Your Central Florida Yard

In this episode, we're joined by Garnet, owner of PlantLocal, a native plant nursery in Lakeland. From butterflies and pollinators to drought resilience and Florida-Friendly Landscaping™, we'll learn why native plants matter, how to choose the right ones for your yard, and why choosing Floridanative plants makes gardening easier and more sustainable in Florida!

Please take a moment to complete a survey about Your Central Florida Yard podcast: https://ufl.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_blQN8MyguTW3IEu

Sources for Show Notes:

• Find your local UF/IFAS Extension office:

https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/find-your-local-office/

• In Polk County, contact the Plant Clinic at 863-519-1041, polkmg@ifas.ufl.edu

• Your Central Florida Yard Newsletter: https://centralfloridayard.substack.com/

• Plant Local Florida https://www.plantlocalflorida.com/

• Polk Forever https://polkforever.com/

• Florida Wildflower Foundation https://www.flawildflowers.org/

• Florida Native Plant Societyhttps://www.fnps.org/

Podcast introduction and closing music: "Green Beans" by Big Score Audio.

Ornamental grasses add a unique texture and interest to landscapes in central Florida. There are so many ways to use ornamental grasses, but what ornamental grasses grow well in central Florida yards? Join us in this episode on native ornamental grasses!

Sources for Show Notes:

• Find your local UF/IFAS Extension office:
https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/find-your-local-office/
• In Polk County, contact the Plant Clinic at 863-519-1041, polkmg@ifas.ufl.edu
• Your Central Florida Yard Newsletter: https://centralfloridayard.substack.com/
• Ornamental Grasses:https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/ornamentals/ornamental-grasses/

Podcast introduction and closing music: "Green Beans" by Big Score Audio.

Maintaining a lawn is one of the most common questions that our Plant Clinic gets. Join us in this episode to to hear from Master Gardener Volunteer Rich on best practices for maintaining a lawn the Florida-Friendly way.

Sources for Show Notes:

•

Find your local UF/IFAS Extension office:
https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/find-your-local-office/

•

In Polk County, contact the Plant Clinic at 863-519-1041, polkmg@ifas.ufl.edu

•

Your Central Florida Yard Newsletter: https://centralfloridayard.substack.com/

•

Catch can test: https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/media/sfylifasufledu/duval/horticulture/commercial-hort/DuvalCo-How-to-Calibrate-Your-Sprinkler-System-Illustrations-2024-FNL-Digital.pdf

• Bahiagrass: https://agronomy.ifas.ufl.edu/media/agronomyifasufledu/turfgrass-science/turf-science-pdfs/home-owners-guide/EH_Turfgrass_Homeowner_Guides_Fact_Sheet_Bahiagrass_2024_Digital.pdf

•

St. Augustinegrass: https://agronomy.ifas.ufl.edu/media/agronomyifasufledu/turfgrass-science/turf-science-pdfs/home-owners-guide/EH_HomeownersGuideToStAugustinegrassManagement_Factsheet_Final.pdf

•

Zoysiagrass:https://agronomy.ifas.ufl.edu/media/agronomyifasufledu/turfgrass-science/turf-science-pdfs/home-owners-guide/EH_HomeownersGuideToZoysiagrassManagement_Factsheet_Final.pdf

•

Fertilization:https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/EP236

•

Establishing your Florida lawn: https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/LH013

•

Watering your Florida Lawn: https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/LH025

•

Fertilization: https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/LH014

•

How to take a soil sample: https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/media/sfylifasufledu/indian-river/docs/pdfs/UF-Landscape--Veg-Garden-Test-Form-SL136.pdf

•

Setting Irrigation Run Times https://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/residents/water-conservation/irrigation/irrigation-scheduling

Podcast introduction and closing music: "Green Beans" by Big Score Audio.

Are you interested in starting a food forest in your central Florida yard? Join us in this episode to hear from Master Gardener Volunteer Jessica on how to combine fruit trees, edible shrubs, herbs, vines, pollinator plants, and groundcovers into a layered landscape that mimics a natural ecosystem. Learn how to provide food, habitat for wildlife and pollinators, and reduce maintenance over time with your own food forest.

