Winter is Tree Planting Time
Red Maple structure IFAS Photo: Hassing, G. January to February is the ideal time to plant trees. During dormancy, all the energy in a tree is in the root system. They will establish very quickly. In the spring, they will be ready to grow leaves. Planting and...
The Joys of Growing Elephant Garlic
One of my all-time favorite vegetables to grow and eat is elephant garlic. While related to garlic, elephant garlic (Allium ampeloprasum) is actually considered a bulbing leek. Like garlic, it is in the genus Allium, a family of flowering plants that includes over 600...
Landscape Lessons from Recent Freezes
There are important landscape lessons to learn from recent, early and widespread freezes. First, know the average climate for the region you live in here in Florida. The work has already been done for you with the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. Here is a link for the...
Home Invasion – Asian Lady Beetle or Seven Spotted Lady Beetle
What is taking over my dwelling? The Multicolored Asian lady beetle (Harmonia axyridis) was introduced from Asia and intentionally and quickly established itself over the entire United States. A Comparison The Multicolored Asian Lady Beetle (MALB) adults can be...
The Florida Trail
Most of us are familiar with the Appalachian Trail, the popular hiking route that follows the mountains from Maine for nearly 2,200 miles to north Georgia. But did you know you could set off from Fort Pickens at Pensacola Beach and follow the Florida Trail for over...
2023 Gardening in the Panhandle LIVE!
We are kicking off our fourth season of Gardening in the Panhandle LIVE! on February 9th and hope you will join us to learn Florida Friendly Landscaping Principles from UF/IFAS Extension Faculty from the Florida Panhandle. There are several ways to participate in this...
Gardening in the Panhandle LIVE! Special Episode Freeze Damaged Landscapes 1/12/23
Cold damage on kumquat. Photo by Beth Bolles, UF IFAS Extension Escambia County. In December, winter rolled in with extreme low temperatures that affected landscapes across Florida. Horticulture Agents have been receiving a high volume of calls asking about the...
Mulch Guide for Panhandle Gardeners
Mulch provides nutrients to soil and plants, reduces weed growth, controls soil temperature, and improves the look of lawns and gardens. It gives the landscape a neat, uniform appearance and is an excellent Florida-Friendly choice for hard-to-mow areas and shady...
Video: Freeze Damage to Homeowner Citrus
Temperatures in December 2022 were very damaging to many citrus in North Florida. It is necessary to give plants plenty of time into spring and summer to see if they will regrow and where that growth will occur. Learn how to care for your citrus that is suffering from...
Getting Your Plants Through a Freeze
We gardeners in the Panhandle have been spoiled by several very mild winters recently. However, it appears that this pattern will change, at least for a few days, beginning Thursday night. While forecasts vary depending upon your preferred media outlet,...