UF/IFAS
Extension Polk County

New Episode from Naturally Florida: PodBLAST – The Impact of Fireworks


September 20, 2023

In this episode we explore the impacts of fireworks to air quality, water quality, wildlife and more! Although fireworks are a staple for celebrations around the world, the explosives almost always contain pollutants like heavy metals, perchlorates, ... READ MORE

Category: Natural Resources
Tags: Air Quality, Fireworks, Naturally Florida Podcast, Water Quality, Wildlife

Agentes Agrícolas Apoyan la Apicultura: Recursos Digitales en Español Sobre el Manejo de Abejas.


September 14, 2023

Las abejas melíferas (“honey bees”) son de suma importancia para la agricultura. El 85% de todos los cultivos que consumimos son polinizados por las abejas melíferas. Existe mucha curiosidad por las abejas de parte del público general ... READ MORE

Category: Agribusiness, Agriculture, Farm Management, Livestock, Pests & Disease, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension, UF/IFAS Teaching
Tags: Abejas, Apicultura, Apiculture, Digitalresources, En Espanol, Espanol, Honeybees, Podcast, Polksmallfarms, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Polk County

Test Forages

Avatar photo
September 9, 2023

Now is the time to plan winter supplementation strategies.  Conserved forages (hay, haylage, stockpiled forages) are usually the foundation of a winter feeding plan.  Whether harvesting your own hay/haylage or purchasing, understanding the ... READ MORE

Category: Livestock
Tags: Hay
Salvia 'Wendy's Wish' and Black Eyed Susan

Late summer in your Florida-Friendly landscape: A few quick tips

Avatar photo
September 2, 2023

It’s the end of summer and it’s hot--and not just hot, but hot and humid!  Now is a good time to keep your garden activities to a minimum. If you work in your landscape addressing the few chores that might be necessary, always remember ... READ MORE

Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes,
Tags: Anne Yasalonis, Ayasalonis, Central Florida, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Florida-Friendly Plants, Gardening, Master Gardener, Master Gardener Volunteer, Native Plants, Polkgardening, Polkmg, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Polk County
UF IFAS Extension Office Sign

Greenhouse Guide for Educators

Avatar photo
September 1, 2023

Are you an educator interested in building and installing a greenhouse? Do you have a greenhouse but need age-appropriate curriculum? The Greenhouse Manual: An Introductory Guide for Educators from the United States Botanical Garden was ... READ MORE

Category: 4-H & Youth, Curriculum,
Tags: Anne Yasalonis, Ayasalonis, Central Florida, Gardening, Greenhouse, Greenhouse Curriculum, Master Gardener, Master Gardener Volunteer, Polk County, Polkgardening, Polksmallfarms, School Curriculum
fridge shelf with sausage, garlic, and strawberries

Keeping it Fresh: How long is food still good after a power outage?

Avatar photo
August 28, 2023

Keeping it Fresh: How long is food still good after a power outage? Whether a rat knocked out your freezer plug (that was actually the subject of the last phone call I received at my job), or the wrath of a hurricane leaves you powerless, situations ... READ MORE

Category: Disaster Preparation, Food Safety, Health & Nutrition, UF/IFAS Extension
Tags: Anikolai, Food Safety, Foodsafety, Hurricane, Hurricane Preparedness, UF/IFAS Polk County

Minimizing Pesticide Impacts on the Environment


August 28, 2023

Pesticides are an effective control for pests and diseases. On the other hand, when not using pesticides correctly these chemicals can affect the environment negatively.   What Composes the Environment? The environment is composed ... READ MORE

Category: Agriculture, Crops, Farm Management, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, Horticulture, Lawn, Livestock, Pests & Disease, Pests & Disease, Turf, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension, UF/IFAS Teaching
Tags: Applying Pesticides Correctly, Drift_management, Environmental Literacy, Pesticide_applicator, Pesticide_protection, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Polk County

Minimizando los Impactos de los Pesticidas en el Medio Ambiente


August 28, 2023

Los pesticidas son un control eficaz de plagas y enfermedades. Por otro lado, cuando los pesticidas no se utilizan correctamente pueden afectar negativamente al medio ambiente.   ¿Qué Compone el Medio Ambiente? El medio ambiente ... READ MORE

Category: Agriculture, Crops, Farm Management, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, Horticulture, Lawn, Livestock, Pests & Disease, Pests & Disease, Turf, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension, UF/IFAS Teaching
Tags: Applying Pesticides Correctly, Drift_management, En Espanol, Environmental Literacy, Espanol, Pesticide_applicator, Pesticide_protection, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Polk County
Palm trees blowing in the wind

Polk County Extension Updates: Idalia

Avatar photo
August 27, 2023

As Idalia leaves our area, see the following storm-related updates from our office. You’ll find extension program and event updates, storm prep and recovery resources, and local resources here. Stay tuned to your local news channels and Polk ... READ MORE

Category: Disaster Preparation
Tags: Hurricane Idalia, Hurricane Prep, Hurricane Preparedness, Idalia, Special-topics, Tropical Storm Idalia

Subscribe For More Great Content

IFAS Blogs Categories