Courtesy UF/IFAS by cbolson Citrus trees are evergreen, never become fully dormant and cannot withstand temperatures as low as those tolerated by deciduous trees. However, citrus trees can become preconditioned or acclimated to cool air temperatures that occur in late fall and winter. This preconditioning, called acclimation of citrus trees, induces a degree of… Read More »
Provided by UF/IFAS Containerized trees may be installed at this time of year. In well-drained, sandy soils, dig a hole slightly shallower than the root ball and twice as wide. Root ball will settle as media decomposes. In compact or poorly drained sites, plant 2-3 inches above grade. Red line indicates grade. The tree was… Read More »
Every winter season in the Florida Panhandle is different. It can be wet or dry, frigid cold or unseasonably warm. We may have early frosts and early springs, or cold snaps in late March after fruit trees flower. Because of this variability, it is impossible to predict the perfect time to prune fruit crops in our… Read More »
Released by UF/IFAS ORLANDO, Fla. – Now that cooler weather is here, it’s time to consider cool season vegetables for your garden. “Gardeners will have almost five months to grow everything from lettuce and cabbages to spinach, collards, broccoli, cauliflower, strawberries and kale,” said Ed Thralls, a University of Florida horticulture agent with UF/IFAS Extension… Read More »
Provided by UF/IFAS by Sheila Dunning Chaste tree. The showy chaste tree makes an attractive specimen as the centerpiece of your landscape bed or in a large container on the deck. Easy-to-grow, drought resistant, and attractive to butterflies and bees, Vitex agnus-castus is a multi-stemmed small tree with fragrant, upwardly pointing lavender blooms and gray-green foliage. The chaste… Read More »
Provided by UF/IFAS by Mary Salinas Versatile, easy-care, beautiful, native – what’s not to love about muhly grass? Muhly grass is a hardy landscape choice with dramatic fall blooms. Photo credit: Carrie Stevenson, UF IFAS Extension How is it versatile? It makes a perfect border along a fence or structure. Plant it in a single… Read More »
Courtesy of UF/IFAS Cicada Killers in the Summer During the summer months, landscapes are alive with insect activity. The majority of insects found in home landscapes are not harmful, although the sight of a few may cause some concern. Is the Cicada Killer one of them? How Does Your Sprinkler System Know It Has Rained? Although… Read More »
by Mary Salinas Butterfly Weed – Photo courtesy Mary Salinas Butterfly weed, Asclepias tuberosa, has been gaining in popularity in the perennials market as it attracts adult butterflies to feed on its nectar and monarch caterpillars to feed on its leaves. Gardeners are also turning to use more Florida native plants in their landscapes. Independent or native… Read More »
by Daniel J. Leonard Each time I travel to central and south Florida and observe the wonderfully flamboyant tropical flora, I am reminded of the unique and frustrating climatic characteristics of Northwest Florida. Our weather is tropical enough through the summer to sustain virtually everything our friends to the south grow, but winters north of the… Read More »
Provided by the UF/IFAS Extension Service A Robotic Mower Debuts at the Gulf Coast Turfgrass Expo & Field Day A new research project at the West Florida Research and Education Center in Jay, FL is looking into the quality of turfgrass cut with a robotic mower made by Honda. The study is to determine whether the… Read More »
by Matt Lollar Are you interested in growing squash in your garden? Do you know the difference between summer squash and winter squash? Check out this very informative instructional video on growing squash in your home garden by Walton County Agriculture Agent Evan Anderson. Author: Matt Lollar – mlollar@ufl.edu Matt Lollar is the Santa Rosa County… Read More »
by Beth Bolles UF/IFAS There is one tough annual plant that thrives in the summer garden and provides bright color in our sun and heat. Portulaca or moss rose (Portulaca grandiflora) is a strong performer, even growing well when reseeding in sidewalk cracks and stone walkways. Of course, it will be most attractive when used… Read More »
by Carrie Stevenson. UF/IFAS Extension Hurricane season probability and predictions. Graphic courtesy NOAA. Select the right plant for the right place. The Atlantic Hurricane Season began June 1st. NOAA forecasters are currently predicting a relatively normal hurricane season, expecting 10-16 named storms with 5-9 of them becoming hurricanes. While we in the Panhandle dodged the serious damages… Read More »
Are you considering establishing a pine plantation on your property this year? Or planting pines as part of a native plant community restoration? If you’re not familiar with the process the task can seem daunting. Calhoun County Senior Forester with the Florida Forest Service offers tips for establishing your pine forest this year. “There are… Read More »
This article is delivered courtesy of UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions. For more information please refer to http://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu\ Blue flag iris is an ideal plant for edges of ponds, streams, or retention areas. Blue Flag Iris Native to Florida, blue flag irises can be found in marshy areas throughout Florida. They do grow in standing water, but will… Read More »