How Much Space Does My Shade Tree Need? Planting Space Recommendations for Medium and Large Trees in Florida Cities

Residential trees like these in Pinellas County provide many benefits. Credits: Deborah R. Hilbert, UF/IFAS

Trees provide urban landscapes with shade, beauty, and habitat. They can also help lessen the effects of flooding and urban heat buildup while storing carbon dioxide, a major greenhouse gas. When planted in the wrong place, however, trees can damage urban infrastructure. To maximize the benefits provided by urban trees, we need better-informed tree selection and larger planting spaces with the capacity to support big-canopy trees. This new 8-page fact sheet is intended to help arborists, urban foresters, landscape designers, landscapers, and anyone else responsible for the planting of trees in developed areas make informed decisions regarding the planting width requirements of the trees they select. Written by Deborah R. Hilbert, Andrew K. Koeser, Brooke L. Moffis, JuWanda G. Rowell, and Drew C. McLean, and published by the UF/IFAS Environmental Horticulture Department.
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep592

Watering Station Best Management Practices for Container Nurseries

Concrete pad installed for runoff management at the watering station. Credits: T. Yeager, UF/IFAS

Watering stations are specialized irrigation structures where plants are watered immediately after transplanting. Water not retained by the container substrate as well as water falling between containers becomes runoff. This runoff can contain sediment and nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, that can impact natural waters if not managed according to Best Management Practices (BMPs). The purpose of this new 3-page fact sheet is to provide examples of how runoff from watering stations at two nurseries was managed after implementation of the BMP. Written by Tom Yeager and published by the UF/IFAS Environmental Horticulture Department.
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep590

Leading Difficult Conversations Series #1: Introduction

Hand with Red Pen Proofreading Text Closeup

This publication series examines strategies and tactics for leaders to utilize when tasked with having a difficult conversation. Leadership can require leaders to have necessary conversations that are not always easy. Through providing leaders with specific tools to have difficult conversations, this series aims to promote dialogue and equip individuals to be more successful leaders. The series provides information regarding preparing for difficult conversations, creating a safe conversation environment, utilizing conversation tactics, and employing listening skills. This new 2-page publication of the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural Education and Communication is part 1 of the series. Written by Christy Chiarelli.
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/wc374

Tomato Production in Florida Using Fertigation Technology

Locally grown tomatoes at a farmers market.  Photo Credits: UF/IFAS Photo by Tyler Jones

Tomato is in high demand because of its taste and health benefits. In Florida, tomato is the number one vegetable crop in terms of both acreage and value. Because of its high value and wide acreage, it is important for tomato production to be efficient in its water and nutrient use, which may be improved through fertigation practices. Therefore, the objective of this new 7-page article is to disseminate research-based methods of tomato production utilizing fertigation to enhance yield and nutrient use efficiency. Written by Mary Dixon and Guodong Liu, and published by the UF/IFAS Horticultural Sciences Department.
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/hs1392

Are Homemade “Pesticides” Legal?

Pests (aphids) feeding on citrus tree. Credits: Brett Bultemeier, UF/IFAS

Interest around pesticides and possible alternatives to them have increased in recent years. As individuals seek out possible alternatives, some consider making their own solutions to pest control. Homemade pesticide recipes abound online and are commonly seen in various social media platforms. This new 3-page publication of the UF/IFAS Pesticide Information Office looks at the legality of these mixes, when and where they can be used, and what other considerations need to be taken into account when utilizing these mixes. Written by Brett Bultemeier and Jason Ferrell.
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pi288

Goji Berry: a Novel Nutraceutical “Superfruit” for Florida Master Gardeners

Ripe goji berry dried in the sun in China. Credits: Manhe Jiao, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China

Goji berries have been used in both fresh and processed forms for food and medicine for more than 4,000 years in China. The goji berry fruit is known as a “superfruit” thanks to its high levels of vitamins and minerals, as well as other medicinal benefits recognized in many countries around the world. Most of Florida’s climate is favorable for goji berry, and a few Florida growers have cultivated it for years. This species can tolerate infertile and unfavorable growth conditions, and the prominent health benefits of this crop may be highly profitable for Florida growers. The objective of this new 7-page article is to provide a general overview of how the goji berry can be grown in Florida. Written by Yujie Jiao and Guodong Liu, and published by the UF/IFAS Horticultural Sciences Department.
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/hs1391

Protective Eyewear for Pesticide Applicators

Neoprene safety goggles that seal around the face to better protect eyes from exposure to chemical splashing. Credits: Brett Bultemeier, UF/IFAS

