Vultures are seen along many roadways feeding on dead animals as seen here at the Mid-Florida Research and Education Center. They play an important role in the environment. This clean up may prevent the spread of diseases. For… Read More
The tomato hornworm caterpillar is the larval stage of a sphinx moth. It is the largest caterpillar found in the vegetable garden if is feeds long enough. Sometimes, the caterpillar coloration blends in well on the plant it… Read More
A new addition to the Demonstration Vegetable Garden: An example of what is commercially available in a chicken coop for the home backyard. UF/IFAS Extension offices around the state are teaching classes about backyard flocks as counties and… Read More
Many of you have been around long enough to remember Mel Bartholomew’s Square Foot Gardening program on PBS channels in the 70s and 80s. He developed a gardening “system” that produces a great amount of wholesome, edible vegetables… Read More
Exposure to heat can cause illness and death. The most serious heat illness is heat stroke. Other heat illnesses, such as heat exhaustion, heat cramps and heat rash, should also be avoided. There are precautions that can be… Read More
Clean out eaves and gutters. Remove or drill holes in empty tires. Turn over empty plastic pots. Check property for any standing water. Replace birdbath water once a week. Empty water in plant trays & hanging baskets each week. Keep… Read More
Honey bees and native bees like bumble bees, carpenterbees, sweat bees, leafcutter and mason bees are critical to our food supply. They are responsible for pollinating about one-third of the food we eat. Here are 4 suggestions to make… Read More
Beekeeping is becoming increasingly popular in Florida. The typical urban or backyard beekeeper maintains one to five colonies. Backyard beekeeping traditionally has provided honey for home consumption and general enjoyment for those who keep bees as a hobby…. Read More
The New York Life Insurance and the National 4-H Council Foundation has awarded the Orange County 4-H Program a grant totaling $100,000 to fund the JUNTOS 4-H program. Juntos (pronounced “Who-n-toes”) means “Together” in Spanish and the program works… Read More
The 4-H program in Orange County serves more than 800 members guided and mentored by 314 volunteers in areas such as leadership, citizenship and healthy living. In Orange County, the main projects areas offered to youth are in… Read More
