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
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,
In Central Florida, we are fortunate to enjoy not one, but two stunning species of Tabebuia that add bursts of seasonal color to our landscape. These showy trees are part of the Bignoniaceae family, known for their impressive trumpet-shaped ... READ MORE
Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Forests, Home Landscapes, Horticulture, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension
Impact your community as a Master Gardener Volunteer! The Master Gardener Volunteer Program with UF/IFAS Extension in Sumter County is no longer accepting applications for the class starting Fall 2025. Master Gardener Classes The Master ... READ MORE
Category: Home Landscapes, Horticulture, UF/IFAS Extension, , Water