How do I prevent a shallow root mass, which doesn’t seem to have a plant associated with it, from returning once I dig it out?
The most likely explanation for what you have encountered is that these are the roots of a tree or shrub that is growing in your yard or a neighbor’s yard. Roots of trees and shrubs commonly extend 2 to 3 times as far as the branches extend, sometimes considerably farther. Roots of trees ...
- What is the best way to plant Coontie seeds so they are most likely to germinate? How & where should I keep the seeds if they can't be planted for some time?
The orange-red fleshy covering of the seed should be removed. The stony layer underneath can be nicked with a file or cracked to speed seed germination. Seeds are then planted with a thin layer of soil covering them. The soil should be kept moist. Seeds that have had the fleshy covering rem ...
- I have a staghorn fern that was given to me. How do I care for it?
Staghorn ferns are rather easy to grow if you know a little more about their growth habit. They are epiphytes, or plants that do not live in soil, on the ground, or in pots. In their native habitat they grow in warm, humid locations on tree trunks, branches or rocks. Staghorns can be mounted on ...
- How can we treat soda apple weeds and will this be an ongoing problem?
Tropical soda apple can sprayed with glyphosate-based herbicides like Roundup. Complete coverage of the plants is necessary for the best control. Glyphosate is non-selective (will kill most kinds of vegetation that it’s sprayed on) so be sure not to spray any desirable plants. You will nee ...
- Where can I get a rain barrel?
The Pinellas County Extension teaches rain barrel workshops at no charge to attendees. We usually have rain barrels available for purchase at the workshops. For dates and locations of the workshops please check our website calendar. You might also check with the following businesses that may h ...
- What is the best construction material for rain barrels? Can you give me some information on the types of construction materials to look for?
Previously used food-grade plastic barrels are recommended if you plan to make your own rain barrel for collection and storage of rain water for landscape use. New, purpose-built rain barrels made from new or recycled plastic are also appropriate for landscape use. These are sold by some retaile ...
- What landscape plants are toxic to household pets if they chew on them.
The following list includes only a few landscape plants known to be toxic to household pets. If you observe erratic behavior in your pet after ingesting any plant, contact your veterinarian immediately. Toxic plants: Amaryllis, Angel’s Trumpet Antherium Asparagus Fern Azalea, Bosto ...
- Why are my Cigar Plants (Cuphea micropetala) leaves are turning brown but new leaves are appearing. Should I prune them?
It is probably best to delay cutting the plants back until freeze danger is past (late February), since cigar plant is somewhat cold tender. When established, cigar plant is somewhat drought tolerant, but will require some watering during dry weather. As with most other plants, less frequent wa ...
- Is there a fertilizer that will work for lawns, bushes, trees, and flowers?
A fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen (the first number in the 3 numbers of the fertilizer analysis) and potassium (the third number) and little or no phosphorus (the middle number) can be used on lawns and many kinds of trees, shrubs and flowers. An example of such a fertilizer would be a ...
- Do you perform soil tests, and if so, how much does the test cost?
Soil testing services are available through the University of Florida’s Extension Soil Testing Laboratory in Gainesville. The laboratory offers a soil pH and lime requirement test for $3.00 per sample and a soil fertility test (which includes pH, lime requirement and levels of phosphorus, ...
- Is there an email where I can send you a photo of a snake that I frequently see in my yard?
You can send a photo of the snake to our Lawn and Garden staff at hort@pinellascounty.org One of our horticulturists will examine the photo and give an identification of the snake if possible. Another resource is the Online Guide to the Snakes of Florida from the Florida Museum of Natural Hist ...
- Can you provide a speaker for my homeowners association meeting?
Yes, we have speakers available for homeowners associations as well as other organizations. Presentations relating to Florida-Friendly Landscaping principles are provided free of charge to groups of 25 or more as this is a grant funded, partnership program. Speakers may be available to present o ...
- How can I find information about water restrictions for sprinkling my landscape?
Specific information may be obtained by calling the phone number on your water bill. You may also find it helpful to visit the water conservation webpage of the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) http://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/conservation/restrictions for general information a ...
- I am re-landscaping the plant beds in my front yard and want to make sure I buy enough plants for the area. How do I make these decisions?
Most people purchase way too many and over-plant their beds. “Instant landscapes” cost considerably more and in a few years will become a crowded mess to maintain. You should research the mature size of the plants you plan to use and then space them so they have room to grown into th ...
- What help is available to get me started with designing a Florida-Friendly Yard and selecting the right plant for the right place?
Whether you are starting from scratch with a new landscape or redesigning an existing landscape, there are many resources available to you (see the links below). The Extension offers many classes and workshops throughout the year on a number of landscape related topics. Periodically check our we ...
- What kind of groundcover can I use on my seawall?
These plants can be used as ground covers in sunny areas that are exposed to some salt spray: Sea purslane- Sesuvium portulacastrum Prostrate cocoplum- Chrysobalanus horizontalis Beach creeper- Ernodea littoralis Trailing lantana – Lantana montevidensis Beach Morning Glory - Ipomoea p ...
- What kind of Florida wildflowers can I grow on the beach?
There are numerous salt-tolerant Florida native wildflowers suitable for the beach: Seaside goldenrod (Solidago sempervirens) Frostweed (Verbesina virginica) Blanket Flower (Gaillardia pulchella) Beach Sunflower (Helianthus debilis) Tropical sage (Salvia coccinea) Carolina wild petunia (Ru ...
- What is soil pH?
Soil pH is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of the soil and is expressed by a number on a scale from 1 to14. A neutral reading is that of 7. Readings below 7 indicate acid conditions - the lower the number, the more acidic. Those numbers above 7 indicate increasing levels of alkalinity. Al ...
- How can I successfully grow African violets indoors?
African violets are easy to grow but do have specific growing requirements. The first thing to look at is how they are planted. Many that you buy are planted too deeply in their containers. African violets are very susceptible to Crown Rot fungus if the soil is piled up around the base of the pl ...
- How do I care for Bromeliads in my garden?
Bromeliads require minimal care and can be used in the landscape in the frost-free areas of the state. Bromeliads tolerate a wide range of light intensities, including low light, for long periods without ill effects. The following characteristics are helpful in selecting a spot for a particular ...
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