, weedy lawn when the best solution is to start over. Common causes for lawn decline include soil compaction, ... READ MORE
Category: Events, Home Landscapes, LawnA Plant Clinic will be held Friday, July 10 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Fort Walton Beach at the Okaloosa County Extension building, 127 W. Hollywood Boulevard. The plant clinic is designed to provide a place and time for people to bring in ... READ MORE
Category: Events, Home LandscapesThe Okaloosa County Extension Office is taking applications for the 2015 Master Gardener training course. The Master Garden Program in Florida is a joint endeavor of University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) ... READ MORE
Category: Community Volunteers, Events, Home LandscapesDiagnosing plant problems in the lawn, landscape or garden can be difficult and costly when guessing. Sending a sample to a diagnostic laboratory and/or attending a plant clinic may be helpful in solving some of these problems. A plant clinic ... READ MORE
Category: Events, Home LandscapesA plant clinic will be held Friday, May 8 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Fort Walton Beach at the Okaloosa County Extension building, 127 W. Hollywood Boulevard. The plant clinic is designed to provide a place and time for people to bring in samples ... READ MORE
Category: Events, Home LandscapesThe next opportunity to earn or renew a Limited Commercial Landscape Maintenance or Limited Lawn and Ornamental pesticide certification is in Crestview on May 12, 2015. Click on date for more information: 51215 READ MORE
Category: Events, Pests & Disease, Pests & DiseaseThere are areas in most landscapes where it just is not practical or possible to bring in the tiller and create a flowerbed. A little imagination, a decorative container and appropriate plants can turn a bare spot into a splash of color. Consider ... READ MORE
Category: Events, Home Landscapes, LawnTake the guesswork out of providing seasonal color in your landscape and join Okaloosa County Master Gardener Marie Harrison as she presents this seminar on Inter-planting for Seasonal Color. Marie is a local author of a number of books including ... READ MORE
Category: Events, Home LandscapesCorrect identification of a weed is the first step in control of that weed. Most weeds that are dominant in our lawns, landscapes and gardens now are winter annuals. They stand out in late winter and early spring. Most are blooming now with ... READ MORE
Category: Events, Home LandscapesDespite the fact that the State of Florida is one of the top two tomato producing states in the United States, many times the Florida home gardener finds it difficult to grow tomatoes. Florida farmers are first in the production of fresh market ... READ MORE
Category: Events, Fruits & Vegetables, Pests & DiseaseWith the beginning of spring comes the influx of insects, including termites. In Okaloosa County, the exotic Formosan Termite, capable of doing significant damage to homes is one that we have to monitor. If you want to learn more about the ... READ MORE
Category: Events, Home Management, Work & LifeThe Northwest Florida Gulf Coast Beekeepers Association is hosting its first annual workshop on Saturday, March 28, 2015 at Florosa Elementary School, 1700 Highway 98, Mary Esther. Open to the public, the eight hour event will feature hands-on ... READ MORE
Category: Events, Natural Resources, WildlifeWith spring on its way, your local University of Florida Extension Office in Okaloosa County is providing lawn and garden seminars for the public. Plan Before You Plant Seminar: Take the guesswork out of vegetable gardening and join Okaloosa ... READ MORE
Category: Events, Home Landscapes, LawnThis year’s Home Show, sponsored by the Building Industry Association of Okaloosa & Walton Counties (BIA), will include lawn and gardening seminars. The Home Show will be held March 7 and 8 at the Emerald Coast Convention Center on Okaloosa ... READ MORE
Category: Events, Home Landscapes, LawnAs a community service, the Greater Fort Walton Beach Camellia Society, which is over 50 years old, will conduct a free Camellia Workshop to introduce the camellia to area residents. The workshop will be held at the Okaloosa County Extension ... READ MORE
Category: Events, Home LandscapesChelco in DeFuniak Springs is hosting a Right of Way training. If you need a Review and Exam opportunity join us on Feb 4, 2105. See both flyers for the full agenda. CORE Agenda 2015 Right of Way flyer 2015 READ MORE
Category: Events, Pests & Disease, Pests & DiseaseFeb 2, 2015 is an opportunity to earn CEUs for several applicator categories, as well as review for the CORE, Limited Structural and Ornamental & Turf exams. For more information : Inside and Out 2015 READ MORE
