Episodes

  • Opening Doors: How Extension Connects Pinellas to World-Class Science
    Jan 16 2026

    The UF/IFAS Extension in Pinellas County connects residents to practical, research-based expertise from the University of Florida, helping people make informed choices about gardening, environmental stewardship, family wellness, and youth development. Through trusted, non-commercial guidance and community programs tailored to local needs, the Cooperative Extension strengthens quality of life across Pinellas County—and today, JP Gellermann joins us as a guest to share how this work makes a valuable impact in our community.

    https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/pinellas/who-we-are/

    4H Pinellas https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/pinellas/4-h-youth-development/

    Weedon Island Preserve https://www.weedonislandpreserve.org

    Brooker Creek Preserve https://www.brookercreekpreserve.org/

    Arbor Day Links https://pinellas.gov/news/urban-forestry-to-host-drive-thru-tree-giveaway-jan-17/

    https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/florida-arbor-day-3889013


    Pruning guidelines link https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/care/pruning/

    Integrated Pest Management (IPM) https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/care/pests-and-diseases/pests/integrated-pest-management/

    DDIS Site

    https://ddis.ifas.ufl.edu/jsp/html/howto.jsp

    More sites about Biological Control

    https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/lawn-and-garden/biological-controls-and-integrated-pest-management/

    Florida Invasive Species Partnership https://www.floridainvasives.org

    Resources:

    UF/IFAS Extension, Pinellas County

    12520 Ulmerton Rd. Largo, FL 33774

    Phone (727) 582-2109

    gardenhelp@pinellas.gov

    Please help UF/IFAS serve you better by completing this voluntary brief survey (https://ufl.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bE1cjfce16blIkS). We appreciate your help.

    SWFWMD Watering Restrictions https://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/business/epermitting/district-water-restrictions

    Pinellas County Water Conservation and Watering Schedule Rules https://pinellas.gov/department/water-conservation/ https://pinellas.gov/watering-schedule-and-rules/

    Pinellas County Fertilizer Ordinance https://pinellas.gov/pinellas-county-fertilizer-ordinance/

    Land measurement tools are built into the Pinellas County Property Appraiser's website https://www.pcpao.gov/gis.html

    Edible Landscaping Using the Nine Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Principles https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/EP594

    Monthly Gardening Calendars https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/lawn-and-garden/florida-gardening-calendar/

    South Florida Regional Gardening Calendars https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/EP452#SECTION_4


    ----


    Pinellas County Help Desk & Plant Clinics https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/pinellas/lawn-and-garden/contact-us-for-help/

    Social Media https://www.facebook.com/PinellasExtension/ https://www.youtube.com/user/PinellasExtensionTV

    Ask IFAS https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/

    Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program https://floridafriendlylandscaping.com/

    Florida Friendly Landscaping™ Gardening Solutions https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/

    9 Principles of Florida Friendly Landscaping™ https://ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/about-ffl/9-principles/

    Florida Friendly Landscaping™ Apps https://ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/resources/apps/

    Planting Pinellas Post Newsletter https://subscribe.ifas.ufl.edu/extweb/pinellas_planting.html

    Tampa Bay Water Rebate Program https://tampabaywaterwise.org/en/rebates/

    Barbara Strickland Endowment https://www.uff.ufl.edu/giving-opportunities/026203-barbara-strickland-pinellas-county-master-gardener-volunteer-endowment/

    ----

    This podcast is brought to you by the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension, an equal opportunity institution.


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    47 mins
  • Trickle Down Impact: Protecting the Waterfront Starts in your Florida-Friendly Yard
    Dec 22 2025

    Florida boasts over 10,000 miles of rivers and streams, about 7,800 lakes, more than 700 freshwater springs, and the U.S.’s second-longest coastline. Establishing low-maintenance zones along the waterfront is an important step to protect Florida's water quality.

    Please help UF/IFAS serve you better by completing this voluntary brief survey (https://ufl.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bE1cjfce16blIkS). We appreciate your help.


