News & Updates Archives - Page 8 of 80 - Extra Mile Pest Control and Lawn Solution

Spanish Moss, a new episode from Your Central Florida Yard podcast

January 31, 2024

Spanish moss: creepy or cool? What comes to mind when you think of a southern landscape? Large , graceful oaks draped oh-so-perfectly with Spanish moss ? Spanish moss is a quintessential part of our landscapes “down south” and it is often something that interests our visitors. What do you know about Spanish moss—there are many…

These Are Not the Pests You’re Looking For

January 30, 2024

We want our plants to do their best: to grow, to be healthy, to flourish, to bloom, and in the case of fruit trees, to produce. As the Commercial Tropical Fruit Extension Agent for Miami-Dade County, I am often presented with what the grower sometimes believes are major problems, when in fact, the pest (or…

Resources for Women in Agriculture

January 30, 2024

Are you an Extension professional or woman working in agriculture? Do you need help finding resources? There are many organizations and options out there if you know where to look. The Florida Women in Agriculture Association has begun compiling a list of resources for women in agriculture. We are happy to share this as it…

Faculty Feature: Dr. Bin Liu, Nutritional Sciences

January 29, 2024

We are pleased to welcome Dr. Bin Liu to our Discover FSHN Series! Dr. Liu is an assistant professor of human nutrition in the Food Science and Human Nutrition Department at the University of Florida. Her lab‘s research focuses on investigating the effects of calcium on cardiac dysfunctions and developing novel therapies to treat diseases of the heart. In this interview, learn about…

Sipping With Confidence: All About Sarasota County’s Drinking Water

January 29, 2024

Sarasota County is privileged to source its drinking water from diverse outlets, combining surface and well water to cater to the county’s needs. The Peace River Manasota Regional Water Supply Authority contributes roughly half of the county’s drinking water. The Peace River Manasota Regional Water Supply Authority draws surface water from the Peace River to…

What is thatch?

January 26, 2024

Thatch is the layer of dead material and organic matter between the soil surface and grass. It gives Florida grasses a sponge-like feel under the feet that springs back when you step. This layer can be a double-edged sword. It provides many benefits but if left to accumulate can have a negative impact on the…

Weekly “What is it?”: Japanese climbing fern

January 26, 2024

Japanese climbing fern growing along a trail in Santa Rosa County. Photo credit: Carrie Stevenson, UF IFAS Extension Walking through the forest, Japanese climbing fern (Lygodium japonicum) might catch your eye. The fronds are delicate and almost lacy in shape, winding their way along the stems of shrubs and trunks of trees. Like most…

Support the Future of Agriculture!

January 25, 2024

The bright lights of the Ferris wheel, a taste of those delicious, boiled peanuts, the sound of the auctioneer, and that familiar fresh sawdust smell. Those are some of my favorite things about the Osceola County Fair! So, grab some of those boiled peanuts and come to the Kissimmee Valley Livestock Show arena to cheer…

New UF/IFAS publication: Managing impacts of flooding, groundwater rise on septic systems

January 25, 2024

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection estimates the state has more than 2 million septic systems. If an owner does not properly maintain one, it poses an environmental threat to the state’s drinking water. Besides regular maintenance, managing the impacts of flooding and groundwater rise are two more issues owners must address. A new UF/IFAS…

What Is That Lawn Ornament? Hop Clover? Should I Be Hopping Mad or Glad?

January 24, 2024

A handful of the “lawn ornaments” that will be featured in this blog series. Top row (left to right): sunshine mimosa, perennial peanut, frogfruit, and fleabane. Bottom row (left to right): pennywort, Lobelia, Florida snow, and blue-eyed grass.Welcome to our Lawn Ornament blog series, where we explore the plethora of micro-plants that can help create a biodiverse, predominantly…

Thriving in the Sunshine State: Growing Barbados Cherries in West Central Florida

January 24, 2024

West Central Florida’s warm and sunny climate provides an ideal environment for cultivating a variety of edible plants. One underused tropical shrub that not only flourishes in this region but also adds a burst of flavor to your landscape is the Barbados Cherry (Malpighia glabra). Barbados Cherries, also known as Acerola, can be an attractive…

Sugarcane Mosaic Virus Found in New Counties

January 23, 2024

In November 2014, Sugarcane Mosaic Virus (SCMV) was discovered in southeast Florida and Pinellas County where it seemed to stay. In the past few years, however, the virus has spread. It is now confirmed in counties in North, Central, and South Florida. Recently, lab reports confirm the disease is present in Hillsborough and Sarasota Counties.…

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