(UF/IFAS) — Got a passion for fruit? Perhaps you have been pondering the mystery of the passion fruit tree? If it is on your must-try list to add to your edible home landscape, then you are in luck. Extension agents and faculty at University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) have just released Passion Fruit Problems in …
Herbs and Veggies that can be Grown, Even When it Snows
Some herbs and veggies you can grow, even when it snows. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Sure, many of us have grown cold tolerant veggies in our gardens, but snow tolerant veggies are on another level. For anyone living in climates with sub-freezing temperatures for several months out of the year, it means a shorter growing season. But …
Blueberry App Developed to Help Growers Battle Diseases and Pests
(UF/IFAS) — A new University of Florida app will help the state’s blueberry growers identify and manage disease and insect injuries commonly encountered in Florida before their crop is ruined. Collectively, blueberries are a $60 million-per-year crop in Florida. Patricio Munoz, the UF/IFAS blueberry breeder and an assistant professor of horticultural sciences, came up with the vision for, and supervised …
Flowers that can be Planted Near a Vegetable Garden
The flowers you should plant near your veggies in the garden. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. If you’re feeling discouraged by the long list of plants you can’t grow near your vegetable garden, don’t worry. There are plenty of other options you can choose from, including the classic stand-bys of marigolds, petunias, and nasturtiums. These flowers are …
UF/IFAS Study Shows Less Need for Pesticides to Control Pests
It’s harvest season for Florida’s $300 million-per-year strawberry season, so those who grow this fruit need help to control pests such as the tiny (up to 2-millimeters long), destructive chilli thrips. Farmers often use pesticides to control thrips, but they would like to use minimal chemicals. University of Florida scientists may have found a good reason to use pesticides at …
Hemp Program Lighting Up Florida Agriculture
(NSF) — Hemp is blazing among Florida’s agriculture inventory in the seven months since it was first allowed to be legally grown in the Sunshine State, Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried told business leaders Tuesday. Fried said 22,078 acres are currently licensed for hemp, nearly equal to the acreage in Florida of tomatoes, watermelon and snap peas, and double the …
Flowers that Shouldn’t be Planted Near a Vegetable Garden
The flowers you shouldn’t plant near your vegetable garden. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Whether you’re planting flower companion plants or trap crops, there are some plants that simply should not be mixed. Certain flower bulbs, such as those that resemble garlic or onions, could be mistaken for the plants you can eat. Oleander and Foxglove, while …
USTR Calls for Investigation of Imported Squash and Cucumbers
Action Follows Recent Blueberry, Strawberry and Bell Pepper USTR Initiatives (GFVGA) — Friday, December 4, 2020. U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer issued a letter to the Chairman of the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) requesting investigations into the import of cucumbers and squash and the effect on the domestic seasonal markets. The request is to investigate the monthly price trends, including an analysis and …
Grow Edible, Culinary, and Medicinal Herbs in a Windowsill Garden
How to start a windowsill garden. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. With an indoor windowsill garden, you can grow all kinds of edible, culinary, and medicinal species. All that’s required to grow most veggies and herbs is at least six hours of sunlight to thrive. A south-facing window is preferable. Aim for an area that isn’t going …
Best Growing Kits for Exotic Mushrooms
Some of the best growing kits for exotic mushrooms. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Reishi mushrooms are historically used in Japanese and Chinese traditional medicine, consumed as a tea or a nutritional supplement. The Reishi Mushroom Growing Kit by Gallboys is easy to use and the instructions show you all of the techniques needed. If you’re wanting …