    SoUL: Stewards of our Urban Lakes

    https://www.soulinc.org/


    Florida Waters Stewardship and Adopt a Drain

    https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/pinellas/natural-resources/water-resource-education/


    Tampa Bay Conservancy

    tampabayconservancy.org

    Tampa Bay Water Keeper

    tampabaywaterkeeper.org

    Tampa Bay Water

    tampabaywater.org

    Tampa Bay Watch

    tampabaywatch.org


    Florida lake watch (IFAS) lakewatch.ifas.ufl.edu


    NOAA.gov


    Integrated Pest Management (IPM) https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/care/pests-and-diseases/pests/integrated-pest-management/

    DDIS Site

    https://ddis.ifas.ufl.edu/jsp/html/howto.jsp

    More sites about Biological Control

    https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/lawn-and-garden/biological-controls-and-integrated-pest-management/

    Florida Invasive Species Partnership https://www.floridainvasives.org

    Resources:

    UF/IFAS Extension, Pinellas County

    12520 Ulmerton Rd. Largo, FL 33774

    Phone (727) 582-2109

    gardenhelp@pinellas.gov

    SWFWMD Watering Restrictions

    https://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/business/epermitting/district-water-restrictions

    Pinellas County Water Conservation and Watering Schedule Rules

    https://pinellas.gov/department/water-conservation/ https://pinellas.gov/watering-schedule-and-rules/

    Pinellas County Fertilizer Ordinance

    https://pinellas.gov/pinellas-county-fertilizer-ordinance/

    Soil Solarization

    https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topics/soil_solarization

    Land measurement tools are built into the Pinellas County Property Appraiser's website

    https://www.pcpao.gov/gis.html

    Edible Landscaping Using the Nine Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Principles

    https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/EP594

    Monthly Gardening Calendars

    https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/lawn-and-garden/florida-gardening-calendar/

    South Florida Regional Gardening Calendars

    https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/EP452#SECTION_4

    ----

    Pinellas County Help Desk & Plant Clinics

    https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/pinellas/lawn-and-garden/contact-us-for-help/

    Social Media

    https://www.facebook.com/PinellasExtension/ https://www.youtube.com/user/PinellasExtensionTV

    Ask IFAS

    https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/

    Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program

    https://floridafriendlylandscaping.com/

    Florida Friendly Landscaping™ Gardening Solutions

    https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/

    9 Principles of Florida Friendly Landscaping™

    https://ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/about-ffl/9-principles/

    Florida Friendly Landscaping™ Apps

    https://ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/resources/apps/

    Planting Pinellas Post Newsletter https://subscribe.ifas.ufl.edu/extweb/pinellas_planting.html

    Tampa Bay Water Rebate Program

    https://tampabaywaterwise.org/en/rebates/

    Barbara Strickland Endowment

    https://www.uff.ufl.edu/giving-opportunities/026203-barbara-strickland-pinellas-county-master-gardener-volunteer-endowment/

    ----

    This podcast is brought to you by the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension, an equal opportunity institution.


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    35 mins
  • The Rundown on Runoff: FFL Tips on Managing Stormwater Runoff in your Landscape
    Nov 18 2025

    Fertilizers, pesticides, debris, and eroded soil carried in stormwater can wreak havoc on our water quality. Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ seeks to retain and use as much of the rainfall and irrigation water that lands on our home landscapes as possible.

    Stormwater control features can be a beautiful addition to your landscape. Creating shallow rain gardens or shaping the earth on slopes with berms (rises) and swales (dips), can help slow runoff from heavy rains and allow the water time to soak into the ground. Wherever possible, maintain permeable walkways, driveways and patios to allow rain to soak into the ground.

