Your Central Florida Yard

What makes a Thanksgiving meal Florida-style? Join us as we explore the vegetables, herbs, and local favorites ready for harvest in Central Florida gardens just in time for the holiday table. Fresh, local, and uniquely Floridian! Please take a moment to complete a survey about Your Central Florida Yard podcast:  https://ufl.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_blQN8MyguTW3IEu Sources for Show Notes:    Find...

In this episode, we're joined by Garnet, owner of PlantLocal, a native plant nursery in Lakeland. From butterflies and pollinators to drought resilience and Florida-Friendly Landscaping™, we'll learn why native plants matter, how to choose the right ones for your yard, and why choosing Floridanative plants makes gardening easier and more sustainable in Florida! Please take a moment to comp...

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,...

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 863-5...

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 wi...

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,  polkmg@ifas.ufl.edu     Your Central Florida Yard New...

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...

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-...

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,  polkmg@ifas.ufl.edu     Your Central Florida Yard Newslett...

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/...

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-loca...

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,  polkmg@ifas.ufl.edu     You...

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, polkmg@ifas.ufl.edu     Your Central Florida page  https://centralfloridayard.substack.co...

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, polkmg@ifas.ufl.edu      Your Central Florida page https://centralfloridayard.substack.com/...

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. Sour...

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-off...

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, polkmg@ifas.ufl.edu     Your Central Florida pa...

Houseplants are popular, but they aren’t always easy to grow. In this episode, we’ll share tips for keeping your houseplants healthy and help you get started with indoor gardening. 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, polkmg@ifas.ufl.edu    Your Central...

Ready to add a splash of color to your central Florida yard! Join us as we highlight summer flowers that thrive in the heat, attract pollinators, and keep your landscape vibrant all season long. 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, polkmg@ifas.ufl....

Join us for A Gardener’s Story , a special bonus episode where we sit down with a UF/IFAS Extension Master Gardener Volunteer who’s dedicating their time and expertise to help our communities thrive. Stay tuned as we dig into the inspiring story of Betty, a Master Gardener Volunteer with UF/IFAS Extension.    Sources for Show Notes:     Find your local UF/IFAS Extension office:     https://sfyl.if...

In this episode, we’re diving into how to grow the herbs you’ll actually use—and how to make the most of them in the kitchen. From choosing the right herbs for Central Florida gardens to cooking tips and health benefits, we’ve got your herb questions covered! Sources for Show Notes:   Find your local UF/IFAS Extension office:    https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/find-your-local-office/     In Polk County,...

Insects—whether pests or garden helpers—are an essential part of gardening in central Florida. This episode explores how a toolbox approach can help manage insect issues effectively and keep your garden thriving.  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, po...

Join us for A Gardener’s Story , a special bonus episode where we sit down with a UF/IFAS Extension Master Gardener Volunteer who’s dedicating their time and expertise to help our communities thrive. Stay tuned as we dig into the inspiring story of Celia, a Master Gardener Volunteer with UF/IFAS Extension.    Sources for Show Notes:      Find your local UF/IFAS Extension office:     https://sfyl.i...

What is No Mow March? Well, it’s a movement encouraging homeowners to put their lawnmowers away for the month of March. The idea is to let your lawn grow naturally, which provides a temporary refuge for pollinators like bees and butterflies. Join us to learn more about No Mow March in today's episode!  Sources for Show Notes:    Find your local UF/IFAS Extension office:    https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.ed...

In this episode we explore edible plants that not only thrive in our unique climate but also align with Florida-Friendly Landscaping principles.   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, polkmg@ifas.ufl.edu    Your Central Florida page https://centralflori...