Advertise on podcast: Your Central Florida Yard

Ornamental grasses add a unique texture and interest to landscapes in central Florida. There are so many ways to use ornamental grasses, but what ornamental grasses grow well in central Florida yards? Join us in this episode on native ornamental grasses! Sources for Show Notes:     Find your local UF/IFAS Extension office:    https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/find-your-local-office/  In Polk County, contact the Plant Clinic at 863-519-1041, [email protected]    Your Central Florida Yard Newsletter: https://centralfloridayard.substack.com/     Ornamental Grasses:https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/ornamentals/ornamental-grasses/ Podcast introduction and closing music: "Green Beans" by Big Score Audio.

Maintaining a lawn is one of the most common questions that our Plant Clinic gets. Join us in this episode to to hear from Master Gardener Volunteer Rich on best practices for maintaining a lawn the Florida-Friendly way. Sources for Show Notes:     Find your local UF/IFAS Extension office:    https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/find-your-local-office/     In Polk County, contact the Plant Clinic at 863-519-1041, [email protected]     Your Central Florida Yard Newsletter: https://centralfloridayard.substack.com/      Catch can test: https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/media/sfylifasufledu/duval/horticulture/commercial-hort/DuvalCo-How-to-Calibrate-Your-Sprinkler-System-Illustrations-2024-FNL-Digital.pdf   Bahiagrass: https://agronomy.ifas.ufl.edu/media/agronomyifasufledu/turfgrass-science/turf-science-pdfs/home-owners-guide/EH_Turfgrass_Homeowner_Guides_Fact_Sheet_Bahiagrass_2024_Digital.pdf St. Augustinegrass: https://agronomy.ifas.ufl.edu/media/agronomyifasufledu/turfgrass-science/turf-science-pdfs/home-owners-guide/EH_HomeownersGuideToStAugustinegrassManagement_Factsheet_Final.pdf  Zoysiagrass:https://agronomy.ifas.ufl.edu/media/agronomyifasufledu/turfgrass-science/turf-science-pdfs/home-owners-guide/EH_HomeownersGuideToZoysiagrassManagement_Factsheet_Final.pdf   Fertilization:https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/EP236  Establishing your Florida lawn: https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/LH013  Watering your Florida Lawn: https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/LH025  Fertilization: https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/LH014  How to take a soil sample: https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/media/sfylifasufledu/indian-river/docs/pdfs/UF-Landscape--Veg-Garden-Test-Form-SL136.pdf  Setting Irrigation Run Times https://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/residents/water-conservation/irrigation/irrigation-scheduling   Podcast introduction and closing music: "Green Beans" by Big Score Audio.

Are you interested in starting a food forest in your central Florida yard? Join us in this episode to hear from Master Gardener Volunteer Jessica on how to combine fruit trees, edible shrubs, herbs, vines, pollinator plants, and groundcovers into a layered landscape that mimics a natural ecosystem. Learn how to provide food, habitat for wildlife and pollinators, and reduce maintenance over time with your own food forest. Sources for Show Notes:     Find your local UF/IFAS Extension office:    https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/find-your-local-office/     In Polk County, contact the Plant Clinic at 863-519-1041, [email protected]     Your Central Florida Yard Newsletter: https://centralfloridayard.substack.com/      How to start a food forest in your central Florida yard https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/polkco/2026/06/15/how-to-start-a-food-forest-in-your-central-florida-yard/   Planning a Food Forest https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/design/types-of-gardens/planning-a-food-forest/  Cultivating a Food Forest in Your Yard https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/highlandsco/2024/05/29/cultivating-a-food-forest-in-your-yard/   Fall is the Perfect Time to Start a Food Forest https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/browardco/2023/10/26/permaculture-and-edible-landscaping-will-provide-for-future-generations/    Podcast introduction and closing music: "Green Beans" by Big Score Audio.

