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/    

• 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/  

• Garden hoe tutorial: https://youtu.be/woHNgHkbWzA 

• Protect the waterfront:  https://ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/about-ffl/9-principles/principle-9-protect-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 our 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 tale 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.