Sources for Show Notes:

•

Find your local UF/IFAS Extension office:
https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/find-your-local-office/

•

In Polk County, contact the Plant Clinic at 863-519-1041, polkmg@ifas.ufl.edu

•

Your Central Florida Yard Newsletter: https://centralfloridayard.substack.com/

•

How to start a food forest in your central Florida yard https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/polkco/2026/06/15/how-to-start-a-food-forest-in-your-central-florida-yard/

•

Planning a Food Forest https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/design/types-of-gardens/planning-a-food-forest/

•

Cultivating a Food Forest in Your Yard https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/highlandsco/2024/05/29/cultivating-a-food-forest-in-your-yard/

•

Fall is the Perfect Time to Start a Food Forest https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/browardco/2023/10/26/permaculture-and-edible-landscaping-will-provide-for-future-generations/

Podcast introduction and closing music: "Green Beans" by Big Score Audio.

Summer is hot, and in central Florida it is REALLY hot! Join us on this episode as we discuss tips and tricks that can make gardening in the summer a bit easier.

Sources for Show Notes:

•

Find your local UF/IFAS Extension office:
https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/find-your-local-office/

•

In Polk County, contact the Plant Clinic at 863-519-1041, polkmg@ifas.ufl.edu

•

Your Central Florida Yard Newsletter: https://centralfloridayard.substack.com/

•

• Eventbrite for upcoming classes and workshops: http://polkcountyextension.eventbrite.com/

• Garden hoe tutorial: https://youtu.be/woHNgHkbWzA
• Protect the waterfront: https://ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/about-ffl/9-principles/principle-9-protect-waterfront/

•

Polk County fertilizer ordinance: https://polk.wateratlas.usf.edu/upload/documents/Polk-County-Fertilizer-Ordinance-March2013.pdf

Podcast introduction and closing music: "Green Beans" by Big Score Audio.

There is increasing interest in growing food—usually in dedicated vegetable and herb gardens, but there are plants that have both ornamental qualities and are edible. Join us on this episode to find out which Florida-Friendly plants have both ornamental qualities and also can be eaten.

Sources for Show Notes:

•

Find your local UF/IFAS Extension office:
https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/find-your-local-office/

•

In Polk County, contact the Plant Clinic at 863-519-1041, polkmg@ifas.ufl.edu

•

Your Central Florida Yard Newsletter: https://centralfloridayard.substack.com/

•

Find information about nutrition and nutrition programming in Polk County: https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/polk/nutrition-and-healthy-living/

•

Eventbrite for upcoming classes and workshops: http://polkcountyextension.eventbrite.com/

•

https://www.floridacitrus.org/recipes/

•

Chickasaw Plum https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/trees-and-shrubs/trees/chickasaw-plum/

•

Citrus https://crec.ifas.ufl.edu/home-citrus/

•

Blueberry https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/edibles/fruits/blueberries/

•

Beautyberry https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/trees-and-shrubs/shrubs/beautyberry/

•

Prickly pear cactus https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/ornamentals/prickly-pear/

•

Perennial peanut https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/ornamentals/perennial-peanut/

•

Rosemary https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/edibles/vegetables/rosemary/

•

Roselle or Sorell https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/edibles/vegetables/roselle/

•

Seminole pumpkin https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/edibles/vegetables/seminole-pumpkin/ AND https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zBZkytmJazU

Podcast introduction and closing music: "Green Beans" by Big Score Audio.

Do you compost or would you like to learn how to get started? Join us in this episode to learn about composting as an easy way to reduce waste at the curb and to make a free soil amendment for your garden and landscape beds.

Sources for Show Notes:

•

Find your local UF/IFAS Extension office:
https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/find-your-local-office/

•

In Polk County, contact the Plant Clinic at 863-519-1041, polkmg@ifas.ufl.edu

•

Your Central Florida Yard Newsletter: https://centralfloridayard.substack.com/

•

Composting: https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasota/natural-resources/waste-reduction/composting/

•

Compost tips for the home gardener: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/EP323

•

Trash Talk: Alternatives to Traditional Composting: https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/care/fertilizer/trash-talk-alternative-composting/

Podcast introduction and closing music: "Green Beans" by Big Score Audio.

Are you familiar with milkweed? Join us on this episode to learn why we recommend planting native milkweed and removing non-native milkweed from your yard.

Sources for Show Notes:

•

Find your local UF/IFAS Extension office:
https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/find-your-local-office/

•

In Polk County, contact the Plant Clinic at 863-519-1041, polkmg@ifas.ufl.edu

•

Your Central Florida Yard Newsletter: https://centralfloridayard.substack.com/

•

Monarch and Milkweed: An Important Update: https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/polkco/2025/09/25/monarchs-and-milkweed/

•

Milkweed: https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/ornamentals/milkweed/

•

Native milkweeds: https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/ornamentals/native-milkweeds/

•

Creating a Native Wildflower Garden in Your Central Florida Yard podcast episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/creating-a-native-wildflower-garden-in-your-central/id1724213516?i=1000648747914

•

Florida Native Wildflower Foundation: https://www.flawildflowers.org/monarchs-and-milkweed/

Podcast introduction and closing music: "Green Beans" by Big Score Audio.