Summer is hot, and in central Florida it is REALLY hot! Join us on this episode as we discuss tips and tricks that can make gardening in the summer a bit easier. Sources for Show Notes:    Find your local UF/IFAS Extension office:   https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/find-your-local-office/    In Polk County, contact the Plant Clinic at 863-519-1041, [email protected]    Your Central Florida Yard Newsletter: https://centralfloridayard.substack.com/     Eventbrite for upcoming classes and workshops: http://polkcountyextension.eventbrite.com/  Garden hoe tutorial: https://youtu.be/woHNgHkbWzA Protect the waterfront:  https://ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/about-ffl/9-principles/principle-9-protect-waterfront/Polk County fertilizer ordinance: https://polk.wateratlas.usf.edu/upload/documents/Polk-County-Fertilizer-Ordinance-March2013.pdf  Podcast introduction and closing music: "Green Beans" by Big Score Audio.

There is increasing interest in growing food—usually in dedicated vegetable and herb gardens, but there are plants that have both ornamental qualities and are edible. Join us on this episode to find out which Florida-Friendly plants have both ornamental qualities and also can be eaten. Sources for Show Notes:    Find your local UF/IFAS Extension office:    https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/find-your-local-office/    In Polk County, contact the Plant Clinic at 863-519-1041, [email protected]    Your Central Florida Yard Newsletter: https://centralfloridayard.substack.com/     Find information about nutrition and nutrition programming in Polk County: https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/polk/nutrition-and-healthy-living/   Eventbrite for upcoming classes and workshops: http://polkcountyextension.eventbrite.com/   Floridacitrus.org/recipes   Chickasaw Plum https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/trees-and-shrubs/trees/chickasaw-plum/   Citrus https://crec.ifas.ufl.edu/home-citrus/   Blueberry https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/edibles/fruits/blueberries/   Beautyberry https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/trees-and-shrubs/shrubs/beautyberry/   Prickly pear cactus https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/ornamentals/prickly-pear/   Perennial peanut https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/ornamentals/perennial-peanut/   Rosemary https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/edibles/vegetables/rosemary/   Roselle or Sorell  https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/edibles/vegetables/roselle/   Seminole pumpkin https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/edibles/vegetables/seminole-pumpkin/ AND https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zBZkytmJazU     Podcast introduction and closing music: "Green Beans" by Big Score Audio.

Do you compost or would you like to learn how to get started? Join us in this episode to learn about composting as an easy way to reduce waste at the curb and to make a free soil amendment for your garden and landscape beds. Sources for Show Notes:    Find your local UF/IFAS Extension office:   https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/find-your-local-office/    In Polk County, contact the Plant Clinic at 863-519-1041, [email protected]    Your Central Florida Yard Newsletter: https://centralfloridayard.substack.com/     Composting: https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasota/natural-resources/waste-reduction/composting/  Compost tips for the home gardener: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/EP323  Trash Talk: Alternatives to Traditional Composting: https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/care/fertilizer/trash-talk-alternative-composting/  Podcast introduction and closing music: "Green Beans" by Big Score Audio.

Are you familiar with milkweed? Join us on this episode to learn why we recommend planting native milkweed and removing non-native milkweed from your yard. Sources for Show Notes:    Find your local UF/IFAS Extension office:   https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/find-your-local-office/    In Polk County, contact the Plant Clinic at 863-519-1041, [email protected]    Your Central Florida Yard Newsletter: https://centralfloridayard.substack.com/     Monarch and Milkweed: An Important Update: https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/polkco/2025/09/25/monarchs-and-milkweed/  Milkweed: https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/ornamentals/milkweed/  Native milkweeds: https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/ornamentals/native-milkweeds/  Creating a Native Wildflower Garden in Your Central Florida Yard podcast episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/creating-a-native-wildflower-garden-in-your-central/id1724213516?i=1000648747914  Florida Native Wildflower Foundation: https://www.flawildflowers.org/monarchs-and-milkweed/  Podcast introduction and closing music: "Green Beans" by Big Score Audio.

After February 2026’s cold snap reminded Central Florida gardeners that frost and freeze damage can happen even here, many are wondering what to do next. In this bonus episode, we cover when to begin plant recovery and the best steps to help your landscape safely bounce back. Sources for Show Notes:    Find your local UF/IFAS Extension office:   https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/find-your-local-office/    In Polk County, contact the Plant Clinic at 863-519-1041, [email protected]    Your Central Florida Yard page https://centralfloridayard.substack.com/     Winter Is Coming: Protect Your Plants from the Cold: https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/orangeco/2025/01/06/winter-is-coming-protect-your-plants-from-the-cold/  Cold Damage on Palms: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/MG318  USDA Hardiness Zone Map: https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/  Palm recovery (this video shows Lantan palms, but this applies to all types of palms recovering from the cold): https://youtu.be/BWyDzmyO1e4?si=XVZiPsfzTBSS_Sgn     Podcast introduction and closing music: "Green Beans" by Big Score Audio.

