In a previous blog post, we discussed how to know when you have a pest problem, and how to choose the least harmful method of dealing with it. But what about before you have a problem? Is there… Read More
Do you sometimes feel like you’re fighting a losing battle against garden pests? What are these critters? Why do they show up in my garden, and what should I do about them? Why does spraying chemicals often make… Read More
Trees are so cool! Not only do they provide shade and oxygen but many other benefits as well. From reducing energy use and improving water management to providing wildlife habitats and improved well-being for humans, trees are an… Read More
What interesting type of fruit can you grow for an edible landscape in central Florida? Many of the tropical fruit that people associate with Florida are not quite hardy enough here. We have just enough cold to prohibit… Read More
I received a query from a homeowner who wanted a factsheet about planting over a septic drain field. The homeowner wanted some perennials that would thrive on utter neglect — don’t we all? I searched the internet and found… Read More
Florida strawberries are grown as annuals started from northern-sourced cold-treated young plants set out in September and October. Bare-root plants with their leaves retained yield earlier than plants with leaves removed. However, frequent irrigation (8-14 hours/day for the… Read More
Interested in growing grapes in Florida? There are special requirements for our area because of Pierce’s Disease. Find out the latest in UF/IFAS research at the 2019 Grape Field Day. The program will be held July 16, 2019… Read More
As our brief cool spells end and seeds start sprouting, now is the best time to get ahead of weeds. When the warm weather weeds are small, they can often be successfully controlled with herbicides. Ignoring them now… Read More
The 4 acre demonstration gardens at the UF/IFAS Extension Orange County Education Center, 6021 S. Conway Rd., Orlando, provides excellent opportunities for hands-on, visual planting displays emphasizing low maintenance Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ principles and locally recommended plant varieties. Urban… Read More
As soon as I start my walk in the Exploration Gardens, I smell the delightful scent of the banana shrub. I can’t figure out why this plant isn’t used more in landscapes because it has so many good… Read More