Category: Events, Pests & Disease, Pests & DiseaseIn one way or another, I would argue that we all have benefited from legislation signed 100 years ago referred to as the Smith-Lever Act. The Smith-Lever Act established the Cooperative Extension Service, a unique educational partnership between ... READ MORE
Category: UF/IFAS ExtensionThe next opportunity to attend the class needed in order to apply for a fertilizer license is February 3, 2015 in Crestview. For more information, click on the following date: 2315 READ MORE
Category: Agriculture, Events, Home LandscapesThe next opportunity for the class needed in order to apply for a fertilizer license will be in Crestview on February 3, 2015. For more information click on the date: 2315 READ MORE
Category: Agriculture, Events, Home Landscapes, Professional DevelopmentThe next two opportunities to earn CEUs or take the exam for Limited Commercial Landscape Maintenance or Limited Lawn and Ornamental are December 16, 2014 in Tallahassee (click on date) 121614 Leon or January 13, 2015 in Crestview (click on ... READ MORE
Category: Events, Pests & Disease, Pests & Disease, Professional DevelopmentThere is and opportunity to learn correct tree planting that reduces loss in Milton on November 13, 2014. For more information on this no cost program click here: ProHort Tree Installation 2014 READ MORE
Category: Events, Home LandscapesA pesticide license is required for application of insecticides, herbicides or fungicides to landscape plants, including Roundup and Insecticidal soap. As a landscape professional or government employee earning this certification can be as ... READ MORE
Category: Events, Pests & Disease, Pests & Disease, Professional DevelopmentIn order to legally apply pesticides to the interior of your employer's building you must be licensed by the state of Florida. The next opportunity to attend a review and exam class is September 30, 2014 in Chipley. For more information: Structural ... READ MORE
Category: Events, Pests & Disease, Pests & Disease, Professional DevelopmentIf you are required to control indoor pests as part of your job, you need a Limited Structural Pest Control certification. The next opportunity for a review and exam class is September 30, 2014 in Chipley. For more information : Structural ... READ MORE
Category: Events, Pests & Disease, Professional DevelopmentAs of January 1, 2014 landscape personnel that charge for the serve of fertilizing of plants or grass must be Best Management Practices certified and licensed by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services in order to perform ... READ MORE
Category: Events, Home Landscapes, Professional DevelopmentAs of January 1, 2014 landscape personnel that charge for the serve of fertilizing of plants or grass must be Best Management Practices certified and licensed by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services in order to perform ... READ MORE
Category: Events, Home Landscapes, Professional DevelopmentThe Emerald Coast Home Show, Health Fair and Business Expo will include lawn and landscape seminars and an information booth hosted by the Okaloosa County Master Gardeners. This event will be held at the Emerald Coast Convention Center on Okaloosa ... READ MORE
Category: Events, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, LawnFall is a great time to plant a winter garden. One of the benefits of living in the Florida Panhandle is that we can grow vegetables twelve months out of the year. But not all vegetables can be successfully grown during our cooler fall and winter ... READ MORE
Category: Events, Fruits & Vegetables, Home LandscapesBy state law, an applicator must be licensed in order to apply restricted-use herbicides to highway roadsides, powerlines and railroad tracks. August 4, 2014, the Okaloosa County Extension office is offering a review class and exam. ... READ MORE
Category: Events, Pests & Disease, Pests & Disease, Professional DevelopmentIn order to obtain a pesticide license in any of the Chapter 487 categories ( Ornamental & Turf, Right of Way, Aquatic, Natural Areas, Private Applicator etc.) it is required to pass the CORE ( General Standards) exam. The next ... READ MORE
Category: Events, Pests & Disease, Pests & Disease, Professional DevelopmentIn order to obtain a pesticide application certificate from the state of Florida, landscape personnel must attend a six-hour training and pass an exam. The next opportunity to accomplish this in one day is July 7, 2014 in Defuniak Springs. ... READ MORE