Whether you’re tired of mowing, dealing with shady spots where a lawn will not grow, or just want a low-growing plant for the landscape, groundcovers might be the solution you are looking for! Join us in this episode to find out some of our favorite groundcovers for central Florida yards. Sources for Show Notes:   Find your local UF/IFAS Extension office:   https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/find-your-local-office/   In Polk County, contact the Plant Clinic at 863-519-1041, [email protected]   Your Central Florida page https://centralfloridayard.substack.com/    Groundcovers: https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/ornamentals/groundcovers/ Florida peperomia (Peperomia obtusifolia) https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/houseplants/florida-peperomia/ FFL Plant Guide: https://ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/resources/apps/plant-guide/ FFL Lawn Ornaments (Groundcovers): https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasotaco/2023/10/05/embracing-lawn-ornaments-a-starter-guide/ Podcast introduction and closing music: "Green Beans" by Big Score Audio.

Join us in this episode as we take a closer look at trees with  interesting bark.  Whether you’re designing a landscape or just love trees, you’ll come away seeing bark in a whole new way! Sources for this Episode: Find your local UF/IFAS Extension office:   https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/find-your-local-office/    In Polk County, contact the Plant Clinic at 863-519-1041, [email protected]    Your Central Florida page https://centralfloridayard.substack.com/     Bark Appeal https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/trees-and-shrubs/trees/bark-appeal/   River Birch https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/trees-and-shrubs/trees/river-birch/  Betula nigra: River Birch https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/ST094  Crapemyrtle https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/trees-and-shrubs/trees/crapemyrtle/  Lagerstroemia indica: Crapemyrtle https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/ST342  Platanus occidentalis: Sycamore https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/ST484  Ceiba speciosa: Silk-Floss Tree https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/ST162  Chinese Elm https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/trees-and-shrubs/trees/chinese-elm/  Ulmus parvifolia: Chinese Elm https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/ST652  Winged Elm https://ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/butterflies/browse/Details/395  Live Oak https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/trees-and-shrubs/trees/live-oaks/  Quercus virginiana: Southern Live Oak https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/ST564  Chickasaw Plum https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/trees-and-shrubs/trees/chickasaw-plum/  Prunus angustifolia: Chickasaw Plum https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/ST504  Lichen podcast episode https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lichen/id1724213516?i=1000640669411   Podcast introduction and closing music: "Green Beans" by Big Score Audio.

Join us in this episode to hear some of the frequent questions our plant clinic has received from central Florida gardeners.  Sources for Show Notes:    Find your local UF/IFAS Extension office:   https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/find-your-local-office/    In Polk County, contact the Plant Clinic at 863-519-1041, [email protected]    Your Central Florida page https://centralfloridayard.substack.com/     Fertilizing Your Florida Lawn https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/care/fertilizer/fertilizing-the-lawn/  General Recommendations for Fertilization of Turfgrasses on Florida Soils https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/LH014  Planting Your Florida Lawn https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/lawns/maintenance-and-care/planting-your-florida-lawn/  Preparing to Plant a Florida Lawn https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/LH012  Basketgrass, A Common Landscape Weed https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/polkco/2018/09/28/basketgrass-a-common-landscape-weed/  Tomatoes https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/edibles/vegetables/tomatoes/  Florida Vegetable Gardening Guide https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/VH021  Your Florida Lawn in Winter https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/lawns/maintenance-and-care/your-florida-lawn-in-winter/  Wildflowers For All Seasons https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/ornamentals/wildflowers-for-all-seasons/   Wildflowers in the Garden https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/ornamentals/wildflowers-in-the-garden/     Podcast introduction and closing music: "Green Beans" by Big Score Audio.

