In November 2014, Sugarcane Mosaic Virus (SCMV) was discovered in southeast Florida and Pinellas County where it seemed to stay. In the past few years, however, the virus has spread. It is now confirmed in counties in North, Central, and South Florida. Recently, lab reports confirm the disease is present in Hillsborough and Sarasota Counties.…
As we transition from winter to early spring, many residents in Hernando County may find their flowering shrubs displaying signs of winter weather wear and tear. However, there’s no need to worry. Late February into early March provides an ideal window to give these resilient plants the care they need through strategic pruning. Follow these…
Gardening in Wild Winter Weather By Becky Wern, MGV How are you enjoying life on the Northeast Florida weather rollercoaster? Our temperatures go up and down from warm to chilly to freezing. We have lots of sunny, blue-sky days, and a number of rainy days. The cold may come as a surprise to some newcomers…
A closer look at the invasive thrips parvispinus, a hard-hitting insect responsible for damages to a variety of agricultural and ornamental crops. Photo courtesy Daniel Carrillo, associate professor of entomology and nemotology at UF/IFAS Tropical Research and Education Center.
The invasive thrips parvispinus is a tiny, elusive insect that has spread across Florida with a…
Senna ligustrina, or privet senna, is an easy to grow Florida native plant. It is a nectar plant for pollinators and a larval host plant for species of sulphur butterflies. This is a perennial that lives for several years and produces beautiful yellow flowers and thin bean pods. It prefers full sun but will also…
Hello, Hillsborough County residents! As your dedicated Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program Coordinator at UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County, I’m thrilled to share how I can help you create a sustainable, beautiful, and eco-friendly landscape right at your doorstep. Now, let’s delve into what Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ truly entails. Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ is more than just a set of principles;…
When I was hired with Florida Sea Grant, I developed an advisory committee who represented a variety of stakeholder interest in the Pensacola Bay area. I asked the committee to list their top three concerns or issues with the local marine environment so that I could have a start on where I would focus my…
A young man sharpening his hunting knife with a dual-grit diamond sharpener.In Florida 4-H, there are five shooting sports disciplines: archery, rifle, shotgun, muzzleloading, and hunting. While all are popular among kids and families, the hunting discipline is the most varied. Kids love it because they learn useful, and sometimes somewhat dangerous, skills. Yes, dangerous!…
Happy 2024! As we usher in a new year, many of us are pulling out our resolution lists and thinking about eating in a healthier way. However, with so much information out there about nutrition, it can be overwhelming. But fear not, for we have some tips and insights to help guide you on this…
Two glasses of milk toast in front of cows. UF/IFAS Photo by Camila Guillen.
January 11th, National Milk Day: A time to honor the dairy industry and the essential role milk plays in our diets. As we raise a glass to commemorate this day, it’s also an opportune moment to delve into the world of milk alternatives. Join…
A new association for empowerment is in Florida! Extension professionals from the University of Florida and Florida A&M University have come together to create the Florida Women in Agriculture Association. The group is still in the development process, but the organizers hope to bring it into action in 2024. Read more to find out what…
A new association for empowerment is in Florida! Extension professionals from the University of Florida and Florida A&M University have come together to create the Florida Women in Agriculture Association. The group is still in the development process, but the organizers hope to bring it into action in 2024. Read more to find out what…
