UF IFAS Extension Franklin County

07/10/2026

https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/andrajohnson/2026/03/04/uf-ifas-extension-3-pennies-a-day-gets-you-practical-solutions-for-everyday-problems/

In communities across Florida, UF/IFAS Extension brings scientific research to the table to solve everyday problems, and they do it for pennies a day.

07/10/2026

A new invasive pest is threatening

The pasture mealybug has now been detected in 15 Florida counties and can quickly devastate pasture grasses, hayfields and sugarcane.

Researchers are racing to understand the pest and identify effective management options before losses escalate.

Learn how to spot the warning signs, where the insect has been found and what growers can do if they suspect an infestation. 🔗 tr.ee/2LbvwFl-SH

07/10/2026

The hot, humid summers in Florida are prime conditions for chanterelle mushrooms. They are commonly found in forests or in other areas with trees because they form symbiotic relationships with the roots of some woody plants. Their funnel-shaped fruiting bodies are often bright colors of yellow, orange, pink or cream.

While chanterelles are edible, misidentification of fungi can lead to serious health problems. Wild mushrooms should be eaten only with extreme caution. For more information about chanterelles, take a look at this Ask IFAS publication: https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/pp369

Image:
(A) Craterellus fallax; (B) Cantharellus lateritius; (C) Cantharellus corallinus; (D) Cantharellus altipes; (E) Craterellus odoratus; (F) Cantharellus tenuithrix; (G) Cantharellus quercophilus.

Credit: Matthew E. Smith

07/10/2026

Did you know that components of coastal plain willow trees (pictured) are used to produce aspirin? If you want to find out about more ethnobotanical uses of native trees, then check out the July issue of the Neighborhood Gardener newsletter! It also features an article on refreshing mango and a St. Augustine staple — the datil pepper. And in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, you can read about the firecracker plant.

To read this newsletter issue, visit the Florida MGV website https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/mastergardener/resources/newsletters/neighborhood-gardener-july-2026/

To receive these articles directly in your inbox, subscribe here https://visitor.constantcontact.com/manage/optin?v=0014Ogu2wnBvl_7VBqWBMo05o91JE9AjYdA

Photo by Scott Zona https://flic.kr/p/m9ypJL

07/10/2026

07/10/2026

! Fackahatchee grass or eastern gamagrass (Tripsacum dactyloides) is native to all of Florida and should be used more often in Florida landscapes. It's an easy-to-grow and maintain bunching grass and is a larval host for Three-spotted Skipper (Cymaenes tripunctus ), Clouded Skipper (Lerema accius ) and Byssus Skipper (Problema byssus). Here's its FNPS plant profile, which includes more information, photos, & a FANN link to find native plant vendors that have it in stock: https://www.fnps.org/plant/tripsacum-dactyloides .tab=0

07/10/2026

Poison Ivy is fairly common in Florida and can cause ... itchy skin rashes.

For identification tips, visit: edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/EP220

07/08/2026

Check out which edibles to plant in July!

07/08/2026

Florida Sea Grant is hiring a Bay County Sea Grant Extension Agent to design and deliver science-based education programs that help coastal communities, businesses, and stakeholders address marine and natural resource issues. Requirements and details listed in posting. Closes 7/15/26. Apply here: https://bit.ly/4arPtrx

07/08/2026

JULY TIP TUESDAY: PLANT PALMS If you want more palms in your landscape, now is the time to plant them. The rainy season will give them the water needed. If you purchase a large palm, don’t forget to support it with braces for 6–8 months after planting. But remember, never drive nails directly into a palm trunk. For more info, Ask IFAS: [email protected]