Florida has been warm — unusually warm — which is exactly why this upcoming cold snap matters. A strong winter system is pushing frigid air deep into the South early next week.Central Florida isn’t expecting snow, but wind chills in the 30s means overnight temps near or below freezing in many neighborhoods. And after a … Read more
If you’ve ever driven through Plant City during strawberry season, you know how serious Florida is about its berries. Places like Parkesdale Farm Market and the small roadside stands along Baker Street don’t just sell strawberries — they’re reminders that this crop defines our winter growing season. Those berries didn’t appear overnight. They were planted … Read more
Every spring, EPCOT transforms into one of the most intensively maintained landscapes in Florida during the International Flower & Garden Festival, running March 4 through June 1, 2026. Thousands of visitors walk through and say the same thing: “How do they keep everything looking perfect?” It’s a fair question. The gardens face full sun, heavy … Read more
Central Florida is currently in one of the worst droughts we’ve seen in decades. Many areas have had months of dry soil, stressed plants, and watering restrictions — and then finally, a rainstorm arrives. Most gardeners expect everything to bounce back overnight. Usually it doesn’t. After a long dry period, a single rain helps the … Read more
During World War II, more than twenty million households grew food successfully, many for the first time in their lives. These were not gardeners. They were busy families working long hours with rationed supplies and often very poor soil. So what was different? They weren’t given complicated directions. They were given simple rules based on … Read more
Aloe vera is one of those plants most of us think we already know. It’s the sunburn soother, the digestive ally, the hardy houseplant that keeps giving. But Aloe is chemically complex, and researchers are still uncovering new ways its natural compounds interact with the body. A recently published computer-based research study looked at several … Read more
February in Central Florida is a transition month. With freezing temperatures this week — and another freeze expected tonight — this month is less about rushing ahead and more about protecting what’s already growing and setting things up for success once the weather settles. February Freeze Update We’ve had freezing temperatures across Central Florida, with … Read more
If you’ve lived in Florida long enough, you learn that our growing calendar doesn’t behave like the rest of the country — and neither do our favorite plants. One of my absolute favorites is Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) — a tropical hibiscus that produces glossy red calyces used for teas, jams, syrups, and festive holiday drinks. … Read more
Powered by nature’s most effective aromatic oils, NoBite Botanical Bug Spray naturally deters biting insects while leaving a soft, citrus-herbal aroma. Formulated for gentle, effective protection for the whole family. Suitable for adults and children ages 2 and up when used as directed. Not recommended for infants under 2 years old. $14 each (4 oz) https://steppingstonegc.com/…/no-bite-botanical-bug-spray/
A Florida-Friendly Summer Essential If you garden, hike, fish, or simply enjoy sitting outside at dusk in Florida, you’ve likely discovered a universal truth: we share this paradise with more than a few biting insects. After years of mixing my own herbal formulas for the garden and for my family, I finally bottled one of … Read more