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Demystifying Food Labels

April 28, 2023
Written by Samantha Walter-Cano Edited by Andrea Lazzari & Kaitlyn McCarty Have you ever found yourself shopping at the grocery store, only to find out you have no idea what labels on food products, especially animal products, truly mean? Common terms such as ‘All Natural’, ‘Non-GMO’, ‘Organic’, and ‘Free Range’ are used on food labels…

Mangrove Diamondback Terrapin

April 25, 2023
    FWC Diamondback Terrapin Range Map Diamondback Terrapins are small turtles that live in the brackish waters of estuaries from Massachusetts to Texas.  They can be found in tidal creeks and rivers, bays and sounds, salt marshes, and mangrove systems.  Throughout their range, they are a species of special concern, endangered, or threatened.  Out of…

Managing Lawn and Landscape During Drought

April 25, 2023
Looking around our neighborhood’s landscape, it is evident that St Lucie County and the neighboring counties are experiencing an extended period of drought. Lawns that are not irrigated appear straw-like, the place is dusty and ornamental plants are drooping. Even during a drought, lawn care maintenance professionals mowed lawns bi-weekly. Some landscapers are pruning trees…

Foolproof Palm Care: Needle Palm

April 24, 2023
When it comes to finding a tropical plant which can tolerate below-freezing temperatures, the Needle Palm (Rhapidophyllum hystrix), is a winner, having been known to tolerate temperatures as low as -15 d F.Planting Site Although relatively slow-growing, needle palms grow to 8 ft. tall by 10 ft. wide at maturity. The ideal planting site for…

Plant Species Diversity in Urban Landscapes

April 20, 2023
Plant diversity can be defined as having two or more plant species established in a landscape. Having a single species is referred to as a monoculture. The practice of monoculture is very common in housing development and street tree establishment. The disadvantage of having only one or only a few species is that diseases and…

New app is quick reference for perishable transport pros

April 20, 2023
FoodTransport, a free new app from University of Florida postharvest experts, provides brief but authoritative recommendations for shipping perishable foods via truck or rail. The user-friendly app is the next step in a years-long project that started in 2017 when the UF/IFAS scientists began working to revise and digitize a USDA handbook last updated in 1995. That…

Florida Beekeeping Management Calendar: April

April 19, 2023
FLORIDA Beekeeping? CALENDARChecklistQueen issues are problematic this time of year. Remedy failing queens as necessary.Continue to control swarming, For moreBeehives httpedls.ifas.ufl.edu in970. Make nucssplits as new queens andJ packages become available. Oy‘Add supers the primary nectar flow begins this month, VaAG‘Super as necessary.Orange blossom honey can be extracted inate April.UF FAS Extension‘wsamye ouSources httpedis.ifas.ufl.eduin848 http…

Aphids on Plants and their Management

April 19, 2023
Aphids are characterized by their little size and soft bodies, and they feed on the sap of many plants. They are frequently discovered in gardens, farms, and greenhouses. Aphids are available in a wide range of colors, including green, yellow, black, and red, and there are thousands of different species of aphids. Aphids have a…

Cigar rolling insects?

April 18, 2023
How often do you see something that makes you go “Hmmmm…?” How often do you actually look it up to learn more? I am curious, especially when it comes to critters. Recently, I noticed an abundance of perfectly rolled oak leaf pieces spread about the sidewalk. First thought, POOP! Next thought, why is fertilizer on…

Weekly “What is it?”: Blueberry bee

April 18, 2023
Ripe Florida blueberries. Photo credit: Tyler Jones, IFAS PhotographyIt’s a bit early still for blueberries in north Florida, but they are definitely on the horizon. We have a handful of bushes at home and the office, and I’ve noticed the white blooms are gone and berries are forming as we speak. Many of us, myself…

Scientists warn of invasive plant pest; say early detection, reporting key

April 17, 2023
An invasive thrips species has started to wreak havoc in Florida. The insect was first detected in Florida in 2020 but has since spread significantly across the state. What once was isolated to greenhouses now has begun to harm a wide range of plants including those in residential landscapes. The insect, Thrips parvispinus — commonly known as…

Video: Robotic Mowers for a Home Lawn

April 13, 2023
There are now opportunities for homeowners to utilize robotic mowers to manage different types of turfgrass. Learn the basics of a robotic mower with UF IFAS Extension Escambia County as Master Gardener Volunteer Greg demonstrates basic installation and function. by Beth BollesSource: UF/IFAS Pest Alert Note: All images and contents are the property of…
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