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Bugs, Drones, and Trees! Oh, My!

August 19, 2022
Introduced in the 1840s as an ornamental, the Brazilian peppertrees (Schinus terebinthifolia) are one of Florida’s most widespread invaders. They are abundant throughout the south, central, and parts of northern Florida, spanning canals, coastal dunes, pastures, and urban landscapes.   Mechanical and chemical methods are typically used to control the spread of Brazilian peppertree. Florida’s Noxious…

Magnesium Deficiency in Palms

August 18, 2022
Magnesium (Mg) deficiency is very common in palms in Florida. Why is that? It’s because our soils have very low cation exchange capacity (CEC) and are highly leachable. CEC is a measurement of the total negative charges in the soil particles, thus allowing adsorption of positive charged nutrients such as Magnesium (Mg +2), Calcium (Ca +2), and…

Backyard Vegetable Growing

August 17, 2022
Saturday, September 10TH 9:30A.M.-12:00P.M. Centennial Park Recreation Center 1120 Centennial Blvd. Port Charlotte, FL 33953 This program is sponsored by UF/IFAS Extension Charlotte County and will cover the basics of vegetable gardening and pests. The focus is on practical information which can be put-to-use immediately in the homeowner’s backyard. There is a $5.00 fee to…

The Silk Floss Tree

August 17, 2022
Photo: Hannah Wooten The Silk Floss Tree commands attention in every season. From a stunning floral display, to the trunk laden with menacing spines, to the palmate foliage, it is no wonder this rainforest tree has found a place in managed landscapes around the world! Silk Floss, Floss Silk, palo borracho aka drunken stick, toborochi are…

First Fridays with Florida First Detector

August 16, 2022
What is Florida First Detector? Florida First Detector is a multiagency educational effort focused on enhancing the early detection of invasive pests that threaten agriculture, nursery industries, and natural areas. We offer in-person and virtual classes. The Florida First Detector website also provides scripted presentations for educators and on-demand CEU opportunities for licensed professionals. Our…

Florida Farm Pests: Terrestrial Slugs and Snails

August 15, 2022
When people think of plant pests, the first thing that comes to mind are arthropods, specifically insects. Unfortunately, there are more than just arthropods that are considered plant pests. One of these examples are terrestrial slugs and snails. Asian Tramp Snail (bradybaena similaris), an exotic snail pest in Florida. Credit: Luis O. Rodriguez, UF/IFAS, Polk…

New tool helps strengthen local food systems

August 15, 2022
Effective food systems– which include the people, processes and places involved with moving food from local farm to plates – provide equity, sustainability, profitability and resiliency to communities. UF/IFAS researchers conducted a study to define key elements of community food system models and how to overcome the obstacles they face. Researchers used their findings to…

Cane Toads: A Toxic Threat to Family Pets

August 15, 2022
About this cane toad webinar Invasive species, like cane toads, are species that (a) are nonnative to a specified geographic area, (b) were introduced by humans (intentionally or unintentionally), and (c) does or can cause environmental or economic harm or harm to humans. Cane toads, also known as bufo toads, can: cause illness or death if…

Getting your money’s worth in flowers this year – Ixora in the landscape

August 14, 2022
Ixora – a superhighway of blooms!What plant does just about every landscape in Charlotte County have that provides colorful flowers, tropical foliage and variety of size that makes this shrub so popular?  This shrub is the ixora of course!  However, with our predominately alkaline soils, growing acid-loving plants like ixora can be difficult.  With proper…

Farmer’s Market Tips

August 14, 2022
Market Joy Oh the joys of a local Farmer’s Market. I’ve been a farmer’s market attendee since I can remember.  I spent many Saturday mornings strolling down a blocked off street, going from vendor to vendor spending the $10 or so my mom gave me. My go-to purchases as a kid usually raisin bread, goat…

Find Your Frugal: Save on school lunches

August 14, 2022
About this series Rising costs have brought on rising concerns. The ripple effects of the years-long COVID pandemic continue to surface in economies worldwide, from grocery shelves to gas pumps. In an ongoing effort to help people – from producers to consumers – weather the storm, the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences…

Can You Find a Coral Snake?

August 13, 2022
Most of you – okay… ALL of you who read this column like the outdoors.  Some like it for its peace and beauty, some for recreation opportunities, some like it for both.  One activity I have found many enjoy is seeking creatures from a list.  A sort of “bingo” approach to observing nature.   For…
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