News & Updates

Vegetable Gardening in Central Florida

For a deep dive into Vegetable Gardening in Central Florida, watch our YouTube of the webinar recording. If you are getting started with growing your own vegetables in Florida, choose a site that is full sun with access to water. Gardens can be grown in a variety of types of garden beds including in-ground, raised…

Read more

Preserving Strawberries: A Guide to Freezing

As we relish the flavors of locally grown strawberries, their sweet aroma and vibrant hues evoke the essence of sunshine captured in each bite. In the wake of Valentine’s Day, where strawberries often take center stage, let’s dive into the art of preserving these delicate berries, exploring freezing techniques that can be enjoyed long after…

Read more

March 2024 First Friday with Florida First Detector

Recap of March 2024 First Friday with Florida First Detector Fruit crops are very important for Florida’s agriculture industry. The state is a top producer for many tree fruits, berries, and melons. Despite challenges associated with citrus greening in Florida, citrus still remains one of Florida’s most important crops. In this month’s First Friday, we…

Read more

5 in under 5: Quick Fixes for a Florida-Friendly New Year

With the turn of the calendar into a new year comes the pressure to create and stick to a resolution.  The topics of conservation and environmental impact are top of mind for many this time of year.  Here are 5 easy environmentally friendly modifications you can implement in your landscape.  These changes require less than 5 minutes…

Read more

The Great 2024 Cicada Emergence

If you’ve ever spent a summer in Florida, you’re likely familiar with the loud, eerie buzz of the cicada. That buzz is actually the males’ mating call, and by their standards, the louder it is, the better. This sound is produced by their tymbals, a pair of drum-like structures on either side of the abdomen. …

Read more

Plants at Their Peak: Valentine Blossoms, Red Kapok Trees!

Large Red Kapok near Sarasota’s Ringling MuseumAround Valentine’s Day in tropical regions around the world, nature offers a breathtaking spectacle in the form of the Red Kapok tree (scientifically known as Bombax ceiba) exploding into vibrant springtime blooms. This majestic tree, nonnative but Florida-Friendly, has a towering presence and is cultural significance. One of the largest…

Read more

Let Trees Adjust to Being Transplanted

People do many things to newly planted trees, such as improper pruning and fertilization, that interfere with tree growth and defenses. Trees strive to maintain a balance between the above ground portion (crown) and the below ground portion (roots). The crown (leaves, buds and supporting branches) produce energy. The roots take in essential elements and water.…

Read more

Consider Early Flowering Magnolias for Winter Landscape Color

You’ve probably seen crape myrtle trees pruned to look like a coat rack. Hopefully, you’re not guilty of doing this. The term “crape murder” was coined to describe this drastic topping of crape myrtles. Properly selected and correctly placed crape myrtles need little pruning. A crape myrtle that requires routine pruning to force it to fit in…

Read more

Consider Early Flowering Magnolias for Winter Landscape Color

In addition to our native Southern magnolia, Magnolia grandiflora, there are a number of other magnolia species to consider for use in our North Florida landscapes. In addition to the evergreen types, there are deciduous types, as well. While the Southern magnolia is evergreen and blooms in mid-spring, a number of the deciduous magnolias bloom during…

Read more

3 Poison leaves

Florida is known for having a large variety of plants, here anything can thrive. That being said, there are a number of plants that can impact one’s health upon interaction. In this article, we are going to talk about 3 poisonous leaves and their reactions. These plants contain a chemical called Urushiol, which is an…

Read more

Spathoglottis – a beautiful terrestrial orchid

A Beautiful Yellow-Flowering SpathoglottisYou have probably seen this orchid as you stroll down garden center aisles.  It is not as fancy as the other striking orchids – Cattleya or Phalaenopsis.   Rather petite in nature, this orchid is eye-catching in its own way with small, gem-like flowers.  The palm-like foliage is deep green, pleated, and up…

Read more

to top