When I first moved to Florida from the north, I planted tomatoes in pots in the yard. I was successful until one day I went to check on the tomatoes and the plants were bare! I looked at each plant closely and discovered 3-inch green caterpillars with black horns had invaded my plants. My husband and I picked them off the plants and flung them out of our yard. Now, I was told that any insect that causes damage to your plants is considered a pest. So all this time I’ve be

Florida’s extended growing season and abundant sunshine make the perfect opportunity for creating a culinary herb garden. Culinary herbs offer a low maintenance option with less pest and disease issues than many other plants. Culinary herbs usually require well-draining soil, a little sun, and not much else. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, in Florida you can enjoy fresh herbs at nearly any time of year. Rosemary Photo Credit: Andrea Light Florida has an ab

Blackberries (Rubus spp.) will not quickly jump into your mind when you think of fruit production in Florida. In fact, when you do think of blackberries, you will most likely envision viny plants infiltrating your gardens and attacking you with their tiny spines. These are dewberries and are not known for large or consistent fruit. Though scientifically of the same name, bush varietals are a world apart. Bush blackberries fall into the rosacea or rose family. They are deciduo