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
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
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
Rain Gauges Ever heard of a rain gauge? No? Maybe you have an idea, but you aren't quite sure. Well, you've come to the right place. Read on to learn what a rain gauge is, how it works, and how easy it is to use one in your home landscape. What ... READ MORE
Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, Lawn, Natural Resources, UF/IFAS Extension, Water
Home Irrigation is the #1 Water Waster in Florida Many homeowners are not aware of how much water they may be using on irrigation. System inefficiencies can cause plant stress and money to go down the drain. A free irrigation evaluation by ... READ MORE
Category: Conservation, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, Lawn, Water
Ongoing Well Study The United States Geological Survey (USGS) and the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) are working together to conduct a study on lawn irrigation wells in Sarasota and Polk Counties. To qualify, you must ... READ MORE
Category: Conservation, Home Landscapes, Lawn, Water![Closeup of a Bauhinia x blakeana "orchid tree" blooms. [CREDIT: "Unha-de-vaca" by Mauricio Mercadante (CC-BY-NC-SA 2.0), via Flickr.com]](https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasotaco/files/2022/01/2021_Blogs_MGVSeries_12Bauhinia_xblakeana_flickr02MercandanteMauricioCROP1338x357TINY.png)
By Karen Pariser Master Gardener Volunteer Program team member Looking for an amazing pop of color and texture in your Florida yard? Consider the impact of a flowering tree. Specifically, the orchid tree. Bauhinia basics A member of the ... READ MORE
Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, Invasive Species, Lawn![Allamanda cathartica. [CREDIT: pixabay.com, Dezalb]](https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasotaco/files/2021/11/2021_Blogs_MGVSeries_11Allamanda02_cathartica_pixabayDezalbCROP1338x357TINY.png)
By Dianne Beaver Master Gardener Volunteer Program team member With large, bright-yellow flowers and vibrant-green leaves, Allamanda cathartica seems like the perfect plant to brighten up your patio or front garden area. It is a vigorous grower, ... READ MORE
Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, Horticulture, Invasive Species, Lawn