News & Updates

Too Much of a Good Thing—Water Wisely

Death by water intake is a real thing. There are documented cases where people have died from drinking too much water, which is called water intoxication, either because of coercion or drug-induced excess thirst. Mama always said that too much of anything, even something good, is bad. And she was right. Drinking too much water…

Staying Well through the Holidays: Portions

Most holiday celebrations are centered around food and even though that is something that brings us all together we need to remember our basic nutrition knowledge when enjoying ourselves. This week we will talk about portion sizes. A portion size is the amount of food you choose to eat that could be more or less…

Leaf Lettuce: Planting and Care

There is nothing better than a cozy fire and a beverage of choice on a cold night. Humans have enjoyed it from the bonfires of Samhain, the campfires of our youth, to Burning Man. If you have channeled your inner Paul Bunyan and split a cord of wood, you must now make an important decision…

Leaf Lettuce: Planting and Care

Growing your own leaf lettuce can be a rewarding and tasty experience, but it’s crucial to know the ins and outs of providing the right conditions for a thriving crop. Here’s a concise guide to the optimal growing conditions and care for your leafy greens in the garden: Sunlight: Leaf lettuce thrives in cooler weather and…

Plants at Their Peak: Magical Muhly!

Up close view of the muhly grass inflorescence (flowers and seeds) that provide fall color.Plants at Their Peak: Magical Muhly!   As late autumn arrives, native Muhly grass ( Muhlenbergia capillaris ) takes center stage in Florida landscapes, showcasing its natural beauty and ecological significance. Muhly grass is a true spectacle during this season,…

Foolproof Palm Care: Washington Palm

Growing up to 90 ft. tall, the Washington Palm (Washingtonia robusta) is one of the tallest in the palm family. At this height, it can be visually over-powering in landscapes with single-story buildings, but makes a great addition to landscapes with taller buildings.Planting Site Washingtonias do best in full sun and prefer well-drained soils. In addition to…

Considerations for Starting a Farm

“I’m interested in farming, but I don’t know where to start.” This is a common question, and the typical answer is… plan it out first. When you plant a seed, you don’t just toss it in the soil. You determine what it needs to thrive, gather supplies, determine the correct planting time, and follow…

Stories of Gratitude for the World of Wildlife: The Opossum

This November, we’re celebrating Wildlife Wednesdays with unique stories of gratitude for the animal kingdom. From pollination to pest management, follow along with this month-long blog series each Wednesday to learn why we have much to thank the wild, wacky world of wildlife for. In the previous blog, we explored the connection between turkey vultures and climate…

Weekly “What is it?”: Yaupon holly

The bright red berries of yaupon holly are particularly eye-catching during the fall. Photo credit: Carrie Stevenson, UF IFAS ExtensionFor most of the year, yaupon (pronounced “yo-pon”) holly is the nondescript evergreen backdrop to forested areas throughout the Panhandle. But in the fall, these plants are bursting with brilliant red berries. There are 9 holly species native…

Honoring Veterans, Creating Opportunities

It’s fitting that Veterans Day and Thanksgiving fall within the same month, because if there’s one thing we all should be thankful for, it’s the service of our military veterans. In the 246 years since our nation was founded, our veterans have made the greatest sacrifice to protect our safety and our liberties. Every man…

Seed Saving and Genetics- Getting It Right

From local garden enthusiasts to aficionados in Facebook groups, the topic of seed saving has an air of sacred duty. Individuals engage the ritualistic seed harvest from the crops they grew or purchased, picking through mounds of wet plant goo, smearing seeds on paper towels, and carefully curating them in well-marked recycled jars. Here in Gainesville, FL…
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