February is Pesticide Safety Education month. Whether using a conventional chemicals or biorational chemicals, understanding how to use the product safely is universal. No product is 100% safe. Remember they are used to control, prevent, ... READ MORE
Category: Home Landscapes, Lawn, Pests & Disease, Work & Life
Nourishment, a common thread woven through school gardens, and for many it is the reason to have them. Why would teachers have a school garden? After all, for some- it adds another responsibility, to an already full plate. It can require ... READ MORE
Category: Agriculture, Clubs & Volunteers, Community Volunteers, Events, Fruits & Vegetables, Health & Nutrition, Professional Development, UF/IFAS Extension
You may have heard the term integrated pest management or the phrase ‘IPM’ tossed around in conversation by your pest control company, your landscape maintenance service, or even me - your local extension agent! So, you may be wondering ... READ MORE
Category: Home Landscapes, Lawn, Pests & Disease, Work & Life
Taking charge of your own irrigation programming may seem daunting, but knowing how to use your system's controller is critical in making sure it's running efficiently throughout the year. Follow the steps below to program your controller. Know ... READ MORE
Category: Conservation, Home Landscapes, Lawn, Turf, UF/IFAS Extension, Water
The roof is fine, you have fixed the leaning fence and the floods have receded. Your landscape is in a relative mess, but your trees are giving you some real concerns. Can you make an informed decision on what needs to happen next related ... READ MORE
Category: Disaster Preparation, Home Landscapes![a pollen-coated bee sits on a yellow-and-brown flower. [credit: pixabay.com, joszef szabo]](https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasotaco/files/2022/09/2022_Chems_beePollenFlower01_pixabaySzaboJozsef_CROP1338x357TINY.png)
Do you enjoy a hot cup of coffee in the morning? Or a perfectly ripe watermelon for dessert? Perhaps a tasty blueberry, strawberry, and banana smoothie? If so, then thank a pollinator. Pollinators play a vital role in supporting commercial ... READ MORE
Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, Natural Resources![adapted illustration/photo of ashley ellis, residential horticulture agent, uf/ifas extension sarasota county, examing and enjoying plant species at a botanical garden. [credit: ashley ellis]](https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasotaco/files/2022/06/2022_Comms_blogEllisAshley_botanicalGardenGradient_EllisAshleyTINY.png)
We are excited to announce that Ashley Ellis has joined UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County as our new residential horticulture agent. Ashley brings expertise, experience and energy to a position key to Sarasota County Extension and one of ... READ MORE
Category: Home Landscapes, UF/IFAS Extension
While venturing out for a walk with my dog yesterday evening, I made a big mistake. I did not apply insect repellent. Actually, it was a huge mistake. Within minutes, it was a battle for blood: me trying to keep it and the mosquitoes trying ... READ MORE
Category: Natural Resources, Pests & Disease, Work & Life
Drip, or micro-irrigation, is a great choice for landscape beds. It is up to 50% more water-efficient than a traditional sprinkler system, and it provides water directly to the plant instead of applying spray in a "one size fits all" pattern. These ... READ MORE
Category: Conservation, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, Lawn, Water
Rain Sensors Anyone living in Florida who uses an automatic irrigation system is required by law to have a fully operational rain shut-off device. These devices are crucial in preventing overwatering, which can lead to a number of issues ... READ MORE
Category: Conservation, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, Home Management, Lawn, UF/IFAS Extension, Water