Your Central Florida Yard

Join us for A Gardener's Story, a special bonus episode where we sit down with a UF/IFAS Extension Master Gardener Volunteer who's dedicating their time and expertise to help our communities thrive. Stay tuned as we dig into the inspiring story of Betty, a Master Gardener Volunteer with UF/IFAS Extension.   Sources for Show Notes:    Find your local UF/IFAS Extension office:    https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/find-your-local-office/    In Polk County, contact the Plant Clinic at 863-519-1041, polkmg@ifas.ufl.edu    Your Central Florida page https://centralfloridayard.substack.com/   Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program: https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/lawn-and-garden/florida-master-gardener-program/    Podcast introduction and closing music: "Green Beans" by Big Score Audio. 

In this episode, we're diving into how to grow the herbs you'll actually use—and how to make the most of them in the kitchen. From choosing the right herbs for Central Florida gardens to cooking tips and health benefits, we've got your herb questions covered! Sources for Show Notes:   Find your local UF/IFAS Extension office:   https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/find-your-local-office/   In Polk County, contact the Plant Clinic at 863-519-1041, polkmg@ifas.ufl.edu   Your Central Florida page https://centralfloridayard.substack.com/    Herbs in the Florida Garden https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/edibles/vegetables/herbs/ Herbs: A Series of Helpful Fact Sheets https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/polkco/2021/05/04/herbs-a-series-of-helpful-fact-sheets/ Homemade Potting Mix https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/lawn-and-garden/homemade-potting-mix/ Advanced Seed Starting (info on scarification) https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/care/planting/advanced-seed-starting/ Does Cilantro Taste Like Soap to You?  https://ourbloodinstitute.org/blood-matters/cilantro-tastes-like-soap/    Why Does Cilantro Taste Like Soap to Some People? https://www.britannica.com/story/why-does-cilantro-taste-like-soap-to-some-people    Clinical Efficacy and Tolerability of Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis L.) in Psychological Well-Being: A Review https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11510126/ Shopping for Health: Herbs and Spices https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/FS225  National Herb Day: 1st Saturday in May  National More Herbs, Less Salt Day: Aug 29 Podcast introduction and closing music: "Green Beans" by Big Score Audio.

Insects—whether pests or garden helpers—are an essential part of gardening in central Florida. This episode explores how a toolbox approach can help manage insect issues effectively and keep your garden thriving. Sources for Show Notes:   Find your local UF/IFAS Extension office:   https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/find-your-local-office/   In Polk County, contact the Plant Clinic at 863-519-1041, polkmg@ifas.ufl.edu   Your Central Florida Yard page https://centralfloridayard.substack.com/    Landscape Pests App  https://pest.ifas.ufl.edu/ Landscape Integrated Pest Management https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/in109  Different Pests Cause Different Damage https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/care/pests-and-diseases/pests/management/different-pests-different-damage.html  Plant Pests https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/care/pests-and-diseases/pests/  Natural Pest and Disease Management https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/care/pests-and-diseases/pests/management/natural-pest-and-disease-management.html  Soaps, Detergents, and Pest Management https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/care/pests-and-diseases/pests/management/soaps-detergents-and-pest-management.html Podcast introduction and closing music: "Green Beans" by Big Score Audio. 

Join us for A Gardener's Story, a special bonus episode where we sit down with a UF/IFAS Extension Master Gardener Volunteer who's dedicating their time and expertise to help our communities thrive. Stay tuned as we dig into the inspiring story of a Master Gardener Volunteer with UF/IFAS Extension.   Sources for Show Notes:    Find your local UF/IFAS Extension office:    https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/find-your-local-office/    In Polk County, contact the Plant Clinic at 863-519-1041, polkmg@ifas.ufl.edu    Your Central Florida page https://centralfloridayard.substack.com/   Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program: https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/lawn-and-garden/florida-master-gardener-program/    Podcast introduction and closing music: "Green Beans" by Big Score Audio. 