After February 2026’s cold snap reminded Central Florida gardeners that frost and freeze damage can happen even here, many are wondering what to do next. In this bonus episode, we cover when to begin plant recovery and the best steps to help your landscape safely bounce back.

Sources for Show Notes:

•

Find your local UF/IFAS Extension office:
https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/find-your-local-office/

•

In Polk County, contact the Plant Clinic at 863-519-1041, polkmg@ifas.ufl.edu

•

Your Central Florida Yard page https://centralfloridayard.substack.com/

•

Winter Is Coming: Protect Your Plants from the Cold: https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/orangeco/2025/01/06/winter-is-coming-protect-your-plants-from-the-cold/

•

Cold Damage on Palms: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/MG318

•

USDA Hardiness Zone Map: https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/

•

Palm recovery (this video shows Lantan palms, but this applies to all types of palms recovering from the cold): https://youtu.be/BWyDzmyO1e4?si=XVZiPsfzTBSS_Sgn

Podcast introduction and closing music: "Green Beans" by Big Score Audio.

Whether you’re tired of mowing, dealing with shady spots where a lawn will not grow, or just want a low-growing plant for the landscape, groundcovers might be the solution you are looking for! Join us in this episode to find out some of our favorite groundcovers for central Florida yards.

Sources for Show Notes:

• Find your local UF/IFAS Extension office:

https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/find-your-local-office/

• In Polk County, contact the Plant Clinic at 863-519-1041, polkmg@ifas.ufl.edu
• Your Central Florida page https://centralfloridayard.substack.com/
• Groundcovers: https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/ornamentals/groundcovers/
• Florida peperomia (Peperomia obtusifolia) https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/houseplants/florida-peperomia/
• FFL Plant Guide: https://ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/resources/apps/plant-guide/
• FFL Lawn Ornaments (Groundcovers): https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasotaco/2023/10/05/embracing-lawn-ornaments-a-starter-guide/

Podcast introduction and closing music: "Green Beans" by Big Score Audio.

Join us in this episode as we take a closer look at trees with interesting bark. Whether you’re designing a landscape or just love trees, you’ll come away seeing bark in a whole new way!

Sources for this Episode:

•

Find your local UF/IFAS Extension office:
https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/find-your-local-office/

•

In Polk County, contact the Plant Clinic at 863-519-1041, polkmg@ifas.ufl.edu

•

Your Central Florida page https://centralfloridayard.substack.com/

•

Bark Appeal https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/trees-and-shrubs/trees/bark-appeal/

•

River Birch https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/trees-and-shrubs/trees/river-birch/

•

Betula nigra: River Birch https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/ST094

•

Crapemyrtle https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/trees-and-shrubs/trees/crapemyrtle/

•

Lagerstroemia indica: Crapemyrtle https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/ST342

•

Platanus occidentalis: Sycamore https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/ST484

•

Ceiba speciosa: Silk-Floss Tree https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/ST162

•

Chinese Elm https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/trees-and-shrubs/trees/chinese-elm/

•

Ulmus parvifolia: Chinese Elm https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/ST652

•

Winged Elm https://ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/butterflies/browse/Details/395

•

Live Oak https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/trees-and-shrubs/trees/live-oaks/

•

Quercus virginiana: Southern Live Oak https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/ST564

•

Chickasaw Plum https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/trees-and-shrubs/trees/chickasaw-plum/

•

Prunus angustifolia: Chickasaw Plum https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/ST504

•

Lichen podcast episode https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lichen/id1724213516?i=1000640669411

Podcast introduction and closing music: "Green Beans" by Big Score Audio.

Join us in this episode to hear some of the frequent questions our plant clinic has received from central Florida gardeners.

