Good Time to Control Common Pest Plants
An important skill for the Florida gardener is to be able to identify and control invasive, exotic plant species. These plants invade and disrupt Florida’s unique natural ecosystems, often spreading from surrounding urban and suburban landscapes. Being proactive in reducing their spread helps protect the integrity of Florida’s natural areas. Cooler days, fewer bugs, dormant vegetation (including poison ivy!), and striking plant characteristics make this time of year perfect for identifying and controlling invasive, exotic plants in urban/suburban woodlands.Continue reading to learn about some plant pests you might have lurking about your garden…
Dollarweed: Friend or Foe
We have many weeds in the Panhandle that are a nuisance to our landscape, with some being very difficult to control. Dollarweed certainly falls into this category. But, does dollarweed have an upside? What does dollarweed indicate about lawn management, specifically irrigation? Continue reading to find out the answers to these questions and more…
Don’t Commit Crape Murder
Pruning is one of the most controversial aspects of maintaining crape myrtle. Traditionally, many crape myrtles are routinely topped, leaving large branch and stem stubs. This practice has been called “crape murder” because of the potential impacts on the crape myrtle health and structural integrity. How bad is this problem? Read on to learn more…
Upcoming Events
Beginning in February the UF/IFAS Escambia County Extension will offer a series of gardening courses in preparation for the spring season, with topics focused on edibles and recycling. The courses will be taught by Extension Services faculty and Florida Master Gardeners as part of the community programs presented by Myrtle Grove United Methodist Church. Each program will take place on Wednesdays from 6–7 p.m. at Myrtle Grove United Methodist Church, located 1030 N 57th Ave. in Pensacola.
• February 21: Growing Tomatoes in Pots
• February 28: Attractive Edibles
• March 14: Composting on Your Own
• March 28: Growing Citrus
To learn more about the classes or to register, visit https://myrtlegrove.eventbrite.com or call 850-475-5230.
Friday, February 16th, 8:30-3:30. Please join Washington County Extension for an informative workshop to about managing insects in fruit & vegetables. You will learn how to identify common insect pests, control insect pests and submit samples for diagnosis from University of Florida / IFAS specialists. Attendees will receive free Insect ID guides and participate in an on-site demonstration! Pesticide CEUs will be available for license holders as well. This workshop is at Washington County Agriculture Center 1424 Jackson Ave., East wing and there is no registration fee! Pre-Registration required for count: Contact Nikki or Cynthia at 850-638-6180 or email Matthew Orwat at mjorwat@ufl.edu
Saturday, February 24th, 9:30am to 1pm EST – The University of Florida/IFAS NFREC and the Gardening Friends of the Big Bend invite you to attend their event “Magnificent Magnolias” at the NFREC, 155 Research Rd, Quincy, FL 32351! Learn about magnolias around the world, the best magnolias for our area, and the role of native magnolias in our Southeastern forests from speakers Andrew Bunting (Chicago Botanic Garden), John Tobe (Tobe Botanic Garden) and Gary Knox (Magnolia Society International). Afterwards, view the many magnolias in our botanic garden and purchase a specimen (or five!) for your garden. Finally, enjoy a complimentary lunch with speakers and other participants! Cost of the program is $10 person ($5 for GFBB members). To register, send names of attendees to friends@ifas.ufl.edu or phone UF/NFREC: 850-875-7105.
Saturday, February 24th, 10:00am to 12:00pm CST: Please join us for an informative workshop “Raised Bed Gardening and Cooking with Herbs” to learn about herb gardening in raised beds. You will learn about what herbs to grow in the spring garden, and how to care for them. Attendees will participate in a raised bed and cooking with herbs demonstration! This workshop at the Orange Hill Express Store 982 Orange Hill Rd, Chipley, FL. 32428 on Saturday, February 24, 10:00am-12:00pm
Pre-Registration required for count: Contact Nikki or Cynthia at 850-638-6180 or email Matthew Orwat at mjorwat@ufl.edu
Saturday, March 10th, 9:00am-12:00pm CST Do you wonder what should be done to ensure a bountiful bloom on your roses this spring? Are you interested in growing roses but don’t know where to start?
Well, the upcoming Rose Care Basics Workshop is for you. On Saturday, March 10th 2018, from 9AM to 12PM, UF / IFAS Extension Washington County (East Wing, 1424 Jackson Ave, Chipley FL) will be providing a rose gardening workshop for gardeners across the Panhandle. Many roses are hard to grow in the Florida Panhandle without investing considerable time and energy into spraying for insect and disease problems. This workshop will teach attendees how to select and sustainably grow roses adapted to the hot-humid conditions of the Southern Gulf Coast. There will be opportunities for outdoor learning and hands-on activities. Pre-Registration required for count: Contact Nikki or Cynthia at 850-638-6180 or email Matthew Orwat at mjorwat@ufl.edu Cost: $5.00
