Plants Don’t Live Forever
A New Yorker cartoon shows a lady shopping a garden center bench for plants. She has three choices at three price points: annuals, $6; perennials, $10; eternals, $749.95. No matter what the cost, plants don’t… Read More
Category: Agriculture
Grass Worms
If you are one of the many that have taken advantage of the frequent rain in order to establish a new lawn, keep an eye open for “grass worms”. Though truly caterpillars, not worms, these… Read More
CEU Renewal for Fertilizer and Pesticide Licenses
Calling 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… Read More
The Grass is Getting “Hungry”
Northwest Florida’s weather patterns can present challenges to maintaining a health lawn. Heavy rains promote fast growth and relentless sunshine causes lawns to fade. In the last 200 days we have received at least 68… Read More
Small Cockroaches Flying Into Homes
The Asian cockroach was first identified as a newly introduced species in the U.S. in Lakeland, Florida in 1986. I started seeing this small cockroach in our area about 17 or 18 years ago. They’ve… Read More
Celebrating and Attracting Pollinators
Unfortunately, reports from the National Research Council say that the long-term population trends for some North American pollinators are “demonstrably downward”. Ten years ago the U.S. Senate unanimously approved and designated “National Pollinator Week” to… Read More
Limited Pesticide Licensing Class
If 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… Read More
My Tree Has Tumors
As oak trees are now fully leafing out and people start hanging out in the shade of the canopy, many of you are noticing strange growths on the branches. They look like potatoes, spiky cones… Read More
Benefit from Beneficial Insects
A number of summers ago, I noticed whiteflies on a confederate rose plant in my landscape. I considered using an insecticide to control the whiteflies but decided against doing so after taking a closer look…. Read More
Dig Safely: Call 811
This month, recognized by the Senate and Florida’s governor, reminds diggers why calling 811 before all outdoor digging projects is important to your safety. Before installing a mailbox, fence, deck, garden or tree make sure… Read More