If you are living and breathing in the horticultural industry right now, you are hearing the phrase “artificial intelligence” everywhere. AI can sometimes feel like a nebulous, catch-all term that confuses those who aren't working with it ... READ MORE
Category: Agriculture, Crops, Farm Management, Horticulture, Pests & Disease, UF/IFAS Extension
The nursery industry stands out above the crowd when we take a look at Sumter County's agricultural producers. More than 75% of all crop sales came from the nursery sector, according to the 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture. Among the many commodities ... READ MORE
Category: Agribusiness, Agriculture, Crops, Horticulture, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension
While poultry projects can be great projects for first time exhibitors, there is more involved than what meets the eye. There are a few major steps to success in a poultry show. With a little elbow grease and informed decisions, you can be on ... READ MORE
Category: 4-H & Youth, Agriculture,
In-person class in Sumter County, Florida: Saturday, January 17, 2025 7620 State Road 471, Bushnell, FL 33513 10:00 am- Learn the basics of poultry showmanship Topics to include: Preparation for showmanship What the judge is ... READ MORE
Category: 4-H & Youth, Livestock,
Are you looking to attract wildlife to your yard? Consider the Japanese Blueberry (Elaeocarpus dentatus). Although relatively new to the industry, this evergreen tree makes an excellent choice for wildlife-friendly yards throughout USDA ... READ MORE
Category: Agriculture, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, Horticulture, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension
The introduction of Dutch elm disease in the 1930s marked a turning point in American urban forestry. Millions of the once iconic elm trees across the U.S. were lost. The disease originated in Asia, where native elm species show some natural ... READ MORE
Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Forests, Home Landscapes, Horticulture, Pests & Disease, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension,
As edible landscaping continues to gain momentum, many Central Florida homeowners are exploring the concept of growing a food forest. A food forest is a layered, productive forested containing various fruit trees in your own back yard. If you're ... READ MORE
Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Fruits & Vegetables, Horticulture, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension,
Keystone species are critical because entire ecosystems rely on their presence to remain balanced. If removed, the ecological structure may collapse. They differ from indicator species, which reflect the health and maturity of an ecosystem rather ... READ MORE
Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Forests, Home Landscapes, Horticulture, Natural Resources, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension,
The Sand Pine (Pinus clausa) is our only native pine harvested as a Christmas tree. Its compact, conical shape and dense, waxy needles make it perfect for seasonal decorating and year-round appeal. If you need a trick to remember its name Latin ... READ MORE
Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Forests, Home Landscapes, Horticulture, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension
If you manage palms, you know they need high-quality fertilizer applied regularly. Using a fertilizer that isn’t properly balanced for palms can lead to nutrient deficiencies—some of which mimic disease symptoms or make your palm appear ... READ MORE
Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Forests, Home Landscapes, Horticulture, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension,