UF/IFAS
Extension Polk County

Create a Wattle in Your Yard

Avatar photo
September 5, 2024

Are summer storms dropping dead branches and twigs onto your yard? Recycle them and create a "wattle" fence!  Wattles, or hurdles, have been in use since the Middle Ages; originally used as portable fencing for grazing sheep. Over time, designs ... READ MORE

Category:
Tags: Anne Yasalonis, Ayasalonis, Central Florida, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Florida-Friendly Plants, Master Gardener, Master Gardener Volunteer, Native Plants, Polk County, Polkgardening, UF/IFAS Polk County

Updates and Changes to the Florida Pesticide Examination Process


September 4, 2024

Pesticide applicators often rely on UF/IFAS Extension to obtain pesticide education, training, support, and to take their respective exams. All 67 county offices have historically offered free exams, through paper or using a computer. Due to ... READ MORE

Category: Agribusiness, Agriculture, , Farm Management, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Pests & Disease, Professional Development, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension, UF/IFAS Teaching
Tags: Pesticide License, Pesticide Testing, Pesticide Training, Pesticides, Pesticide_applicator, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Polk County

Actualizaciones y Cambios del Proceso de Examinación de Pesticidas de Florida


September 4, 2024

Los aplicadores de pesticidas a menudo dependen de “UF/IFAS Extension” para obtener educación, capacitación, apoyo sobre temas relacionados con pesticidas y para completar sus respectivos exámenes. Históricamente, las 67 oficinas de ... READ MORE

Category: Agribusiness, Agriculture, , Farm Management, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Pests & Disease, Pests & Disease, Professional Development, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension, UF/IFAS Teaching
Tags: En Espanol, Espanol, Pesticide License, Pesticide Testing, Pesticide Training, Pesticides, Pesticide_applicator, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Polk County
Set of three photos: purple long beans in a hand, greens in a raised bed, and person planting a transplant into a garden.

Starting a Vegetable Garden in Central Florida: A New Episode of Your Central Florida Yard Podcast

Avatar photo
August 26, 2024

So you want to start a vegetable garden... Before you dig in, there are a few basic tips that will help you grow a successful vegetable garden in central Florida. From proper timing for seasonal vegetables, to soil prep, water, fertilizer, ... READ MORE

Category: Fruits & Vegetables, Home Landscapes, Horticulture
Tags: Anne Yasalonis, Ayasalonis, Central Florida, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Master Gardener Volunteer, Polk County, Polk County FL, Polkgardening, Polkmg, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Polk County, Vegetable Gardening, Your Central Florida Yard, Your Central Florida Yard Podcast
Man laying on grass with headphones listening with eyes closed

Weeds in the Home Landscape: A New Episode of Your Central Florida Yard Podcast

Avatar photo
August 19, 2024

Weeds in the home landscape Weed management can be stressful and difficult for many homeowners, and like many pest problems, the best way to combat problems in the lawn and landscape is through proper maintenance to promote healthy plants. ... READ MORE

Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, Lawn
Tags: Anne Yasalonis, Ayasalonis, Central Florida, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Florida-Friendly Plants, Jschelb, Master Gardener, Master Gardener Volunteer, Native Plants, Polk County, Polk County FL, Polkgardening, Polkmg, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Polk County, Weed Identification, Weeds, Your Central Florida Yard, Your Central Florida Yard Podcast

Cottage Food & Essential Farm Equipment at the 2024 Fall Southwest Florida Small Farmer Network Meeting

Avatar photo
August 14, 2024

Plenty of farmers are selling their products on their farms to increase their customers. Many of these products require a food permit that the farmer must obtain before selling. On the other hand, there are several products that farmers can ... READ MORE

Category: Agribusiness, Agriculture, Crops, Farm Management, Fruits & Vegetables, Horticulture, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension, UF/IFAS Teaching
Tags: Cottage Food Law, Florida Farms, Small Farms, Southwest District, Southwest Florida Small Farms Network, UF/IFAS, Vegetable Farm, Vegetables
Images of seagrape, croton, and swamp hibiscus plants.

A Tropical Yard in Central Florida: A New Episode of Your Central Florida Yard Podcast

Avatar photo
June 21, 2024

A tropical yard in central Florida Does the thought of living in central Florida bring to mind a tropical-looking landscape? The climate of central Florida is unique and is changing. There are many plants that thrive in this area from ornamental ... READ MORE

Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Fruits & Vegetables, Home Landscapes, Lawn, Pests & Disease
Tags: Anne Yasalonis, Ayasalonis, Central Florida, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Jschelb, Master Gardener, Master Gardener Volunteer, Polk County, Polk County FL, Polkgardening, Polkmg, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Polk County, Your Central Florida Yard, Your Central Florida Yard Podcast

Support Florida’s Pollinators All Year Long

Avatar photo
June 21, 2024

Landscapes that support our native pollinators are places filled with wonder!  They help our environment by providing safe havens for our smallest of wildlife – bees, butterflies and more!  Homeowners, institutions, developers – even apartment ... READ MORE

Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, Wildlife
Tags: Anne Yasalonis, Ayasalonis, Bees, Central Florida, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Florida-Friendly Plants, Flowers, Gardening, Master Gardener Volunteer, Native Bees, Polk County, Polkgardening, Polkmg, Pollinators, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Polk County, Wildlife

Florida Pesticide Licenses: Right-of-Way


June 6, 2024

Florida is one of the most regulated states concerning pesticide applications. Florida has 13 different pesticide licenses with over 20 categories. This makes it difficult for applicators to understand what license is the one they need for a ... READ MORE

Category: Conservation, Natural Resources, Pests & Disease, Professional Development, Recreation, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension, Water, Wildlife
Tags: Pesticide License, Pesticide_applicator, Pesticide_protection, Right-of-way, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Polk County