    Benefits of Rain Barrels

    https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/care/irrigation/rain-barrels/

    Tips for Rain Gardens

    https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/design/types-of-gardens/rain-gardens/

    Resources:

    UF/IFAS Extension, Pinellas County

    12520 Ulmerton Rd. Largo, FL 33774

    Phone (727) 582-2109

    gardenhelp@pinellas.gov

    NOTE: Extension Help Desk may be periodically closed for renovation during November and December 2025

    SWFWMD Watering Restrictions https://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/business/epermitting/district-water-restrictions


    Pinellas County Water Conservation and Watering Schedule Rules https://pinellas.gov/department/water-conservation/ https://pinellas.gov/watering-schedule-and-rules/


    Pinellas County Fertilizer Ordinance https://pinellas.gov/pinellas-county-fertilizer-ordinance/


    Soil Solarization https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topics/soil_solarization

    Integrated Pest Management (IPM) https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/care/pests-and-diseases/pests/integrated-pest-management/

    Florida Invasive Species Partnership https://www.floridainvasives.org

    Land measurement tools are built into the Pinellas County Property Appraiser's website https://www.pcpao.gov/gis.html


    Edible Landscaping Using the Nine Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Principles https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/EP594


    Monthly Gardening Calendars https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/lawn-and-garden/florida-gardening-calendar/


    South Florida Regional Gardening Calendars https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/EP452#SECTION_4

    ----

    Pinellas County Help Desk & Plant Clinics https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/pinellas/lawn-and-garden/contact-us-for-help/

    Social Media https://www.facebook.com/PinellasExtension/ https://www.youtube.com/user/PinellasExtensionTV

    Ask IFAS https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/

    Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program https://floridafriendlylandscaping.com/

    Florida Friendly Landscaping™ Gardening Solutions https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/

    9 Principles of Florida Friendly Landscaping™ https://ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/about-ffl/9-principles/

    Florida Friendly Landscaping™ Apps https://ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/resources/apps/

    Planting Pinellas Post Newsletter https://subscribe.ifas.ufl.edu/extweb/pinellas_planting.html

    Tampa Bay Water Rebate Program https://tampabaywaterwise.org/en/rebates/

    Barbara Strickland Endowment https://www.uff.ufl.edu/giving-opportunities/026203-barbara-strickland-pinellas-county-master-gardener-volunteer-endowment/


    ----


    This podcast is brought to you by the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension, an equal opportunity institution.


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    39 mins
  • Green Gardening: How Your Landscape Can Thrive with Recycling
    Oct 17 2025

    Recycling is more than just sorting metal or plastic out of your garbage. Reclaimed materials in the garden can create beauty while protecting resources.

    Using yard waste for composting is a sustainable way of creating organic fertilizer.

    Decomposing organic matter releases nutrients back to the soil in a form that plants can easily use.

    Recycling yard waste (FFL™) https://ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/about-ffl/9-principles/principle-7-recycle-waste/

    DIY Compost tips and resources https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/pinellasco/2014/09/09/diy-composting/

    Garden recycling tips https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/media/sfylifasufledu/baker/docs/pdf/horticulture/RecyclingintheGarden.pdf

    Pinellas County recycling information https://pinellas.gov/municipal-contact-information-garbage-and-recycling-collection/

    City of St Petersburg recycling information https://www.stpete.org/residents/utilities/residential_trash___recycling/collection_schedule.php#!rc-cpage=45424

    Pinellas County services finder https://pinellas.gov/my-neighborhood/

    Municipal green waste programs https://pinellas.gov/where-does-it-go-search-tool/#home=/more-recycling-resale-and-donation-outlets/food-scraps

    Reclaimed Water info https://pinellas.gov/reduce-fertilizer-use-when-irrigating-with-reclaimed-water/

    Tampa Bay Water rain barrel information https://www.tampabaywater.org/blog/saving-for-those-non-rainy-days/

    Resources:

    UF/IFAS Extension, Pinellas County

    12520 Ulmerton Rd.

    Largo, FL 33774

    Phone (727) 582-2109

    gardenhelp@pinellas.gov

    NOTE: Extension Help Desk will be closed for renovation October 20-22, 2025

    SWFWMD Watering Restrictions https://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/business/epermitting/district-water-restrictions