Sources for Show Notes:

•

Find your local UF/IFAS Extension office:
https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/find-your-local-office/

•

In Polk County, contact the Plant Clinic at 863-519-1041, polkmg@ifas.ufl.edu

•

Your Central Florida page https://centralfloridayard.substack.com/

•

Fertilizing Your Florida Lawn https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/care/fertilizer/fertilizing-the-lawn/

•

General Recommendations for Fertilization of Turfgrasses on Florida Soils https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/LH014

•

Planting Your Florida Lawn https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/lawns/maintenance-and-care/planting-your-florida-lawn/

•

Preparing to Plant a Florida Lawn https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/LH012

•

Basketgrass, A Common Landscape Weed https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/polkco/2018/09/28/basketgrass-a-common-landscape-weed/

•

Tomatoes https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/edibles/vegetables/tomatoes/

•

Florida Vegetable Gardening Guide https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/VH021

•

Your Florida Lawn in Winter https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/lawns/maintenance-and-care/your-florida-lawn-in-winter/

•

Wildflowers For All Seasons https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/ornamentals/wildflowers-for-all-seasons/

•

Wildflowers in the Garden https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/ornamentals/wildflowers-in-the-garden/

Podcast introduction and closing music: "Green Beans" by Big Score Audio.

Join us in this episode to learn about which garden tasks can make a big difference in the appearance of your landscape.

Sources for Show Notes:

•

Find your local UF/IFAS Extension office:
https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/find-your-local-office/

•

In Polk County, contact the Plant Clinic at 863-519-1041, polkmg@ifas.ufl.edu

•

Your Central Florida page https://centralfloridayard.substack.com/

•

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @PolkGardening

•

Color in Landscape: Finding Inspiration for a Color Theme: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/EP425

•

Choosing and Installing Mulches: https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/care/planting/mulch/

•

Florida-Friendly Mulches and Their Uses: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/EP626

•

Quick Tips on Hand-Weeding in Your Florida-Friendly Yard: https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/polkco/2023/07/14/quick-tips-on-hand-weeding-in-your-florida-friendly-yard/

•

Trimming and Pruning Trees: https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/care/pruning/pruning-and-maintaining-trees/

• Trimming and Pruning Shrubs and Hedges: https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/care/pruning/pruning-shrubs-and-hedges/

Podcast introduction and closing music: "Green Beans" by Big Score Audio.

While fall in central Florida may not bring the dramatic color changes seen in other parts of the country, that doesn't mean it lacks seasonal beauty. Join us in this episode to learn about plants that bloom in the fall and plants whose foliage fits right into that classic fall color palette right here in central Florida. We also talk about tips on using natural items for your fall decor.

Sources for Show Notes:

• Find your local UF/IFAS Extension office:
https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/find-your-local-office/

In Polk County, contact the Plant Clinic at 863-519-1041, polkmg@ifas.ufl.edu

•

Your Central Florida page https://centralfloridayard.substack.com/

•

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @PolkGardening

•

Wildflowers for the Central Florida Home Garden: https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/media/sfylifasufledu/orange/hort-res/docs/pdf/County-Fact-Sheet---Wildflowers.pdf

•

Vegetable Gardening in Florida: https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/edibles/vegetables/vegetable-gardening-in-florida/

Podcast introduction and closing music: "Green Beans" by Big Score Audio.

Are you considering adding fruit trees to your central Florida yard? There are so many varieties of fruit trees from temperate to tropical that it’s hard to know what will grow here. Join us in today’s episode to learn about what fruit trees can be grown in central Florida yards.

Sources for Show Notes:

•

Find your local UF/IFAS Extension office:
https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/find-your-local-office/

•

In Polk County, contact the Plant Clinic at 863-519-1041, polkmg@ifas.ufl.edu

•

Your Central Florida page https://centralfloridayard.substack.com/

•

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @PolkGardening

•

USDA Hardiness Zone Map: https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/

•

Mango: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/MG216

•

Papaya: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/MG054

•

Lychee: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/MG051

•

Banana: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/MG040

•

Link to YouTube, Growing Bananas in Your Central Florida Landscape: https://youtu.be/kdX-zPQCwag?si=CvS79gvDJHhaL_FP

•

Citrus: https://crec.ifas.ufl.edu/home-citrus/

•

Citrus: https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/edibles/fruits/citrus/

•

Peach: https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/edibles/fruits/peaches/

•

Mulberry: https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/edibles/fruits/mulberry/

Podcast introduction and closing music: "Green Beans" by Big Score Audio.

Do you have a favorite fragrant plant? Looking to add more fragrance to your landscape? Join us to find out about bringing fragrance into your landscape with plants.

