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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
When Central Florida’s summer arrives, it doesn’t knock—it barges in with sizzling pavement, thick humidity, and sun that seems to scorch anything not adapted to its intensity. Many gardeners assume summer is a time to give up, but here’s the truth: you can keep growing! You just need to plant crops that like it hot. … Read more