Category: Events, Pests & Disease, Pests & Disease, Professional DevelopmentJune 23-25, the Florida Irrigation Society will be providing a certified instructor for the contractor license in irrigation to deliver a review workshop at the Okaloosa County Extension office. For more information click here: Exam Prep ... READ MORE
Category: Events, Home Landscapes, Professional DevelopmentLast minute opportunity for Limited Pesticide Training, Renewal and/or Exam. Click the following: 61914Freeport READ MORE
Category: Events, Pests & Disease, Pests & Disease, Professional DevelopmentThere is something for the professional, Master Gardener and homeowner at the 20th Annual Turfgrass Expo & Field Day. You’ll see and learn the newest in the areas of lawn grass varieties, weed control and many other topics related to selecting, ... READ MORE
Category: Events, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, LawnThe next opportunity to earn the BMP certificate required to apply for the state mandated fertilizer license is July 10, 2014 in Crestview. For more information click on the following: 71014. This is also a way to earn the CEUs required ... READ MORE
Category: Events, Home Landscapes, Professional DevelopmentSave the Date! July 9, 2014 will be an opportunity to get lots of CEUs in many different categories including Ag Tree, Ag Row, Aerial, Aquatic, Forestry, Natural Areas, Priv. App., Regulatory, ROW and all the Lawn and Ornamental certifications. ... READ MORE
Category: Agriculture, Events, Home Landscapes, Professional DevelopmentWith a harsh winter and excessive rainfall, landscapes are stressed. At the Florida Pest Management Association meeting on May 20, 2014, pest control operators can learn What To Expect This Summer. To learn how to monitor for and manage the ... READ MORE
Category: Home LandscapesThe month of May and after is going to be a time of recovery for Northwest Florida. On April 30th, 2014 many residents awoke, if they slept at all, to drenched neighborhoods and all of the damage and destruction that followed. This storm took ... READ MORE
Category: Disaster Preparation, Work & LifeThe next opportunity to renew or obtain a new Limited Pesticide License is May 16, 2014 in Tallahassee. For more info: 516 Leon READ MORE
Category: Events, Pests & Disease, Professional DevelopmentThe University of Florida IFAS Extension & Florida Sea Grant program of Okaloosa/Walton Counties invites you to join us on April 28th at 5:00 PM for our Salty Topics Emerald Coast Series “Sea Turtles of the Emerald Coast.” Brooke Saari, ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Natural Resources, Water, WildlifeAs of January 1, 2014 landscape personnel that charge for the serve of fertilizing of plants or grass must be Best Management Practices certified and licensed by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services in order to perform ... READ MORE
Category: Events, Home Landscapes, Professional DevelopmentWith all the issues we will be facing with palms this year Palm School 2014 is the place to learn. Plan on attending April 29 & 30 in Destin. READ MORE
Category: Events, Home LandscapesPest Control Operators in General Household Pests or Termite/Wood-destoying Organisms. Here is an opportunity on March 21 to earn CEUs in both categories, as well as some CORE, before the season gets really busy. 32114Structural Government, ... READ MORE
Category: Events, Home Management, Pests & Disease, Professional DevelopmentIn 2014, a Florida fertilizer license is required for all employees applying fertilizer to the lawn and landscape. Spanish speaking personnel can qualify by taking the Best Management Practices class in Spanish. The next opportunity is Wednesday, ... READ MORE
Category: Events, Home Landscapes, Professional DevelopmentAll Extension Agents, regardless of program areas, who want to learn more about landscape irrigation are encouraged to join us at WFREC Irrigation on Wednesday, March 19, 2014. READ MORE
Category: Events, Home Landscapes, Professional DevelopmentThe University of Florida IFAS Extension & Florida Sea Grant program of Okaloosa/Walton Counties invites you to join us on Mar 11th, 11:00 AM for our Salty Topics Emerald Coast Series “Marine Debris Removal for Coastal Habitat Restoration.” This ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Conservation, Natural Resources, Water, WildlifeIf you need to get the pesticide license training for a new license or renewal of an existing license out of the way before the busy spring season is upon us, the next opportunity is Wednesday, March 5, 2014 at the Okaloosa County Extension ... READ MORE