    Pinellas County Water Conservation and Watering Schedule Rules https://pinellas.gov/department/water-conservation/

    https://pinellas.gov/watering-schedule-and-rules/


    Pinellas County Fertilizer Ordinance

    https://pinellas.gov/pinellas-county-fertilizer-ordinance/


    Soil Solarization

    https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topics/soil_solarization


    Land measurement tools are built into the Pinellas County Property Appraiser's website https://www.pcpao.gov/gis.html


    Edible Landscaping Using the Nine Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Principles https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/EP594


    Monthly Gardening Calendars

    https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/lawn-and-garden/florida-gardening-calendar/


    South Florida Regional Gardening Calendars

    https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/EP452#SECTION_4

    ----

    Pinellas County Help Desk & Plant Clinics https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/pinellas/lawn-and-garden/contact-us-for-help/

    Social Media https://www.facebook.com/PinellasExtension/ https://www.youtube.com/user/PinellasExtensionTV

    Ask IFAS https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/

    Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program https://floridafriendlylandscaping.com/

    Florida Friendly Landscaping™ Gardening Solutions https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/

    9 Principles of Florida Friendly Landscaping™ https://ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/about-ffl/9-principles/

    Florida Friendly Landscaping™ Apps https://ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/resources/apps/

    Planting Pinellas Post Newsletter https://subscribe.ifas.ufl.edu/extweb/pinellas_planting.html

    Tampa Bay Water Rebate Program https://tampabaywaterwise.org/en/rebates/

    Barbara Strickland Endowment https://www.uff.ufl.edu/giving-opportunities/026203-barbara-strickland-pinellas-county-master-gardener-volunteer-endowment/


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    This podcast is brought to you by the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension, an equal opportunity institution.

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    42 mins
  • What's Bugging You? Integrated Pest Management for Florida Friendly gardening
    Sep 27 2025

    Healthy and resistant plants are the best defense against garden pests. Follow the "right plant, right place" rule when buying and planting, and use good cultural practices. Early detection and removal of infected plants or plant parts should precede applications of chemicals

    Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a strategy that helps gardeners manage pests with as few chemicals as possible. To prevent disease and insect outbreaks, select pest-resistant plants and put them in suitable locations. When problems do arise, remove the affected leaves or plant parts, or pick the insects off by hand. Avoid overtreating. Spot-treat only rather than blanket spraying, and use selective rather than broad-spectrum insecticides. Always read and follow insecticide label instructions.

    Integrated Pest Management (IPM) https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/care/pests-and-diseases/pests/integrated-pest-management/

    More sites about Biological Control

    https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/lawn-and-garden/biological-controls-and-integrated-pest-management/

    The Great Florida Pollinator Census

    https://gsepc.org/

    NeighborWood Watch: Help preserve habitat and promote biodiversity in our communities.

    https://neighborwoodwatch.org/

    DDIS Site

    https://ddis.ifas.ufl.edu/jsp/html/howto.jsp

    Florida Invasive Species Partnership https://www.floridainvasives.org

    Dividing Perennials

    https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/santarosaco/2017/09/28/autumn-time-divide-perennials/

    Resources:

    UF/IFAS Extension, Pinellas County

    12520 Ulmerton Rd. Largo, FL 33774

    Phone (727) 582-2109

    gardenhelp@pinellas.gov

    NOTE: Extension Help Desk will be closed for renovation October 2-7, 2025

    SWFWMD Watering Restrictions https://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/business/epermitting/district-water-restrictions

    Pinellas County Water Conservation and Watering Schedule Rules https://pinellas.gov/department/water-conservation/ https://pinellas.gov/watering-schedule-and-rules/

    Pinellas County Fertilizer Ordinance https://pinellas.gov/pinellas-county-fertilizer-ordinance/