Join us in this episode to learn about which garden tasks can make a big difference in the appearance of your landscape. Sources for Show Notes:     Find your local UF/IFAS Extension office:    https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/find-your-local-office/     In Polk County, contact the Plant Clinic at 863-519-1041, [email protected]     Your Central Florida page https://centralfloridayard.substack.com/      Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @PolkGardening   Color in Landscape: Finding Inspiration for a Color Theme: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/EP425  Choosing and Installing Mulches: https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/care/planting/mulch/  Florida-Friendly Mulches and Their Uses: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/EP626  Quick Tips on Hand-Weeding in Your Florida-Friendly Yard: https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/polkco/2023/07/14/quick-tips-on-hand-weeding-in-your-florida-friendly-yard/  Trimming and Pruning Trees:  https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/care/pruning/pruning-and-maintaining-trees/  Trimming and Pruning Shrubs and Hedges: https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/care/pruning/pruning-shrubs-and-hedges/  Podcast introduction and closing music: "Green Beans" by Big Score Audio.

While fall in central Florida may not bring the dramatic color changes seen in other parts of the country, that doesn't mean it lacks seasonal beauty. Join us in this episode to learn about plants that bloom in the fall and plants whose foliage fits right into that classic fall color palette right here in central Florida. We also talk about tips on using natural items for your fall decor. Sources for Show Notes:  Find your local UF/IFAS Extension office:    https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/find-your-local-office/    In Polk County, contact the Plant Clinic at 863-519-1041, [email protected]     Your Central Florida page https://centralfloridayard.substack.com/      Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @PolkGardening   Wildflowers for the Central Florida Home Garden: https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/media/sfylifasufledu/orange/hort-res/docs/pdf/County-Fact-Sheet---Wildflowers.pdf  Vegetable Gardening in Florida: https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/edibles/vegetables/vegetable-gardening-in-florida/   Podcast introduction and closing music: "Green Beans" by Big Score Audio.

Are you considering adding fruit trees to your central Florida yard? There are so many varieties of fruit trees from temperate to tropical that it’s hard to know what will grow here. Join us in today’s episode to learn about what fruit trees can be grown in central Florida yards. Sources for Show Notes:     Find your local UF/IFAS Extension office:    https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/find-your-local-office/     In Polk County, contact the Plant Clinic at 863-519-1041, [email protected]     Your Central Florida page https://centralfloridayard.substack.com/      Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @PolkGardening   USDA Hardiness Zone Map: https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/  Mango: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/MG216  Papaya: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/MG054  Lychee: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/MG051  Banana: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/MG040  Link to YouTube, Growing Bananas in Your Central Florida Landscape: https://youtu.be/kdX-zPQCwag?si=CvS79gvDJHhaL_FP  Citrus: https://crec.ifas.ufl.edu/home-citrus/   Citrus: https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/edibles/fruits/citrus/  Peach: https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/edibles/fruits/peaches/  Mulberry: https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/edibles/fruits/mulberry/   Podcast introduction and closing music: "Green Beans" by Big Score Audio.

Do you have a favorite fragrant plant? Looking to add more fragrance to your landscape? Join us to find out about bringing fragrance into your landscape with plants. Sources for Show Notes:     Find your local UF/IFAS Extension office:    https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/find-your-local-office/     In Polk County, contact the Plant Clinic at 863-519-1041, [email protected]     Your Central Florida page https://centralfloridayard.substack.com/      Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @PolkGardening   Fragrance Gardens https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/design/types-of-gardens/fragrance-gardens/  Fragrant Houseplants https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/houseplants/fragrant-houseplants/  Fifty Fragrant Plants For Florida Landscapes https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/brevardco/2020/04/07/fifty-fragrant-plants-for-florida-landscapes/  The Strongest Sense https://sites.psu.edu/sml6791/2022/04/28/the-strongest-sense/  Physiological Effects of a Garden Plant Smellscape from the Perspective of Perceptual Interaction https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10048905/  Insect Odorscapes: From Plant Volatiles to Natural Olfactory Scenes https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31427985/   "Fragrantly Florida-Friendly": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OdGkitsNvp8  Sensory gardens: https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/design/types-of-gardens/sensory-gardens/  Find all of the plants mentioned in today’s episode by searching for the plant name on Gardening Solutions: https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/    Podcast introduction and closing music: "Green Beans" by Big Score Audio.