Category: Events, Pests & Disease, Pests & Disease, Professional DevelopmentAs of January 1, 2014 those who apply fertilizer "For Hire" must have a specialized license to do so. In order to apply for the license, you must have obtained a Best Management Practices Certificate. The certificate is awarded to those who ... READ MORE
Category: Events, Home Landscapes, Professional Development
Your Marine Science and Sea Grant Extension agent is Brooke Saari. READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Natural Resources4-H is the exciting youth development program of the Florida Cooperative Extension. Membership is open to all youth ages 5-18. 4-H offers youth opportunities to acquire knowledge, develop skills and form attitudes that will enable them to ... READ MORE
Category: 4-H & YouthExtension Family and Consumer Sciences Programs help Florida families meet the practical challenges of daily life. Family economic stability and well-being are promoted through programs on money management and consumer education. The Okaloosa ... READ MORE
Category: Work & Life
“As long as there have been gardeners there have been gardeners sharing their knowledge with each other,” as stated by Wendy Wilber State Master Gardener Volunteer Coordinator with UF/IFAS Extension. Wendy and I share the successes and ... READ MORE
Category: Community Volunteers, Horticulture
The vast majority of weeds in North Florida lawns now, during early spring, are winter annuals. Many of theses weeds are Florida natives, some of which even carry our State’s name. Examples include Florida bellflower, Florida betony, Florida ... READ MORE
Category: Events, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, LawnDon’t miss out on the opportunity to learn how to bring pollinators to your property, enjoy a delicious lunch and even learn how to cook and store fresh herbs. This and more will be covered at the No Mow March Event taking place at the Okaloosa ... READ MORE
Category: 4-H & Youth, Crops, Events, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Food Safety, Forests, Fruits & Vegetables, Home Landscapes, Horticulture, Lawn, Recreation, Turf, Wildlife
Have you ever threatened to pave your lawn? Maybe the lawn grass is trying to tell you something. Not every square foot of a landscape needs to be a well-manicured lawn. Maybe you picked the wrong lawn grass for the site. Maybe you are incorrectly ... READ MORE
Category: Events, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, LawnIf you are interested in learning more about pollinators that are important to wildlife, on our farms and in our lawns, landscapes and gardens, you’ll be interested in the No Mow March event. This event offers something for everyone from ... READ MORE
Category: 4-H & Youth, Agriculture, Crops, Events, Farm Management, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Food Safety, Forests, Health & Nutrition, Home Landscapes, Horticulture, Lawn, Turf, WildlifeAs a boy I remember our St. Augustinegrass lawn. I fondly remember winter annual weeds in that lawn. Many of these so called “weeds” are native wildflowers and a number of pollinators use these wildflowers. To see clumps of winter ... READ MORE
Category: Events, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, Lawn, TurfNeed an excuse to not mow your lawn in March? UF/IFAS Extension agents in the Florida Panhandle are asking residents to skip their soon-to-be-weekly outdoor chore until the calendar flips to April. The idea for “No Mow March” is borrowed ... READ MORE
Category: Events, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Forests, Home Landscapes, Lawn, Natural Resources, Wildlife
Timing of preemergence herbicide applications to prevent warm-season lawn weeds such as crabgrass should be during mid-February to March 1 when day temperatures reach 65 to 70˚ F for four to five consecutive days. This generally coincides with ... READ MORE
Category: Home Landscapes, Lawn, Turf
Many roses grown in Florida require regular maintenance. Part of this maintenance includes pruning. But gardeners sometimes have a hard time getting up the nerve to cut their rose bushes back. Matt Orwat, UF/IFAS Extension Agent in Washington ... READ MORE
Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, Pests & Disease
What happened to the old Extension Office Annex on Hollywood Boulevard in Fort Walton Beach where I used to go to have my lawn and garden questions answered? Here is the answer as well as info on where to find us now. The main office for ... READ MORE
Category: Community Volunteers, Events, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Fruits & Vegetables, Home Landscapes, Invasive Species, Lawn, Pests & Disease, UF/IFAS Extension