What are Fertilizers?
Ah, springtime is approaching quickly. You and I both know you’re getting anxious to get out into your gardens to grow your plants. I’m not faulting you, far from it. You’ll find that your local Extension agents want your garden to succeed as much as you do. ...
Should You Be Concerned About the Grizzled Mantis?
Extension agents occasionally receive calls about “alien” bug sightings, sparking concern among residents. One such insect, Gonatista grisea, commonly known as the Grizzled Mantis, Florida bark Mantis or Lichen Mimic mantis, often raises alarm. But there’s no need to...
No Mow March 2025!
It’s almost March and it’s not just March Madness that’s about to happen, but No Mow March. This year will be the third year that the Horticulture Extension Agents of the UF/IFAS Northwest District have promoted No Mow March. The No Mow March campaign encourages those...
Watch for “Melting Grass”
As the temperatures warm into the 60’s (or greater) and the rain chance remains good, keep an eye open for disease in your lawn. Large patch disease is common in turfgrass this time of the year. It is caused by the fungus Rhizoctonia solani. The fungus is present...
The Resilient Pansy
Growing pansies in North Florida is a rewarding experience, as these resilient flowers thrive in cooler temperatures. As I walked up to our front office after the ice had melted away, I was amazed to see their vibrant blooms still standing strong, displaying their...
The Top Trees Behind Springtime Allergies
Spring in the Florida Panhandle brings blooming azaleas, singing birds, and a familiar yellow haze coating everything in sight. Yes, it’s tree pollen season, and if you’ve ever stepped outside only to feel your sinuses stage a full-scale rebellion, you have the trees...
Get Ready for the 2025 Panhandle Watermelon Festival Big Melon Contest!
By Mark Mauldin and Julie McConnell Planting season is just around the corner and as you plan your summer garden, consider including watermelons to enter into the Big Melon Contest at the Panhandle Watermelon Festival! The watermelon festival and the Big Melon Contest...
Video: Pruning Tips for Removing a Branch
Pruning is often needed on a tree or shrub to help maintain a healthy and safe plant. Learn how to remove a branch on a tree or shrub with UF IFAS Extension Escambia County. https://youtu.be/9trBQFZYzhQ?si=6o9aFnXjsKpyY1nw
Home Vegetable Gardening 101 Seminar
There are common reasons for failure with vegetable gardens in North Florida. One of those reasons is planting at the wrong time of year. We can grow vegetables year-round here in North Florida but it’s important to plant and grow the right vegetable during the right...
Supporting Backyard Birds After a Winter Storm
Last month, we experienced historic snowfall throughout the Panhandle. During these magical snow days, I noticed that I had to refill my bird feeder faster than expected. Even as snow fell, birds flocked to the feeder all day long. In winter, birds rely more on bird...