What is No Mow March? Well, it's a movement encouraging homeowners to put their lawnmowers away for the month of March. The idea is to let your lawn grow naturally, which provides a temporary refuge for pollinators like bees and butterflies. Join us to learn more about No Mow March in today's episode! Sources for Show Notes:   Find your local UF/IFAS Extension office:   https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/find-your-local-office/   In Polk County, contact the Plant Clinic at 863-519-1041, polkmg@ifas.ufl.edu   Your Central Florida page https://centralfloridayard.substack.com/    No Mow March: https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/escambia/lawn-and-garden/no-mow-march/  Making a pollinator hotel fact sheet: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/ljqwghsmys0yxu8sefuw8/AEGEZ5ECiF0PeBOEgN7Tz7o/Creating%20a%20Pollinator%20Hotel.pdf?rlkey=z8hlixi5091pnf8xuovsc3psp&e=1&dl=0  Attracting Native Bees to Your Florida Landscape: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IN1255  Plants for Pollinators: https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/ornamentals/bee-plants/  Support Florida's Pollinators All Year Long https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/polkco/2024/06/21/support-floridas-pollinators-all-year-long/ Podcast introduction and closing music: "Green Beans" by Big Score Audio. 

In this episode we explore edible plants that not only thrive in our unique climate but also align with Florida-Friendly Landscaping principles.  Sources for Show Notes:   Find your local UF/IFAS Extension office:   https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/find-your-local-office/   In Polk County, contact the Plant Clinic at 863-519-1041, polkmg@ifas.ufl.edu   Your Central Florida pagehttps://centralfloridayard.substack.com/    Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @PolkGardening Growing Seminole pumpkins in your central Florida landscape:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zBZkytmJazU Florida's Edible Native Plants:https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/edibles/floridas-edible-native-plants/ Edible Landscaping Using the Nine FFL Principles: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/EP594 Edible Plants:https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/edibles/ Selecting a Citrus Tree:https://crec.ifas.ufl.edu/home-citrus/selecting-a-citrus-tree/ Landscape Design Principles:https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/MG086 Blueberry Gardener's Guidehttps://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/MG359  Podcast introduction and closing music: "Green Beans" by Big Score Audio. 

Do you use a garden journal? Wondering how it can help you improve your gardening skills and techniques? Join us as we dive into the world of garden journaling and how gardening can boost your overall wellness.   Sources for Show Notes:   Find your local UF/IFAS Extension office:   ⁠https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/find-your-local-office/⁠    In Polk County, contact the Plant Clinic at 863-519-1041, polkmg@ifas.ufl.edu    Your Central Florida page ⁠https://centralfloridayard.substack.com/⁠     The Positive Effects Of Gardening On Mental Health  ⁠https://today.tamu.edu/2022/05/18/the-positive-effects-of-gardening-on-mental-health/⁠   Gardening for wellness:  ⁠https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/design/outdoor-living/gardening-for-wellness/⁠   Why 'plant blindness' matters — and what you can do about it  ⁠https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20190425-plant-blindness-what-we-lose-with-nature-deficit-disorder⁠   Plant Blindness YouTube (Marc Frank): ⁠https://youtu.be/Z5k5qgGJdac?si=ZMfZ8sLoPqN8CvuG⁠   Garden Guide and Journal Available for Sale ⁠https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/polkco/2020/09/02/garden-guide-and-journal-available-for-sale/⁠    Podcast introduction and closing music: "Green Beans" by Big Score Audio. 

In this episode learn how to use plants in the landscape to naturally add holiday color and interest in and around your home along with ways you can use foliage, flowers, and fruit as decor as we approach the holidays. Sources for Show Notes:  Find your local UF/IFAS Extension office:  https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/find-your-local-office/  In Polk County, contact the Plant Clinic at 863-519-1041, polkmg@ifas.ufl.edu  Your Central Florida page https://centralfloridayard.substack.com/   Holiday Decor from the Garden: Ideas and Inspiration https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/polkco/2024/12/09/holiday-decor-from-the-garden-ideas-and-inspiration/ Holiday gift plants: https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/design/outdoor-living/holiday-gift-plants/ What's Growing On? Holiday Flora and Fauna: https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/volusiaco/2022/11/29/whats-growing-on-holiday-flora-fauna/ Holiday decorating with fresh greenery: https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/holiday-decorating-with-fresh-greenery/ Wildcrafting for the Holidays (a recorded webinar from UF/IFAS Extension Manatee County): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gu5xrsizcdE Go a little “greener” this year, consider a Florida native Christmas Tree https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/polkco/2019/11/04/go-a-little-greener-this-year-consider-a-florida-native-christmas-tree/ Sand pine Christmas tree sale at Lake Wales Ridge State Forest https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/ffgs/2024/12/06/florida-land-steward-update-december-6-2024/ Podcast introduction and closing music: "Green Beans" by Big Score Audio.