    Soil Solarization https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topics/soil_solarization

    Land measurement tools are built into the Pinellas County Property Appraiser's website https://www.pcpao.gov/gis.html

    Edible Landscaping Using the Nine Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Principles https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/EP594

    Monthly Gardening Calendars https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/lawn-and-garden/florida-gardening-calendar/

    South Florida Regional Gardening Calendars https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/EP452#SECTION_4

    ----

    Pinellas County Help Desk & Plant Clinics https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/pinellas/lawn-and-garden/contact-us-for-help/

    Social Media https://www.facebook.com/PinellasExtension/ https://www.youtube.com/user/PinellasExtensionTV

    Ask IFAS https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/

    Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program https://floridafriendlylandscaping.com/

    Florida Friendly Landscaping™ Gardening Solutions https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/ 9 Principles of Florida Friendly Landscaping™ https://ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/about-ffl/9-principles/

    Florida Friendly Landscaping™ Apps https://ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/resources/apps/ Planting

    Pinellas Post Newsletter https://subscribe.ifas.ufl.edu/extweb/pinellas_planting.html

    Tampa Bay Water Rebate Program https://tampabaywaterwise.org/en/rebates/

    Barbara Strickland Endowment https://www.uff.ufl.edu/giving-opportunities/026203-barbara-strickland-pinellas-county-master-gardener-volunteer-endowment/

    ----


    This podcast is brought to you by the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension, an equal opportunity institution.

    Show More Show Less
    44 mins
  • Bring Wildlife Home
    Aug 19 2025

    Bring Your Yard To Life By Providing Water, Food, And Shelter For Birds, Butterflies, And Other Creatures

    Florida is a state renowned for its diverse and unique ecosystems.

    The Great Florida Pollinator Census

    https://gsepc.org/

    https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasotaco/2024/07/19/the-great-southeast-pollinator-census/

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gv02xa5JyRg

    Count event at Florida Botanical Garden

    https://facebook.com/events/s/the-great-pollinator-census/1090020746609501/

    https://flbgfoundation.org/events

    Count event at Moccasin Lake Nature Park (FNPS)https://allevents.in/clearwater/great-southeast-pollinator-census/100001508257291159

    https://www.eventbrite.com/e/great-southeast-pollinator-census-tickets-1508257291159

    Landscaping Backyards for Wildlife: Top Ten Tips for Success

    https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/UW175

    NeighborWood Watch: Help preserve habitat and promote biodiversity in our communities.

    https://neighborwoodwatch.org/

    Florida Wildlife Extension / UF-IFAS Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation

    https://wec.ifas.ufl.edu/extension/landscaping/habitat/

    Florida Invasive Species Partnership https://www.floridainvasives.org


    Resources:

    UF/IFAS Extension, Pinellas County 12520 Ulmerton Rd. Largo, FL 33774

    Phone (727) 582-2109 gardenhelp@pinellas.gov

    Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program Attract Wildlife https://ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/about-ffl/9-principles/principle-5-attract-wildlife/

    SWFWMD Watering Restrictions https://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/business/epermitting/district-water-restrictions

    Pinellas County Water Conservation and Watering Schedule Rules https://pinellas.gov/department/water-conservation/ https://pinellas.gov/watering-schedule-and-rules/

    Pinellas County Fertilizer Ordinance https://pinellas.gov/pinellas-county-fertilizer-ordinance/

    Soil Solarization https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topics/soil_solarization

    Land measurement tools are built into the Pinellas County Property Appraiser's website https://www.pcpao.gov/gis.html

    Edible Landscaping Using the Nine Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Principles https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/EP594

    Integrated Pest Management (IPM) https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/care/pests-and-diseases/pests/integrated-pest-management/

    Monthly Gardening Calendars https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/lawn-and-garden/florida-gardening-calendar/

    South Florida Regional Gardening Calendars https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/EP452#SECTION_4

