Meet the Giant Grasshopper Wreaking Havoc

It’s big. It’s bold. And it’s bad news for your garden. If you’ve been in Central Florida during the warmer months, chances are you’ve crossed paths with the Eastern Lubber Grasshopper (Romalea microptera). These vibrant yellow, orange, and black grasshoppers can grow up to 3 inches long, making them one of the largest grasshopper species … Read more

Cool Tricks for Hot Gardens

Mid-June in Florida brings heatwaves and wilting leaves, but you don’t need to suffer—and neither do your plants. Try these offbeat but surprisingly effective garden cooling tricks. Watering with Frozen Herbs Chop up mint, basil, or lemon balm, and freeze them in ice cube trays. Pop one near the base of container plants or herbs … Read more

Who’s Buzzing? A Mid-June Pollinator Roll Call 

June is buzzing with life—literally. In the heart of the month, pollinators are hard at work, and your garden is a living runway of wings, antennae, and the hum of activity. Here’s who to look for this time of year in Florida and how you can roll out the green carpet for them. Native Pollinators … Read more

Plant Once, Harvest Forever

In a climate where seasons blur and the growing never truly stops, Central Florida gardeners have a unique gift: the ability to cultivate abundance year-round. But what if you could build a garden that gives and gives—without replanting every season? Perennial herbs and vegetables are the quiet heroes of a Florida edible landscape. They thrive … Read more

How to Label, Organize, and Store Your Seeds

Simple, creative ways to keep your garden seeds sorted, safe, and ready for planting If you’ve ever found a mystery packet of seeds at the bottom of a basket—or wondered whether your three-year-old parsley seeds are still good—you’re not alone. As gardeners, we tend to collect, save, and squirrel away seeds with the best of … Read more

How to Save Tomato Seeds

In Central Florida, where humidity, heat, and pests are year-round challenges, saving tomato seeds the traditional Amish way (like placing slices in a jar of soil) can lead to mold, rot, and disappointment. Instead, here’s a proven method that’s simple, sanitary, and gives you clean, viable seeds ready for next season. Step-by-Step Guide: Fermentation Method … Read more

Start a Simple Compost System This Summer

Even in the heat, composting can be easy, odor-free, and surprisingly rewarding If you’ve been putting off composting because it seems too complicated—or too smelly—summer is actually a great time to start, especially in Florida. Warm temperatures and regular rainfall jump-start the microbial activity that breaks down your scraps into rich, garden-ready compost. Whether you’re … Read more

Plan Your Fall Garden

Avoid the September scramble and start setting the stage for your best growing season yet Here in Central Florida, most people think of spring as the prime time to garden. But if you’ve lived here long enough—or watched your lettuce melt in April—you know that fall is where the magic happens. Our second (and often … Read more

Healthy Garden Soil All Summer Long

Here in Central Florida, summer is no joke. Between daily downpours, scorching sun, and sky-high humidity, your garden soil is put to the test. But don’t worry—there are simple steps you can take to keep your soil healthy, balanced, and full of life all season long. Why Summer Is So Tough on Soil In our … Read more

Night Gardening in Florida

Florida summers can be brutal. The sun scorches by mid-morning, mosquitoes swarm by late afternoon, and your best-laid garden plans wilt in the heat. But what if there were a cooler, more peaceful way to enjoy your garden? Welcome to night gardening. With a headlamp, some fragrant blooms, and a little creativity, your garden can … Read more