Are you new to Florida or are you a part-time resident? Join us for tips on gardening in central Florida including debunking five common garden myths.  Sources for this episode:   Find your local UF/IFAS Extension office:  ⁠⁠https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/find-your-local-office/  ⁠⁠   In Polk County, contact the Plant Clinic at 863-519-1041, ⁠⁠polkmg@ifas.ufl.edu⁠⁠   Your Central Florida page ⁠⁠https://centralfloridayard.substack.com/⁠ ⁠  A Part-Time and New Resident's Guide to Gardening in Central Florida ⁠https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/polkco/2022/12/06/a-part-time-and-new-residents-guide-to-gardening-in-central-florida/ ⁠  Florida Gardening for New Residents ⁠https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/care/florida-friendly-landscapes/florida-gardening-for-new-residents.html ⁠   Month-By-Month Irrigation Checklist ⁠https://www.dropbox.com/sh/gx7lae6qx7j23ev/AADLU6Zmt9MQOnur8Z_Dc7Nna?dl=0&preview=Month+by+Month+Irrigation.pdf⁠   Part-Time Resident's Water Conservation Checklist ⁠https://www.dropbox.com/sh/gx7lae6qx7j23ev/AACLcAOkXUAxexdL4aRlMQxfa/Part%20Time%20Residents%20Water%20Conservation.pdf?dl=0⁠   Protecting Florida's Water Resources ⁠https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/care/florida-friendly-landscapes/floridas-water-resources.html ⁠   Working in Your Florida Soil ⁠https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/care/planting/florida-soil.html ⁠   Florida Vegetable Gardening Guide ⁠https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/VH021 ⁠   Garden Myths, Volume One ⁠https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/care/florida-friendly-landscapes/garden-myths-one.html ⁠   Garden Myths, Volume Two ⁠https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/care/florida-friendly-landscapes/garden-myths-two.html ⁠   Garden Myths, Volume Three https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/care/florida-friendly-landscapes/garden-myths-three.html   Soaps, Detergents, and Pest Management ⁠https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/care/pests-and-diseases/pests/management/soaps-detergents-and-pest-management.html⁠   Landscape and Vegetable Garden Test Form (soil test) ⁠https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/SS187⁠  USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map ⁠https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/pages/map-downloads⁠  Podcast introduction and closing music: "Green Beans" by Big Score Audio. 

Have you heard the term “crape murder”? Ever wondered what it meant?  Join us to learn about caring for crapemyrtles and their sometimes unfortunate and untimely "crape murder".  ***⁠Your Central Florida Yard Podcast Survey 2024⁠***  Sources for this episode:  Podcast survey ⁠⁠https://ufl.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5nDL6YMBcYNpMyy⁠⁠  Find your local UF/IFAS Extension office:  ⁠⁠https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/find-your-local-office/  ⁠⁠  In Polk County, contact the Plant Clinic at 863-519-1041, ⁠⁠polkmg@ifas.ufl.edu⁠⁠  Your Central Florida page  ⁠https://centralfloridayard.substack.com/⁠    Crapemyrtle ⁠https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/trees-and-shrubs/trees/crapemyrtle.html⁠    Lagerstroemia indica: Crapemyrtle ⁠https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/st342⁠    Crapemyrtle in Florida, ENH-52 ⁠http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/mg266⁠    Crapemyrtle Pruning, ENH1138 ⁠http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep399⁠    Establishing Shrubs in Florida Landscapes, ENH1130 ⁠http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep391⁠    10 Steps for Planting in Sandy Soil in Polk County ⁠https://www.dropbox.com/s/t8q4aynlnf27j9x/Planting%20on%20sandy%20soil.pdf?dl=0⁠    Examples of Crapemyrtle cultivars: dwarf (less than 4 ft): Lagerstroemia indica x fauriei 'Chickasaw'; semi-dwarf (around 10-12 ft): Lagerstroemia indica x fauriei 'Acoma'; intermediate (less than 20 ft): Lagerstroemia indica x fauriei ‘Comanche'; tree (over 20 ft): Lagerstroemia indica x fauriei ‘Miami'.  Podcast introduction and closing music: "Green Beans" by Big Score Audio.  Podcast sound effects: "The Tomb" by Vaudeville. 