    ----

    Pinellas County Help Desk & Plant Clinics https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/pinellas/lawn-and-garden/contact-us-for-help/

    Social Media https://www.facebook.com/PinellasExtension/ https://www.youtube.com/user/PinellasExtensionTV Ask IFAS https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/

    Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program https://floridafriendlylandscaping.com/

    Florida Friendly Landscaping™ Gardening Solutions https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/

    9 Principles of Florida Friendly Landscaping™ https://ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/about-ffl/9-principles/

    Florida Friendly Landscaping™ Apps https://ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/resources/apps/

    Planting Pinellas Post Newsletter https://subscribe.ifas.ufl.edu/extweb/pinellas_planting.html

    Tampa Bay Water Rebate Program https://tampabaywaterwise.org/en/rebates/

    Barbara Strickland Endowment https://www.uff.ufl.edu/giving-opportunities/026203-barbara-strickland-pinellas-county-master-gardener-volunteer-endowment/

    ----

    This podcast is brought to you by the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension, an equal opportunity institution.

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    45 mins
  • Who wants to talk about Mulch? Protecting your Landscape is Florida Friendly
    Jul 18 2025

    Mulch helps retain soil moisture, protects plants, and inhibits weed growth. It gives your landscape a neat, uniform appearance and is a great Florida-Friendly choice for hard-to-mow areas and shady spots. Keep a 2- to 3-inch-deep layer of mulch on plant beds. Be sure to choose sustainably harvested mulch like melaleuca, pine straw or eucalyptus. The Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program does not recommend the use of cypress mulch, as it may not be harvested sustainably.

    See the Florida Friendly Landscaping™ program website (listed below) for training, contact information and more information about the FFL™ program.

    Do you take pride in your beautiful, water-efficient landscape? The Tampa Bay Community Water Wise Awards are now accepting applications to honor those who exemplify Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ principles. Winners will receive a custom mosaic steppingstone crafted by a local artist and be celebrated by local officials. Don't miss this opportunity to gain recognition for your commitment to water conservation and environmental stewardship.

    Apply today at

    https://awards.tampabaywaterwise.org/. The deadline is July 31, 2025. Resources: UF/IFAS Extension, Pinellas County 12520 Ulmerton Rd. Largo, FL 33774 Phone (727) 582-2109 gardenhelp@pinellas.gov

    Choosing and Installing Mulches

    https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/care/planting/mulch/

    Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program Mulch Guidance

    https://ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/about-ffl/9-principles/principle-4-mulch/

    Synthetic Turf and the 9 FFL Principles

    https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/EP612

    Synthetic Turf Comparison

    https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/infographics-collection/synthetic-turfgrass-infographic/

    SWFWMD Watering Restrictions https://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/business/epermitting/district-water-restrictions

    Pinellas County Water Conservation and Watering Schedule Rules https://pinellas.gov/department/water-conservation/

    https://pinellas.gov/watering-schedule-and-rules/

    Pinellas County Fertilizer Ordinance

    https://pinellas.gov/pinellas-county-fertilizer-ordinance/

    Soil Solarization

    https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topics/soil_solarization

    Land measurement tools are built into the Pinellas County Property Appraiser's website https://www.pcpao.gov/gis.html Edible Landscaping Using the Nine Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Principles https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/EP594

    Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

    https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/care/pests-and-diseases/pests/integrated-pest-management/

    Monthly Gardening Calendars

    https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/lawn-and-garden/florida-gardening-calendar/

    South Florida Regional Gardening Calendars https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/EP452#SECTION_4

    ----

    Pinellas County Help Desk & Plant Clinics https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/pinellas/lawn-and-garden/contact-us-for-help/

    Social Media https://www.facebook.com/PinellasExtension/ https://www.youtube.com/user/PinellasExtensionTV

    Ask IFAS https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/

    Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program https://floridafriendlylandscaping.com/

    Florida Friendly Landscaping™ Gardening Solutions https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/

    9 Principles of Florida Friendly Landscaping™ https://ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/about-ffl/9-principles/

    Florida Friendly Landscaping™ Apps https://ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/resources/apps/

    Planting Pinellas Post Newsletter https://subscribe.ifas.ufl.edu/extweb/pinellas_planting.html

    Tampa Bay Water Rebate Program https://tampabaywaterwise.org/en/rebates/

    Barbara Strickland Endowment https://www.uff.ufl.edu/giving-opportunities/026203-barbara-strickland-pinellas-county-master-gardener-volunteer-endowment/

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    This podcast is brought to you by the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension, an equal opportunity institution.


