![A stockpile of fresh cranberries. [CREDIT: PIxabay.com]](https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasotaco/files/2020/10/2020_FCS_blogCranberries01_pixabayCROP1338x357_TINY.jpg)
If you’re like me, you enjoy the month of October for many reasons, from a love of pumpkin to the beginning of cooler weather, and, of course, enjoying all the winter squash. But, did you know that October… Read More
![An array of winter squash in the field [CREDIT: UF/IFAS]](https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasotaco/files/2020/10/2020_FCS_blogSquashPumpkin_ifas01CROP1338x357_TINY.jpg)
Did you know that squash varieties that are harvested in the fall are known as winter squash? Winter squash has a lot of varieties including acorn, butternut, Hubbard and spaghetti squash and of course it’s cousin, pumpkin. Winter… Read More
![an array of pumpkins in the field. [CREDIT: UF/IFAS Extension]](https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasotaco/files/2020/10/2020_FCS_blogPumpkinsInField_ifas01CROP1338x357_TINY.jpg)
October is one of my favorite months of the year. It’s when my favorite winter squash takes center stage: pumpkin! You’ve probably noticed pumpkins popping up everywhere. They’re in Halloween carvings and decorations, of course, but also in… Read More
As I have started venturing out to run errands, I’ve noticed something: hand sanitizers are the new “popular.” I have seen these sanitizers offered in various scents, and even flavored as chocolate and raspberry. I have also seen… Read More
With the start of the school year quickly approaching, families begin preparing their students for the school year. Notebooks, pens, paper and a new backpack populate most “to purchase” lists. Oh, and a lunchbox. My children always wanted… Read More
As I slowly make my way out to go for groceries, I now have a small checklist of items to remember. Of course, the grocery list and purse. And, now, my face covering. I have to admit that… Read More
In 2018, one in six Americans got sick from eating contaminated food. That figure comes from a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report. And, remember, that only accounts for reported cases of sickness. Clearly, food safety… Read More
It might sound odd, but one key element of preparing for a storm is knowing what to do AFTER the storm. After a disaster, you might be without a range of services on which you normally rely, such… Read More
One key consideration as you prepare for our tropical storm season is whether or not to evacuate your home, should a storm approach. Making the decision to shelter in place or evacuate to a shelter—or even travel to… Read More
As you prepare your home and family for the hurricane season, don’t forget to include a disaster preparedness kit. In this Storm Season 2020 post, the third of the six-part series, we are going to discuss what to… Read More