Are you ready for spooky season? Today we have a fun bonus episode with tips and ideas on combining plants in containers (along with using items found in the yard) for frightfully fun seasonal decor. ***Your Central Florida Yard Podcast Survey 2024*** Sources for this episode: Podcast survey ⁠https://ufl.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5nDL6YMBcYNpMyy⁠ Find your local UF/IFAS Extension office:  ⁠https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/find-your-local-office/  ⁠ In Polk County, contact the Plant Clinic at 863-519-1041, ⁠polkmg@ifas.ufl.edu⁠ Your Central Florida page  https://centralfloridayard.substack.com/   Container Gardening https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/design/types-of-gardens/container-gardening/ Spooky Season Planters: Transforming Planters into Hauntingly Beautiful Holiday Decor https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/polkco/2024/10/01/spooky-season-planters-transforming-planters-into-hauntingly-beautiful-holiday-decor/ Music: "Green Beans" by Big Score Audio 

Are you interested in growing vegetables but want to start small? Do you have limited space to grow vegetables? Whether you garden exclusively in containers or you just want to mix it up and try multiple growing methods, join us to find out what you need to know for growing vegetables and herbs in containers.   Sources for this episode:  Find your local UF/IFAS Extension office:  ⁠https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/find-your-local-office/  ⁠  In Polk County, contact the Plant Clinic at 863-519-1041, ⁠polkmg@ifas.ufl.edu⁠    Your Central Florida page ⁠https://centralfloridayard.substack.com/ ⁠  Vegetable Gardening: Container Media ⁠https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/edibles/vegetables/container-media/ ⁠  Container Gardens ⁠https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/mastergardener/newsletter/2013/more/containers-raised.shtml ⁠  Growing Vegetables in Containers ⁠https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/edibles/vegetables/growing-vegetables-in-containers/⁠   Minigardening (Growing Vegetables in Containers) ⁠https://ufdcimages.uflib.ufl.edu/IR/00/00/34/28/00001/VH03200.pdf ⁠  For more information on soil mixes : ⁠https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/lawn-and-garden/homemade-potting-mix/⁠ and ⁠https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/container-vegetable-gardening/#:~:text=Try%20mixing%20your%20own%20with,the%20pH%20to%20around%206.5⁠  Cleaning Your Container Pots ⁠https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/gadsdenco/2015/07/28/recycle-by-cleaning-your-container-pots/⁠  Music: Green Beans by Big Score Audio 

In today's episode we discuss some basic tips to help you grow a successful vegetable garden in central Florida. Sources for this episode: Find your local UF/IFAS Extension office:   https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/find-your-local-office/ In Polk County, contact the Plant Clinic at 863-519-1041, polkmg@ifas.ufl.edu Your Central Florida page https://centralfloridayard.substack.com/ Florida Vegetable Gardening Guide: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/VH021 Vegetables to Grow in Florida: https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/edibles/vegetables/ Find a series of vegetable gardening articles here: https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/edibles/vegetables/vegetable-gardening-in-florida/ IPM: https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/care/pests-and-diseases/pests/management/integrated-pest-management/ Introduction to Soil Solarization: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IN856 Vegetable Crop Planting and Harvesting Dates: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/uqa22hybg0s3oyf9yishd/Vegetable-Crop-Planting-and-Harvesting-Dates.pdf?rlkey=j0kkba0brfsdzezdjr1bm74mf&st=b4o8hvnj&dl=0 Vegetable Garden Crop Rotation: https://www.dropbox.com/s/3x59ajoghto5e5t/Vegetable%20Garden%20Crop%20Rotation.pdf?st=5ohzzpws&dl=0 Music: Green Beans by Big Score Audio

Struggling with weeds in your yard? Proper maintenance is key to promoting healthy plants and combating weeds. In this episode, we discuss essential tips and strategies for effective weed management in your landscape Sources for this episode: Find your local UF/IFAS Extension office:   https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/find-your-local-office/    In Polk County, contact the Plant Clinic at 863-519-1041, polkmg@ifas.ufl.edu    Your Central Florida page https://centralfloridayard.substack.com/     Weed ID, including UF/IFAS Florida Weed ID Videos: https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/care/weeds-and-invasive-plants/weed-identification.html  Weed ID: https://rcrec-ona.ifas.ufl.edu/news-and-publications/publications/other-publications-and-resources/weed-identification-guide/  Weed Management for Florida Lawns: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/EP141  Reading the Weeds https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/care/weeds-and-invasive-plants/reading-the-weeds/ 

