There is nothing more iconic to Florida than growing citrus in the home garden. But with challenges from greening, this has become increasingly difficult for homeowners. Luckily, there are still options available, and by following UF/IFAS guidelines from selection to maintenance, it is possible to harvest your own citrus. WHAT IS GREENING? If you are not familiar with citrus greening (huanglongbing (HLB)), it is a bacterial disease spread by a tiny insect called the Asian cit

This recipe uses a very easy-to-grow (and fun to look at!) squash. Luffa (Luffa sp.) is a squash that is used as a vegetable or as a sponge. It is easy to grow and is vining in habit. Grow luffa where the long fruits can hang, and harvest depending on their use. If using as an edible vegetable, harvest when green and about six inches long. If using as a sponge, allow to mature and harvest when the peel is brown and pulling away from the interior. Peel away the skin/husk and r

Central Florida’s mild winters create the perfect opportunity to get outside and enjoy the weather during the holiday season; so in this month’s article, we’ll be discussing six beautiful natural areas that you might consider visiting! These locations offer fun for the whole family, with many of them providing opportunities for hiking, biking, horseback riding, or even camping. You’ll also have the chance to spot some of Central Florida’s unique wildlife, including several ra

Did you know that you can grow bulbs in central Florida? Central Florida gardeners can display bulbs year-round, which is different than the bulbs you may be familiar with if you have gardened up north. There are both tropical and subtropical bulbs that thrive in our landscapes if you install and maintain them following the Florida-Friendly Landscaping principles. WHICH BULBS CAN WE GROW CENTRAL FLORIDA? Plant tropical bulbs in the spring and summer months. This includes cala

As Thanksgiving approaches, turkeys start taking center stage – in grocery store displays, dinner menus, and classroom crafts. But beyond the holiday hustle, wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) roam Florida’s forests, pastures, and wetlands year-round, playing a vital role in our state’s natural ecosystems. A CLOSER LOOK AT THE WILD TURKEY Florida is home to two of the five subspecies of wild turkey found in North America: the Eastern subspecies, which is common across the Pan

Are you interested in recycling waste and creating something that can be used in your landscape and garden? Look no further than...

Have you ever wondered what’s under the leaf litter in your backyard? At first glance, there might not seem to be much there, but upon...

This month’s issue is all about people helping people, so we wanted to take a look at a unique native species with some inspiring...

Last month we featured garden hacks from Master Gardener Volunteers, and we have so many to share that we are back again with more! With...

Gardening is a fun hobby for many people, but when it feels like there is a lot of work to do and the weather is hot, landscape...

As we dive into Lakes Appreciation Month, let’s take a look at one of Polk County’s most distinctive water bodies, Lake Hancock. Nestled...

Many homeowners in Central Florida turn to native wildflowers as an option for seasonal color in their landscapes. Summer-blooming...

Thanks to Florida’s mild winters, many species begin their seasonal rituals well before their northern counterparts. Courtship can start...

Kids today are busy—school, sports, and afterschool activities--and are spending less time outdoors than ever before. According to...

CELEBRATE EARTH DAY WITH INATURALIST AND THE CITY NATURE CHALLENGE Earth Day is a reminder of our deep connection to the natural world....

Many homeowners have mature, established landscapes that require updates and changes. Mature landscapes present unique opportunities and...

Spring in central Florida is always a welcome sight, even though our region does not experience the harsh winters seen in other parts of...

Gardening is not just about growing plants; it’s also about growing ourselves. Keeping a garden journal can help you connect with nature...

While February often conjures images of lovebirds and heart-shaped candies, not every species in Polk County has such romantic...

As January settles in, life in Polk County’s cities, towns, and neighborhoods often slows to a comfortable rhythm. While much of the...

Florida faces many challenges in protecting our valuable and often fragile natural environment. These challenges include the loss of...

Growing leafy greens in central Florida during the winter offers a fantastic opportunity to cultivate fresh, nutrient packed vegetables....

Florida has become home to a new invasive species over the last decade: the black-and-white tegu (Salvator merianae), a large, omnivorous...

Fall in central Florida may not bring the dramatic color changes seen in other parts of the country, but that doesn’t mean it lacks...