News & Updates

Recap: Summer SWFL Small Farmer Network Meeting on Pine Island

On July 19, 2023 the Southwest Small Farmer Network held the summer meeting at FruitScapes, LLC on Pine Island in Lee County, FL. The focus of the meeting was to highlight the resiliency of producers on Pine Island which was devastated by Hurricane Ian, connect producers with each other, and share UF/IFAS Extension and Florida State Agricultural Response…

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Test Forages

Now is the time to plan winter supplementation strategies.  Conserved forages (hay, haylage, stockpiled forages) are usually the foundation of a winter feeding plan.  Whether harvesting your own hay/haylage or purchasing, understanding the nutritive value of your forages can be used to adjust the amount and composition of supplements that will need to be added…

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Why Does Soil pH Matter?

Why does soil pH matter? The foundation of every successful garden starts with quality soil. Whether you’re growing vegetables, flowers, turf, shrubs, or any other plant matter, you must be aware of your soil pH and understand that it can change periodically. Soil pH influences the plant’s ability to consume nutrients. When soil pH is…

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Foolproof Palm Care: Dwarf Palmetto

Credit: David A. Fox, UF/IFASThe Dwarf Palmetto (Sabal minor) is a native palm which can grow in North-, Central-, and South- Florida. It is also known as Blue-Stem Palmetto due to its blueish-green fronds. As with other palms in the Sabal genus, the Dwarf Palmetto provides a nectar and food source  for pollinators and birds respectively. Planting Site The…

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Weekly “What is it?”: Climate Smart Floridians

Several years ago, a group of Extension Agents and specialists created a series of classes called “Sustainable Floridians.” The course was designed to teach new and long-time residents about ways to conserve natural resources, energy, and water. Participants were encouraged to get involved in local community decision-making about environmental issues. The course had a module…

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Foolproof Palm Care: Scrub Palmetto

One of a handful of native palms, the Scrub Palmetto (Sabal etonia) is a smaller and less common relative to the ubiquitous Saw Palmetto. It is slow-growing and like the Saw Palmetto, produces berries which provide food for wildlife. Its flowers are also a nectar source for butterflies.Planting Site The Scrub Palmetto prefers full sun but will…

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Post-Hurricane Landscaping Tips: Check for ‘Widow Makers’

      As Sarasota County UF/IFAS Extension Horticulture Agent Ashley Ellis and FFL Community Educator Forest Hecker were leaving Evacuation Center duty after Hurricane Idalia, they spotted this newly formed ‘widow maker’. Which is a branch, broken off a tree, that is suspended in a tree until it falls much later. Hurricanes can wreak havoc…

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Gopher Apple – Wild Weeds

Licania michauxii   Gopher apple is a low-growing woody shrub that aptly received it’s name since as an important food source for gopher tortoises. The fruit is also edible to humans but virtually tasteless. You’ll find this plant occurring in Florida sandhills, pine and scrubby flatwoods, scrub, coastal dunes, and pine rocklands. Blooms typically…

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