Have you seen me before? I am one insect, an Eastern Lubber Grasshopper, Romalea microptera. The Eastern Lubber Grasshopper The two insects above are the same species, photographed at different life stages. The first ... READ MORE
Category: Crops, Horticulture
What is a seed? This might seem like a simple question, but seeds play a much larger role than their tiny form might let on. Seeds are one of the most important means of plant reproduction. They carry the genetic material from parent plants ... READ MORE
Category: Crops, Home Landscapes, Horticulture
In Florida, annual dry periods and drought conditions in the fall and spring are completely normal. But during periods of extreme drought and below-average rainfall, like the conditions we are experiencing this year, there are some cultural ... READ MORE
Category: Home Landscapes, Horticulture, Water
Heat Wilt v. Permanent Wilt Some plants may 'wilt' in extreme heat when a plant’s water loss (via transpiration) exceeds water absorption. Or it may be a tactic the plant uses to conserve water as a protective measure against extreme temperatures. But ... READ MORE
Category: Home Landscapes, HorticultureMature Trees Mature trees, especially older ones, develop an extensive network of roots and can survive on rainfall exclusively. Some of these roots run very deep, which is why supplemental watering is usually unnecessary. Most mature shrubs ... READ MORE
Category: Crops, Home Landscapes, Horticulture, Water
Ideally, the requirements of a tree/shrub (or any plant for that matter) should align with the conditions of the planting site (right plant, right place). When a plant's growing needs are matched to the environmental conditions, you may notice ... READ MORE
Category: Crops, Home Landscapes, Horticulture, Water
The amount of water a plant needs depends on many things. A few factors include the plant type, age and size, the environmental conditions, and soil type. When you do water, aim for deep, infrequent waterings to encourage strong root systems. ... READ MORE
Category: Crops, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes
According to Pasco County’s watering regulations, new landscape material may be watered more during a 60-day establishment period as an exception to the water restrictions. Meaning: different water restrictions apply to new, young plants ... READ MORE
Category: Conservation, Home Landscapes, Horticulture, Water
Established turf only needs ½ -¾ inch of water per week. Established turf refers to grass that has developed a root system that is usually capable of sustaining itself through natural rainfall, except in extreme environmental conditions ... READ MORE
Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, Horticulture
Featured Pollinator: The ruby-throated hummingbird A Blooming Partnership For successful pollination and survival, plants have evolved to charm and attract a variety of animals and insects, forming symbiotic partnerships that ensure mutual ... READ MORE
Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Horticulture