Polk Gardening

09/02/2026

August in Florida is brutal! If you are gardening or working in your yard, let us remind you of the 5 S's of Sun Safety!

https://youtube.com/shorts/PbKPZsFViPk?si=O1vuLY3bkNCbTmkE

Thank you to our County 4-H summer camp for the video!

UF IFAS Extension Polk County Polk County Government Florida UF IFAS Extension Polk County Family and Consumer Sciences

08/19/2026

Frequently inspecting your plants helps detect pest problems early. Common plant pests in Florida include aphids, mealybugs, scales, whiteflies, thrips, plant-feeding mites, and chinch bugs. Beneficial insects help control pest insects. Some beneficial insects include lady bugs, big-eyed bugs, parasitic flies, parasitic wasps, assassin bugs, green lynx spiders, praying mantis and green lacewings.

For more information, visit https://pest.ifas.ufl.edu/ or call UF/IFAS Extension Polk County Plant Clinic at 863-519-1041.

Sourced from: Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Handbook for Home Landscapes

08/15/2026

It's a great time of year to remember the importance of proper tree care! . If you have questions about tree care, contact our Plant Clinic!

https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/trees-and-shrubs/trees/preparing-trees-for-hurricanes/


UF IFAS Extension Polk County

08/14/2026

Seeds headed to the Lakeland Public Library today!
Visit their seed library all month and the UF IFAS Extension Polk County seed library year-round!

of Lakeland, FL - Government
Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program

08/13/2026

Listen now to our latest podcast episode on maintaining your central Florida lawn:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/maintaining-a-lawn-in-central-florida/id1724213516?i=1000781926906




UF IFAS Extension Polk County

08/12/2026

Before planting in your yard, you should get your underground utilities marked.
Hitting utilities while digging can cause tremendous damage, interrupting your electric, cable, water, sewer, and gas service – it can even cause injury or loss of life. Dial 811 at least two business days before you want to dig. Your utility companies will locate any underground utilities in your landscape for free. If you don’t follow this procedure and underground lines are damaged, you could be fined.

For more information, visit https://www.sunshine811.com/ or call UF/IFAS Extension Polk County Plant Clinic at 863-519-1041.

Sourced from: Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Handbook for Home Landscapes

08/08/2026

Join us on Monday, August 10 to learn about vegetable gardening in central Florida.

For more info and to register:
https://VegetablesAugust2026.eventbrite.com

UF IFAS Extension Polk County
University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences

08/07/2026

08/06/2026

The August issue of the Your Central Florida Yard podcast is live on Substack!

https://centralfloridayard.substack.com/p/august-2026



UF IFAS Extension Polk County
Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program
University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences
UF Florida-Friendly Landscaping Program

08/05/2026

Rain gardens and rain barrels can impact stormwater runoff. Installing rain barrels and rain gardens help to conserve water, reduce water bills, and keep nutrients and pollutants out of waterways by keeping the water on site. Rain gardens allow water to slowly percolate through the sandy soil and filter. Rain gardens are shallow swales that only hold water temporarily. Rain barrels can collect rainwater from your roof. This water can be used to water plants, add moisture to your compost, and rinse your gardening tools.

For more information, visit https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/lawn-and-garden/saving-and-using-rainwater/ or call UF/IFAS Extension Polk County Plant Clinic at 863-519-1041.

Sourced from: Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Handbook for Home Landscapes