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.

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 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/
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• • 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.

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, polkmg@ifas.ufl.edu  

• 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, polkmg@ifas.ufl.edu  

• 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, polkmg@ifas.ufl.edu  

• 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, polkmg@ifas.ufl.edu  
• 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.