Sources for Show Notes:

•

Find your local UF/IFAS Extension office:
https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/find-your-local-office/

•

In Polk County, contact the Plant Clinic at 863-519-1041, polkmg@ifas.ufl.edu

•

Your Central Florida page https://centralfloridayard.substack.com/

•

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @PolkGardening

•

Fragrance Gardens https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/design/types-of-gardens/fragrance-gardens/

•

Fragrant Houseplants https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/houseplants/fragrant-houseplants/

•

Fifty Fragrant Plants For Florida Landscapes https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/brevardco/2020/04/07/fifty-fragrant-plants-for-florida-landscapes/

•

The Strongest Sense https://sites.psu.edu/sml6791/2022/04/28/the-strongest-sense/

•

Physiological Effects of a Garden Plant Smellscape from the Perspective of Perceptual Interaction https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10048905/

•

Insect Odorscapes: From Plant Volatiles to Natural Olfactory Scenes https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31427985/

•

"Fragrantly Florida-Friendly": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OdGkitsNvp8

•

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

•

Find all of the plants mentioned in today’s episode by searching for the plant name on Gardening Solutions: https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/

Podcast introduction and closing music: "Green Beans" by Big Score Audio.

Houseplants are popular, but they aren’t always easy to grow. In this episode, we’ll share tips for keeping your houseplants healthy and help you get started with indoor gardening.

Sources for Show Notes:

• Find your local UF/IFAS Extension office: https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/find-your-local-office/

• In Polk County, contact the Plant Clinic at 863-519-1041, polkmg@ifas.ufl.edu

• Your Central Florida page https://centralfloridayard.substack.com/

• Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @PolkGardening

• Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants List: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants

• Houseplants Light Requirements and Selecting Appropriate Plants: https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/pdf/houseplant-list.pdf

• Light for Houseplants: https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/houseplants/light-for-houseplants/

Podcast introduction and closing music: "Green Beans" by Big Score Audio.

Ready to add a splash of color to your central Florida yard! Join us as we highlight summer flowers that thrive in the heat, attract pollinators, and keep your landscape vibrant all season long.

Sources for Show Notes:

•

Find your local UF/IFAS Extension office:
https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/find-your-local-office/

•

In Polk County, contact the Plant Clinic at 863-519-1041, polkmg@ifas.ufl.edu

•

Your Central Florida page https://centralfloridayard.substack.com/

•

• Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @PolkGardening

• 20 Easy Wildflowers to Grow: https://flawildflowers.org/resources/pdfs/Publications/20EasyWildflowers.pdf

• Gardening with Perennials in Florida https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/MG035

•

• Podcast introduction and closing music: "Green Beans" by Big Score Audio.

Join us for A Gardener’s Story, a special bonus episode where we sit down with a UF/IFAS Extension Master Gardener Volunteer who’s dedicating their time and expertise to help our communities thrive. Stay tuned as we dig into the inspiring story of Betty, a Master Gardener Volunteer with UF/IFAS Extension.

Sources for Show Notes:

•

Find your local UF/IFAS Extension office:
https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/find-your-local-office/

•

In Polk County, contact the Plant Clinic at 863-519-1041, polkmg@ifas.ufl.edu

•

Your Central Florida page https://centralfloridayard.substack.com/

•

Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program: https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/lawn-and-garden/florida-master-gardener-program/

Podcast introduction and closing music: "Green Beans" by Big Score Audio.

In this episode, we’re diving into how to grow the herbs you’ll actually use—and how to make the most of them in the kitchen. From choosing the right herbs for Central Florida gardens to cooking tips and health benefits, we’ve got your herb questions covered!

Sources for Show Notes:

• Find your local UF/IFAS Extension office:
https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/find-your-local-office/

• In Polk County, contact the Plant Clinic at 863-519-1041, polkmg@ifas.ufl.edu

•

Your Central Florida page https://centralfloridayard.substack.com/

•

Herbs in the Florida Garden https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/edibles/vegetables/herbs/

•

Herbs: A Series of Helpful Fact Sheets https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/polkco/2021/05/04/herbs-a-series-of-helpful-fact-sheets/

•

Homemade Potting Mix https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/lawn-and-garden/homemade-potting-mix/

•

Advanced Seed Starting (info on scarification) https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/care/planting/advanced-seed-starting/

•

Does Cilantro Taste Like Soap to You? https://ourbloodinstitute.org/blood-matters/cilantro-tastes-like-soap/

•

Why Does Cilantro Taste Like Soap to Some People? https://www.britannica.com/story/why-does-cilantro-taste-like-soap-to-some-people

•

Clinical Efficacy and Tolerability of Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis L.) in Psychological Well-Being: A Review https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11510126/

•

Shopping for Health: Herbs and Spices https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/FS225

•

National Herb Day: 1st Saturday in May

•

National More Herbs, Less Salt Day: Aug 29

Podcast introduction and closing music: "Green Beans" by Big Score Audio.