Design a Low-Stress Starter Garden

Dreaming of a garden that won’t overwhelm you—or wither after a month? You’re not alone. Many first-time gardeners in Florida are eager to grow something… until the heat, bugs, and confusion set in. The good news? You can skip the stress and start strong with a little planning. Here’s how to design a garden that’s … Read more

Invite Butterflies, Not Bunnies

If you’ve ever planted a tender new herb, stepped back to admire your handiwork—and then found it nibbled to the nub by morning—this one’s for you. Wildlife in the garden can be magical. Monarch butterflies hovering over milkweed? Yes, please. Songbirds splashing in the birdbath? Delightful. But rabbits treating your raised bed like an all-you-can-eat … Read more

The Kitchen Garden in Containers

Think you need a big backyard or raised beds to grow fresh herbs and vegetables? Think again. Whether you live in an apartment, rent your home, or just want to keep things simple, container gardening is one of the easiest, most rewarding ways to grow your own food—right outside your door. With a few pots, … Read more

Build a Pollinator Paradise

If you’re dreaming of a buzzing, blooming garden that gives back to the ecosystem, you don’t need fancy fertilizers or exotic plants. You need the real locals: Florida native plants. Creating a pollinator paradise in your backyard isn’t just about beauty—it’s about balance. Native plants feed our butterflies, bees, and birds in ways that imported … Read more

Gardening Newsletter | May 2025

Welcome to May—the month Florida gardeners shift gears. April was your planting push, but May? May is all about holding the line—protecting what you’ve planted from the growing heat, unpredictable rain, and the parade of pests that show up when you least expect them. This is the season when the garden becomes a test of … Read more

The Edible Fence

Why settle for a plain wooden fence when you can plant a living one—one that not only adds beauty and privacy to your space but also feeds you? Here in Central Florida, our long growing season and rich biodiversity give us the perfect climate for creating what we like to call The Edible Fence—a lush, … Read more

How to Garden During Florida’s Dry Spells

In Central Florida, we swing between sudden downpours and long dry stretches that can leave your garden thirsty and your water bill climbing. But there’s good news: with a few smart strategies, you can keep your plants healthy and hydrated without wasting water—or money. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting your first bed, … Read more

Cactus Gold

If you’ve ever hiked a trail in Florida or wandered a sandy roadside, you may have spotted the prickly pear cactus—its flat, paddle-like pads jutting out like green mittens, often crowned with vibrant yellow or magenta blooms. This humble cactus, Opuntia spp., is more than just a spiny survivor of dry, open landscapes. It’s edible, … Read more

Wild & Worth It: Native Roses in Florida

When most people think of roses, they imagine high-maintenance divas that demand constant pruning, pest control, and careful soil prep. But did you know there are native roses that thrive with far less fuss—and offer just as much charm? Native roses are tough, beautiful, and pollinator-friendly—exactly what we love to see in Florida gardens. Today, … Read more