Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program

@floridamgvs

Research-based info on caring for plants and landscapes in a Florida-Friendly way. From the University of Florida's IFAS Extension.

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Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program@floridamgvs· 13d

Say "sunflower," and people imagine a towering plant. But for a sunflower that can take the heat, look down and see beach sunflower. This low-growing perennial is perfect for hot, dry sites, including coastal areas. More at @UF_IFAS Gardening Solutions: buff.ly/R9C2579

A golden yellow flower with a brown center growing in a sandy field.

Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program@floridamgvs· 14d

This small, cinnamon-colored songbird is a year-round resident in the southeast. The Carolina wren forms lifelong bonds with its mate and the males are known for their loud, cheerful songs. Learn more about this tiny bird with a big personality at Ask IFAS: buff.ly/fPUXBBg

Tiny Carolina wrens are identified by a white stripe above the eyes that extends to the back of the head, cinnamon colored feathers and a curved bill. This one is sitting on a wooden fence. Photo by Steven A. Johnson, UF/IFAS.

Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program@floridamgvs· 16d

This week’s heat-tolerant edible plant can be grown throughout Florida. Chayote is a climbing vine that produces pear-shaped vegetables with a texture similar to zucchini. Gardeners often trellis them on an arbor. Learn more about growing chayote at UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: buff.ly/1QDfnhE

Two light green, pear-shaped chayote fruits on a kitchen counter.

Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program@floridamgvs· 19d

Whether climbing up a trellis, cascading from a hanging basket or carpeting the ground, vines are an excellent way to add another dimension to your garden. Florida-Friendly suggestions and vine-training tips at UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: buff.ly/Q4M78VD

Native coral honeysuckle has clusters of pinkish-red, tubular flowers that attract hummingbirds and butterflies.

Native Carolina jessamine has a profusion of bright yellow trumpet-shaped flowers in the spring.

Part of the morning glory family, native moonflower produces fragrant white flowers that open at night.

Star jasmine is a fast-growing vine with tiny white pinwheel-shaped flowers that are incredibly fragrant despite their size.

Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program@floridamgvs· 20d

Formosan subterranean termites can infest structures and live trees, and are spreading across Florida. The invasive termites can hollow out a tree, leading to structural damage and potential collapse. This Ask IFAS publication describes the pest and management: buff.ly/aPYt9ag

A huge tree trunk fallen and cut to expose the termite nest-like structure in the dead center of the tree. Caption reads "Coptotermes carton inside of a tree in Broward Co., Florida. Credit: Thomas Chouvenc, UF/IFAS." Coptotermes is the Formosan termite species' scientific name.

Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program@floridamgvs· 21d

Looking for information on hurricane preparedness? The Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ program has collected hurricane-season videos from across UF/IFAS on everything from tree care, to pet planning, to food safety -- even preparing beehives for strong winds! The YouTube playlist: buff.ly/KsdSuJ2

Screen shot of UF/IFAS webinar starting about salt-tolerant plants for Florida, on FFL's YouTube channel. Shows the title, a photo of a very brown leaf, and presenter details: Ryan Czaplewski, UF/IFAS Extension Collier County Commercial Horticulture Agent.

Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program@floridamgvs· 23d

Famous for its juicy and flavorful fruits, this week’s heat-tolerant edible plant is the mango tree. Best suited for South Florida, the "king of fruit" is available in a host of cultivars that vary in flavor and appearance. Learn more about mango at UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: buff.ly/IXeg0El

A photo of oblong-shaped mango fruits dangling from long stems on the tree. These aren't quite ripe - still green with only a blush of pink at the top of the fruits.

Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program@floridamgvs· 26d

Cypress is one of the most important tree species in Florida’s history. It was used widely by the state's indigenous peoples, notably for canoes. Learn more about native trees that play an integral part in Florida’s natural and cultural history at UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: buff.ly/HZgVln5

View of the swamp from the massively wide base of a cypress tree. Many cypress tree rise tall and straight out of the water. The unique upright root formations called cypress knees are visible in the water. In Big Cypress National Preserve in Southwest Florida.

Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program@floridamgvs· 27d

Celebrate 250 years of the USA with fireworks -- in the form of flowers! The firecracker shrub has tubular flowers that attract hummingbirds and resemble tiny firecrackers. Learn more about Russelia equisetiformis at UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: buff.ly/skXI4zf

A spray of dark green, reed-like stems on a plant with a weeping form, each stem ending in a small, reddish coral, tubular flower. Great thanks to Surely Shirley on Flickr for the photo.

Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program@floridamgvs· 28d

Prized for its unique, fruity tang, datil pepper also packs a heat compared to habanero. It's closely associated with St. Augustine where it was first grown, but datil peppers can be grown throughout Florida. Learn more about July's featured plant at UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: buff.ly/8R8Orbs

A bushy green plant with several light green hot peppers visible. A sign in the plant's pot reads Sweet Datil Pepper.

Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program@floridamgvs· Jul 13

This week's heat-tolerant edible plant is boniato. Also called tropical sweet potato, boniato tubers are drier and less sweet, with a nutty taste. Learn more about planting boniato at UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: buff.ly/bRSAPtb

Brown bulbous boniato tubers, most with little produce stickers.

Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program@floridamgvs· Jul 10

Hot peppers, fiery flowers and trees to escape the heat. Yup, it's July in Florida. 🔥 Stay in the AC and read about St. Augustine's famous datil peppers, some very important native trees and more in this month's Neighborhood Gardener on our website: buff.ly/UZXqTEz

Small, bright orange elongated peppers, with a slightly wrinkled look.

Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program@floridamgvs· Jul 9

July is the perfect time to solarize your garden, since solarization requires strong sun and heat. If you'd like to control pests, disease or weeds, this process of covering a garden bed with clear plastic can help manage these problems. Learn more at UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: buff.ly/AiJJbgr

Man crouches down to lay clear plastic sheeting over soil in a garden plot.

Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program@floridamgvs· Jul 8

The heat and humidity of Florida summers are prime conditions for chanterelle mushrooms. While chanterelles are edible, misidentification of fungi can lead to serious health problems. Wild mushrooms should be eaten only with extreme caution. More about chanterelles at Ask IFAS: buff.ly/ESmpgLj

Three chanterelle mushrooms (Cantharellus lateritius). They are tan with a cupped, upright, vaselike shape that's rippled around the edges. Photo: Chris Evans, University of Illinois, Bugwood.org

Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program@floridamgvs· Jul 6

We're featuring heat-tolerant fruits and veggies every Monday this month! Tropical "spinaches" can take the heat and are full of nutrients. Learn more about these tropical greens at UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: buff.ly/qPcQ92f

Photo of a Malabar spinach plant growing in a pot with a supportive wire "cage" - its leaves are green and its stem is maroon.

Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program@floridamgvs· Jul 3

In observance of the July 4th holiday, state UF/IFAS offices are closed today. Enjoy the holiday safely! This UF/IFAS blog post has recipes for refreshing hydration using Fresh from Florida fruits like watermelon and mango: buff.ly/kRvKIFX

Photograph of fruit cups nestled in ice. They have blueberries, strawberries and either bananas or coconut arranged in a way to resemble the United States flag. UF/IFAS photo.

Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program@floridamgvs· Jul 2

Watermelon is a perfectly refreshing fruit for celebrating this weekend. Florida produces 907 million pounds of watermelon annually and the season is at its peak, just in time for the holiday! Learn more about watermelon at UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: buff.ly/cLrCi8C

Big watermelons, green with paler green striping. One has a wedge cut out to reveal the reddish-pink flesh.

Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program@floridamgvs· Jul 1

Kids might be out of school, but that doesn’t mean their minds stop growing. From budding naturalists to bug lovers to outdoor explorers, UF/IFAS offers books and other resources that encourage children to get in touch with nature. More on keeping kids curious all summer: buff.ly/vE91d8E

Two bug guides: Caterpillars of Eastern North America, and Field Guide to Insects and Spiders of North America. Both lay on canvas collection nets.

Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program@floridamgvs· Jun 29

Our hot and rainy summers make Florida a mosquito paradise. It's best to eliminate standing water in the landscape, but what about bird baths and rain barrels? UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions has tips on keeping mosquitoes out of your beloved water features: buff.ly/PUywb7N

A shallow, water-filled blue ceramic dish set on the ground in a home garden.

Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program@floridamgvs· Jun 26

Gardening this summer? Put safety first! Get out early before temperatures get too high. Drink plenty of water and other hydrating beverages. Wear a hat and sunscreen. Most importantly, know the signs of heat illness. It could save a life. Learn more at UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: buff.ly/qyxu9oB

Signs of heat exhaustion: dizziness, thirst, heavy sweating, nausea and weakness. Act fast: move to a cooler area, loosen clothing, sip cool water, and seek medical help if symptoms don't improve. Heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke. The signs of heat stroke: confusion, dizziness, losing conscious. Act FAST: call 911, move the person to a cooler area, loosen clothing, removing extra layers, and cool them with water or ice. Heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not given. Graphic courtesy of NOAA and other federal institutions.

Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program@floridamgvs· Jun 25

Palms are practically synonymous with the Sunshine State, but not all can handle the cold that North Florida experiences. Luckily, there are cold-hardy palms, including our state tree, the sabal palm. Learn more about a few of these palms on UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: buff.ly/3mKMO5x

Five towering, iconic sabal palms in front of Lake Okeechobee.

Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program@floridamgvs· Jun 24

Caring for your palms includes scouting for disease. If you are not sure what the issue is, contact your local UF/IFAS Extension office for a diagnosis. Learn more about palm diseases at Ask IFAS: buff.ly/l6nhxIu

The fungal disease Ganoderma butt rot is causing these palms to decline; one with yellowing fronds and another has dead brown lower fronds.

Bacterial lethal bronzing disease has killed these palms; their branches are brown and collapsed, hanging down, like an umbrella that's been blown out.

Thielaviopsis trunk rot is a bacteria that causes the palm's trunk to collapse or for the top half of the tree to suddenly fall off, like in this photo of a palm surrounded by cones and yellow tape to cordon off the street from the large fallen top. Photo by H. Donselman, UF/IFAS.

Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program@floridamgvs· Jun 22

Honey bees aren't the only insects pollinating our plants. It's National Pollinator Week, and we're celebrating the wide range of pollinators in the landscape. See what else is working the flowers in this post from UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County: buff.ly/nU1jtD2 (Photo: David Hill)

A longhorned beetle on the center of a magnolia flower. These types of beetles are named for their long antennae. Photo by David Hill, some rights reserved. Creative Commons BY 2.0.

Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program@floridamgvs· Jun 21

Let's celebrate the fathers and father figures who inspire their loved ones to spend time outdoors, whether it's planting a garden, taking care of the yard, or just getting out in nature.

A man and two children in a kayak on a Florida river.

Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program@floridamgvs· Jun 19

Seeds of hope emerged on this day. In observance of Juneteenth, our state offices are closed.

Photograph of itty-bitty seedlings sprouting in a tray resembling a large egg carton.

Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program@floridamgvs· Jun 18

Royal palm lives up to its majestic name. This South Florida native towers over the landscape, making quite the impression (where space allows). Learn more about June's featured plant at UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: buff.ly/yFulLNh (Photo by @scottzona.bsky.social)

Towering tall straight palm trees spaced out on a expansive green lawn. Photo by Scott Zona, some rights reserved, cc by-nc 2.0.

Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program@floridamgvs· Jun 17

Robot lawnmowers have been available, but are they effective on Florida turfgrass? New research from UF/IFAS shows that yes, autonomous mowers use frequent, low-impact mowing that produces denser, healthier turf more resistant to pests and disease. Story at UF/IFAS News: buff.ly/WAD5ggJ

A gray, square robotic lawnmower on a St. Augustine turf field at the UF/IFAS research center in Jay, FL.

Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program@floridamgvs· Jun 17

The number-one rule in pruning palms? Never remove live, green fronds. You generally want a round, full canopy. Pruning the palm to look like a feather duster weakens the tree; only remove fully brown fronds. More on palm pruning at UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: buff.ly/3O1XrFa

A properly pruned palm, with a full rounded canopy.

An over-pruned palm, where they removed too many green healthy fronds, giving this palm the appearance of a giant pineapple, with a few spindly green fronds atop the trunk.

Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program@floridamgvs· Jun 15

Palms are so common in our landscape, one might assume they're low-maintenance. But in Florida's "challenging" soils, palms often suffer from nutrient deficiencies. UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions lists the most common deficiencies found in palms and the symptoms, plus prevention tips: buff.ly/F8YRWso

Potassium deficiency of Phoenix roebelenii. The feathery leaflets are greenish-yellow where they're attached to the center of the frond, and then turn brown and dead. Credit: T. K. Broschat, UF/IFAS

Magnesium deficiency on Pritchardia palm shows large bands of yellow across the fan-shaped fronds. Credit: T. K. Broschat, UF/IFAS

Manganese deficiency on Cuban royal palm shows frizzled brown growth on newer fronds in the center of the palm. Credit: T. K. Broschat, UF/IFAS

Chronic boron deficiency on Christmas palm, showing trunk bending. Credit: T. K. Broschat, UF/IFAS

Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program@floridamgvs· Jun 12

Palm nutrition. Palm pruning. Cold-hardy palms. Do you sense a theme? You're right! June is the Palms Edition of the Neighborhood Gardener. And yes, our featured plant is the royal palm, but we take a break for Wendy's botanical adventures in D.C. Read the issue at our website: buff.ly/JenduDY