Does the thought of living in central Florida bring to mind a tropical-looking landscape? There are many plants that thrive in this area from ornamental plants like palms and foliage plants to fruit trees. What even does a tropical yard look like? Can Florida native plants help us achieve that look? Join us to find out in today's episode. Sources for this Episode: Find your local UF/IFAS Extension office: https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/find-your-local-office/ In Polk County, contact the Plant Clinic at 863-519-1041, polkmg@ifas.ufl.edu Your Central Florida page https://centralfloridayard.substack.com/ UF IFAS Extension Polk County YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2xcbdX1cDeyXlXUmaW9wBg Climate Zones https://www.noaa.gov/jetstream/global/climate-zones Florida 101: Florida Weather https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/flaglerco/2023/10/26/florida-101-florida-weather/ 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/ Ornamental Palms for Central Florida https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/EP020

Living in Florida includes being prepared for hurricanes. Many people know how to get their homes ready but what should do for your landscape? Join us to learn how to prepare your garden and landscape for hurricane season along with tips for recovery after the storm. Sources for this Episode: Find your local UF/IFAS Extension office: ⁠https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/find-your-local-office/⁠ In Polk County, contact the Plant Clinic at 863-519-1041, polkmg@ifas.ufl.edu Your Central Florida Yard ⁠https://centralfloridayard.substack.com/⁠ Hurricane Landscaping https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/care/weather/hurricane-landscaping.html   Hurricane Recovery: Wind-Resistant Trees for Home, Business, and Park Landscaping  https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/polkco/2017/09/21/hurricane-recovery-wind-resistant-trees-for-home-business-and-park-landscaping/   Trees That Can Withstand Hurricanes https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/trees-and-shrubs/trees/trees-that-can-withstand-hurricanes.html   Is my tree safe? Recognizing conditions that increase the likelihood of tree failure https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/EP507   Tree Risk Assessment  https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/trees-and-shrubs/trees/tree-risk-assessment.html   Pruning Shade Trees in Landscapes: A Plan for Training Shade Trees https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/EP276 Homeowner's Handbook to Prepare for Natural Disasters https://disaster.ifas.ufl.edu/media/disasterifasufledu-/docs/Florida-Homeowners-Handbook.pdf Disaster Preparation & Recovery https://disaster.ifas.ufl.edu/

What do we do when the rain stops, the water bills rise, and those watering restrictions kick in? Join us to learn about future water options for Polk County, FL, tips for saving water outdoors, and drought tolerant plants. Sources for this Episode: Find your local UF/IFAS Extension office: ⁠https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/find-your-local-office/⁠ In Polk County, contact the Plant Clinic at 863-519-1041, polkmg@ifas.ufl.edu Your Central Florida page ⁠https://centralfloridayard.substack.com/⁠ Direct Potable Reuse Pilot https://www.polk-county.net/services/utilities/programs-and-rebates/ Lower Floridan Aquifer Exploration https://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/projects/lower-floridan-aquifer-exploration Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Guide to Plant Selection & Landscape Design https://ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/media/fflifasufledu/docs/FFL-Plant-Guide_v03222022_web.pdf The Florida Yards & Neighborhoods Handbook https://ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/media/fflifasufledu/docs/FFL-Handbook_03172022_web.pdf Ten Ways to Save Water https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/care/irrigation/ten-ways-to-save-water.html Drought Tolerant Plants for a Florida-Friendly Landscape – Zone 9 https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/orangeco/2020/03/11/drought-tolerant-plants-for-a-florida-friendly-landscape-zone-9/

