News & Updates

Florida Beekeeping Management Calendar: April

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…

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Aphids on Plants and their Management

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…

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Cigar rolling insects?

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…

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Weekly “What is it?”: Blueberry bee

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…

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Video: Robotic Mowers for a Home Lawn

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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Skip the Birdfeeder, Plant a Tree

Originally published in the Tallahassee Democrat By Rachel Mathes Birdfeeders are great additions to the wildlife-friendly landscape, but they can be a hassle to keep clean and filled up, especially in our brutal summer months. In addition to all the fuss of keeping up a birdfeeder, they do not provide full nutrition for wild birds.…

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Long Term Cold Damage to Palms

Cold damage to palm trees in West Central Florida is a common issue that can occur when temperatures drop below freezing. The most common type of palm tree in our area is the native sabal palm, also known as the “cabbage palm,” which is known for its tolerance to cold temperatures. Cabbage palms are rarely…

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A Recap of the 2023 Seminole County Farm Tour

What was the 2023 Seminole County Farm Tour? On the morning of Friday, March 24, 2023, we embarked on our journey of learning about local agriculture and food systems. Two busses started at the UF/IFAS Seminole County Extension Office and then toured around to five of our local farms. Throughout the day, we heard directly from…

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Cultivating Generosity – Mental Health Blogging Series

By Daniel Gonzalez (UF/IFAS Extension Palm Beach County) and Chelsea Jones (UF/IFAS Extension Marion County)   Together we are going to embark on a mental health blogging series, discussing each of the  4-H Essential Elements  and how to foster such with youth, youth volunteers, and our fellow educators. The four 4-H Essential Elements are…

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April First Friday with Florida First Detector

Recap of April First Friday with Florida First Detector In April, we started to learn about wood boring insects. Some of the most common types of wood boring insects are beetles with many species in the families Buprestidae, Cerambycidae, and Curculionidae. In this month’s webinar, we focused on invasive jewel beetles (Buprestidae) and longhorned beetles…

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When a Snake in the Grass is Just a Snake in the Grass

Spring means snakes. If you are quiet and observant, you can see the natural world around us speaking Spring.  The birds are chirping more energetically, the butterflies are eagerly seeking nectar and host plants, the wildflowers (weeds to some), are popping up all over.  If you are really lucky, you may see a snake! Most…

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