Video Feature: Home Lawn Fertilization
Check out this short video from Leon County Horticulture Agent Mark Tancig on how to fertilize your summer lawn in a Florida-Friendly manner! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_DJncvcKfDU
Why Let Your Own Backyard be a Source of Worry?
In times like these, it seems that our own perceived “problems” pale in comparison to the “big picture.” In my day-to-day work, I have the opportunity to help people solve problems with their landscapes, lawns and gardens. I enjoy the problem solving part of my job...
Protect Your Home from Swarming Termites
Spring is in the air and that means termite swarming season is near! Northwest Florida is home to fifteen native species of termites and six species that have invaded from other parts of the world. One invasive species of termite, the Formosan termite, arrived in the...
Growing Lavender in the Coastal South
Escambia County Master Gardener Volunteer Carol Perryman shares information to help choose and grow lavender in the herb garden. If you want to grow lavender in our hot & humid climate you must follow a few considerations which can be “do or die” rules. Will your...
Beetles Can’t Read Calendars
Members of the Phyllophaga genus are found throughout Florida and most of North America. One of them is the May/June beetle. Adults are most active during the rainy season. So in parts of the country where the wetter months are May or June, the common name of this...
Odd Looking Caterpillar Becomes Beautiful Swallowtail Butterfly
One of the things to do while stuck at home due to COVID-19 restrictions, is to look for caterpillars and butterflies in your landscape. I’ve noticed giant swallowtail butterflies (Papilio cresphontes) a little early this year. The giant swallowtail is one of the...
Video: Home Grown Cucumbers
Cucumbers are a favorite fruit of many gardeners and with a little routine care, you can harvest fresh fruit from your own home garden. Learn some basic information about starting your own cucumbers In the Backyard Garden with UF IFAS Extension Escambia County....
What are these bumps on my pecan trees?
I was recently sent some pictures of some unusual growths on pecan tree leaves. At first glance, the growths reminded me of the galls caused by small wasps that lay their eggs on oak leaves. However, after a little searching it became apparent this wasn't the case. ...
Perennial rhizomatous begonias add bold texture and color to north Florida gardens
Article by Dr. Gary Knox, Professor of Environmental Horticulture at the UF/IFAS NFREC Quincy Introduction Rhizomatous begonias are a large group of Begonia species, hybrids and selections characterized by large, sometimes-colorful leaves arising from thick rhizomes...
Stay Home and Garden!
The spring is traditionally a busy time in the life of a Horticulture Extension Agent. As plants start to awaken from winter and people get the urge to get outdoors, lots of questions pour into the office about growing everything from flowers to trees. There is also...