Having trouble with your lawn? Learn about possible causes for lawn decline, proper cultural practices, along with groundcover alternatives to help when your grass won't grow. Sources for this Episode: Find your local UF/IFAS Extension office: https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/find-your-local-office/ In Polk County, contact the Plant Clinic at 863-519-1041, polkmg@ifas.ufl.edu Your Central Florida page https://centralfloridayard.substack.com/ Reading the Weeds https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/care/weeds-and-invasive-plants/reading-the-weeds.html Florida-Friendly Best Management Practices for Protection of Water Resources by the Green Industries (page 14: Table 1: Comparison of lawn grasses available for use in Florida) https://ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/media/fflifasufledu/docs/GIBMP_Manual_Web_English.pdf Weeds as indicators of soil conditions in lawns and landscapes https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/EP634 Landscaping in Florida shade https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/EP457 Groundcovers for Shade https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/design/landscaping-for-specific-sites/groundcovers-for-shade.html Rain Gardens https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/design/types-of-gardens/rain-gardens.html Lawn Insect Pests https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/lawns/problems-and-solutions/lawn-insect-pests.html Turfgrass Disease Identification Chart https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/lawns/problems-and-solutions/turfgrass-disease-flow-chart.html Homeowner Best Management Practices for the Home Lawn https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/EP236

Learn about what plants to grow, how to start them, how to maintain them, and different ways you can enjoy wildflowers all summer right in your own back (or front!) yard! Sources for this Episode: Wildflowers For All Seasons: https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/ornamentals/wildflowers-for-all-seasons.html  A Guide to Planting Wildflower Enhancements in Florida: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IN1180  Wildflowers for Central Florida Home Gardens: https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/media/sfylifasufledu/orange/hort-res/docs/pdf/County-Fact-Sheet---Wildflowers.pdf  Creating Wildflower Habitats in Gold Course Out-of-Play Areas: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IN1316  Florida Wildflower Foundation: https://www.flawildflowers.org/ Florida Wildflower Foundation Seedling Images: https://www.flawildflowers.org/wp-content/resources/pdfs/Publications/SeedlingImageProject_Report-Ver2007-96DPI_Images.pdf For more information and to contact us: ⁠⁠⁠https://centralfloridayard.substack.com/⁠

Learn what may be causing your palm trees to turn yellow, how long it can take to correct, and what to look for in a palm fertilizer. Sources for this Episode: Nutrient Deficiencies of Landscape and Field-grown Palms in Florida https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/EP273 Fertilization of Field-Grown and Landscape Palms in Florida https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/EP261 Florida Fertilizer Ordinances https://ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/resources/apps/fertilizer-ordinances/ State Seal of Florida https://dos.myflorida.com/florida-facts/florida-state-symbols/state-seal/  For more information and to contact us: ⁠⁠https://centralfloridayard.substack.com/⁠

Welcome to the podcast series where we explore how to successfully garden in the unique climate of central Florida.  Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this podcast is for you. So grab your shovel and get ready to dig into this monthly podcast for gardeners in and around the central Florida area!   Together we will talk all things you can find, do, and explore in your yard … and beyond! From small insects and lichens to large trees and waterways, the topics we discuss are all to help you be a successful gardener, responsible Floridian, and natural resources steward (with the best yard on the block)! Each episode will focus on a specific gardening and landscaping topic with a garden checklist at the end of the episode so you can take what you have learned and apply it in your own yard. Follow us on Substack to get more content including past episodes, a monthly newsletter, and more.

Lichens you might be saying, what are those? Learn how to recognize lichens in the landscape and what exactly they are. Sources for this Episode: Field oriented keys to the Florida lichens by Rosentreter, DeBolt, and Kaminsky https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/herbarium/lib/pdf/Rosentreter_Field_oriented_keys_to_the_Florida_lichens_Dec_2015.pdf Lichens https://natl.ifas.ufl.edu/biota/lichens.php Spanish Moss, Ball Moss, and Lichens - Harmless Epiphytes https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep485 Life of Lichen https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IN1296 Lichens https://hort.ifas.ufl.edu/woody/lichens.shtml Lichens All Around https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/pinellasco/2021/05/25/lichens-all-around/ About Lichens https://www.fs.usda.gov/wildflowers/beauty/lichens/about.shtml For more information and to contact us: ⁠https://centralfloridayard.substack.com/

What do you know about Spanish moss—there are many myths and legends but are they true.    Sources for this Episode: Spanish Moss: ⁠https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/ornamentals/spanish-moss.html⁠ Garden Myths, Volume One: ⁠https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/care/florida-friendly-landscapes/garden-myths-one.html⁠ Spanish Moss, Ball Moss, and Lichens---Harmless Epiphytes: ⁠https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/EP485⁠ Florida's Native Bromeliads: ⁠https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/uw205 ⁠ For more information and to contact us: https://centralfloridayard.substack.com/