UF / IFAS Extension Duval County Agriculture

JUNE Theme Thursday FFL Principle #3: FERTILIZE APPROPRIATELY: WHAT FERTILIZER TO USE: Use fertilizer specific to your landscape and individual plant needs. Always read the fertilizer label to determine content. Controlled release fertilizers work best. Please do not use a general “weed and feed” as it is almost always too late for the herbicide to work when it is the correct time to apply the fertilizer. For more info, search Florida Friendly Landscaping Principle #3
https://ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/about-ffl/9-principles/principle-3-guidance/

JUNE Tips: HURRICANE PREP FOR TREES – Walk around your property and look at your trees. Is there any wind damage or are dead/dying limbs that could fall, especially on to your roof or other structures? Then have a certified arborist take them down. But, remember, trees are actually your friends because they serve as a barrier from the wind to your house.
For more info search certified arborist .ufl.edu https://www.floridaisa.org/how-to-find-certified-and-qualified-arborists/

Want to learn more about invasive plants? Head down to Riverside Presbyterian Church this evening at 6pm for the Ixia Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society monthly meeting where they will host a free presentation by our UF Florida-Friendly Landscaping Program Program Assistant. “Homeowner Vs Invasive Plants” starts at 6:30.

JUNE Theme Thursday FFL Principle #3:
FERTILIZE APPROPRIATELY: Plants have varying nutrient needs, depending on the species, the age of the plant, and its location. Too much fertilizer can weaken a plant, promote disease, and invite pests, in addition to wasting money and harming the environment, especially the waterways. Before you fertilize, our soil lab in Gainesville can provide soil testing at a nominal fee to measure nutrient levels. In our Duval Extension office we offer free pH testing to county residents.
For more info see https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/duval/lawns-gardens-and-trees/agriculture-diagnostics-and-testing/

In just one week, we will uncover the mysteries of what lurks under your lawn...your home irrigation system! 💦 Throughout this class, participants will explore every component, from the street connection to the emitters, and learn the role of each. Additionally, we will discuss how to calibrate your system to ensure you know precisely how much water is being applied, as well as how to address common issues. Register for free HERE: https://HomeIrrigationDropByDrop.eventbrite.com Class begins promptly at 5:30pm and will run for approximately 1 hour.

JUNE Tip Tuesday: HURRICANE PREP
We are now entering the start of hurricane season, which runs through November 30. The last few years have shown that
we must be prepared, especially here in Florida. So do a review of your emergency plans, cycle out your food/water supplies and prepare your home landscape by
following us here on Tuesdays in June. For more info search [email protected], https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/
orangeco/2026/05/07/hurricane-season-has-begun-time-to-prepare/

Looking for plans tonight? Head out for a fun, family friendly, garden related community event in Atlantic Beach! Atlantic Beach Jacksonville Florida

5-6:30pm Chug Waggin Food Truck (with popcorn 🍿 )
6-7:30pm Screening of "Biggest Little Farm" film
7:30-8:30pm Local expert panel with Angela Tenbroeck, Center for Sustainable Agricultural Excellence & Conservation; Kira Mauro, Dig It Local; Sarah Salvatore, Eartha's Farm & Market; & Hayley Spring, Blue Zones Jax


Film brought to you by City of Atlantic Beach, Florida - Government Environmental Stewardship & Arts, Recreation, & Culture Committees and City of Atlantic Beach Recreation & Special Events

May Theme Thursday FFL Principle #3 WATER LAWNS EFFICIENTLY: Additional ways to keep your lawn during drought is to raise the cutting height on your lawnmower. A higher cutting height promotes deeper rooting and maintains turf quality longer. You can also incorporate more mulched beds to reduce evaporation from soil and to moderate soil temperature. Depth of mulch should be three inches after settling. For more info on WISE WATERING DURING DROUGHT, search https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/okaloosaco/2026/04/17/wise-water-use-during-drought/