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, polkmg@ifas.ufl.edu   

• 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.