When we think of herbal medicine, we often picture tender garden herbs or wildflowers peeking up from the ground. But some of Florida’s most powerful plant allies are taller than you’d expect—rooted deep, blooming quietly, or offering fruit high above our heads. Here are a few medicinal shrubs and trees that are either blooming, fruiting, … Read more
Central Florida summers can be intense—thick with humidity, surprise thunderstorms, and blazing sun. But even in the swelter, some of the most powerful healing plants quietly flourish in backyards, ditches, and garden beds. These are the unsung heroes of July: the blooming weeds and herbs offering everything from skin relief to stress support. It doesn’t … Read more
July in the Florida Garden Surviving the Swelter & Savoring the Sunshine Welcome to the heart of summer! July in Central Florida is bold, bright, and brimming with life—and humidity. While we may be tempted to retreat into air conditioning, our gardens are thriving (and thirsty!). This month is all about smart maintenance, summer-hardy crops, … Read more
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
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
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
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
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
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
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