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    40 mins
  • Water is Life: Let Your Plants Tell You When to Water
    Jun 17 2025
    An efficient irrigation system conserves water and helps to ensure that fertilizer and other pollution doesn’t flow into water bodies. However, even an efficient irrigation system can waste water if not appropriately programmed and regularly maintained. If an irrigation system is present, a rain sensor irrigation shutoff device should be installed and maintained to prevent irrigation after a rain event. Don’t let the calendar tell you when to water – look to your plants for telltale signs of water stress and turn on your irrigation system manually instead of allowing the automatic controller to run on a set schedule. Handwatering, microirrigation, mulching, and mowing at the highest setting are ways to reduce water use in your landscape. See the Florida Friendly Landscaping™ program website (listed below) for training, contact information and more information about the FFL™ program. The Tampa Bay Community Water Wise Awards are now accepting applications to honor those who exemplify Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ principles. Apply today at https://awards.tampabaywaterwise.org/The deadline is July 31, 2025. Resources: UF/IFAS Extension, Pinellas County 12520 Ulmerton Rd. Largo, FL 33774 Phone (727) 582-2109 gardenhelp@pinellas.gov SWFWMD Watering Restrictions https://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/business/epermitting/district-water-restrictions Pinellas County Water Conservation and Watering Schedule Rules https://pinellas.gov/department/water-conservation/ https://pinellas.gov/watering-schedule-and-rules/ Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program Water Efficiently Guidance https://ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/about-ffl/9-principles/principle-2-water-efficiently/ Fertilizer Reduction App for Reclaimed Water https://pinellas.gov/reduce-fertilizer-use-when-irrigating-with-reclaimed-water/ https://pinellas-egis.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/lookup/index.html?appid=326153a964e3458993ec417dc3c12227 Pinellas County Fertilizer Ordinance https://pinellas.gov/pinellas-county-fertilizer-ordinance/ Soil Solarization https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topics/soil_solarization Land measurement tools are built into the Pinellas County Property Appraiser's website https://www.pcpao.gov/gis.html Edible Landscaping Using the Nine Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Principles https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/EP594 Integrated Pest Management (IPM) https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/care/pests-and-diseases/pests/integrated-pest-management/ Monthly Gardening Calendars https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/lawn-and-garden/florida-gardening-calendar/ South Florida Regional Gardening Calendars https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/EP452#SECTION_4 ---- Pinellas County Help Desk & Plant Clinics https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/pinellas/lawn-and-garden/contact-us-for-help/ Social Media https://www.facebook.com/PinellasExtension/ https://www.youtube.com/user/PinellasExtensionTV Ask IFAS https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program https://floridafriendlylandscaping.com/ Florida Friendly Landscaping™ Gardening Solutions https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/ 9 Principles of Florida Friendly Landscaping™ https://ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/about-ffl/9-principles/ Florida Friendly Landscaping™ Apps https://ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/resources/apps/ Planting Pinellas Post Newsletter https://subscribe.ifas.ufl.edu/extweb/pinellas_planting.html Tampa Bay Water Rebate Program https://tampabaywaterwise.org/en/rebates/ Barbara Strickland Endowment https://www.uff.ufl.edu/giving-opportunities/026203-barbara-strickland-pinellas-county-master-gardener-volunteer-endowment/ ---- This podcast is brought to you by the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension, an equal opportunity institution.
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    40 mins