Protective eyewear is one of the most essential pieces of PPE an applicator can utilize when it is required. This new 3-page publication of the UF/IFAS Pesticide Information Office discusses the types of protective eyewear and how best to select and maintain these particular pieces of PPE. Written by Brett Bultemeier.
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pi287

Plant-Based Milks: Oat

A mug of oat milk next to a small metal measuring cup brimming with oats, sitting on a wooden railing outside. Credit: Lincoln Zotarelli, UF/IFAS

Oat milk is one of the more recent dairy alternatives to hit the grocery shelves, and several brands are currently available in the United States. Oat milk is made from the cereal grain oats. This new 3-page publication of the UF/IFAS Food Science and Human Nutrition Department describes how oat milk is made, its ingredients and nutrient profile, and the potential health benefits and risks of consumption. Written by Hannah Cooper, Daniela Rivero-Mendoza, and Wendy J. Dahl.
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fs419

Elderberry and Elderflower (Sambucus spp.): A Cultivation Guide for Florida

Elderberry and elderflower cymes. Credits: Hyldemoer + Co., Florida

The purpose of this new 9-page paper, written by David Jarnagin, Ali Sarkhosh, Juanita Popenoe, Steve Sargent, and Kevin Athearn, and published by the UF/IFAS Horticultural Sciences Department, is to provide information on growing American elderberry in Florida as an alternative crop for commercial growers as well as homeowners. Although elderberry has been historically grown at commercial scale in some world regions, especially throughout Europe, in the New World it has not found meaningful commercial acceptance until recently.
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/hs1390

Strategically Selecting Behaviors That Impact the Problem: An Approach Drawn from Social Marketing

[Impact × Current adoption levels × Likelihood] = Weight; A social marketing approach to prioritizing potential behaviors for an intervention.

Extension professionals and other practitioners address a wide variety of complex issues by providing education and encouraging behavior change using innovative strategies. The importance of prioritizing potential behaviors and selecting those with high expected impact cannot be overemphasized. However, behavior selection can be complicated because there are many solutions for any problem in a particular context. Using an approach drawn from social marketing to develop activities aimed at changing or maintaining people’s behavior, Extension professionals and other practitioners can prioritize behaviors by mathematically calculating anticipated weights that will help focus efforts around key behaviors with the potential to make the greatest impact. This new 6-page publication of the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural Education and Communication provides an overview of a process to collect and analyze the impact and the likelihood of adoption to help Extension professionals decide on behaviors for a campaign or intervention. Written by Laura A. Warner and John M. Diaz.
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/wc375

Edible Landscaping Using the Nine Florida-Friendly LandscapingTM Principles

Integrating flowers and herbs with your edible plants can provide food for beneficial insects that eat pests. Credits: Tom Wichman, UF/IFAS

Maintaining edible landscapes in a way that protects the environment is an important concern for protecting Florida’s water quality. The objective of this new 7-page publication is to introduce the framework of the Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ principles and apply the principles to guide decisions about Best Management Practices (BMPs) for care of edible landscapes. Written by Tiare Silvasy, Lynn Barber, Esen Momol, Tina McIntyre, Tom Wichman, Gail Hansen, Jen Marvin, Terra Freeman, Joseph Sewards, Wendy Wilber, and Jacqlyn Rivas.
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep594

Leches a base de plantas: Nuez de marañón (anacardo)

A glass of cashew milk sitting outside on a rain-speckled balcony. Credit: Lincoln Zotarelli, UF/IFAS

La disponibilidad y el consumo de alternativas de leche a base de plantas, también conocidas como no lácteas, han ido en aumento. Las ventas de alternativas a la leche no láctea se han más que duplicado, mientras que el consumo de leche de vaca tradicional ha disminuido. Este aumento puede deberse a que las leches de origen vegetal se perciben como “naturales”, así como a un aumento del veganismo y la búsqueda de evitar la lactosa. Las principales alternativas de leche de origen vegetal son la almendra, la soja, el coco, la nuez de marañón (anacardo) y el arroz. Esta publicación analiza el contenido nutricional, los posibles beneficios para la salud y los posibles riesgos de la leche de nuez de marañón.
This new 4-page article is the Spanish translation of FSHN20-51/FS413, Plant-Based Milks: Cashew, written by Jamie Zeldman, Daniela Rivero-Mendoza, and Wendy J. Dahl, translated by Daniela Rivero-Mendoza, and published by the UF/IFAS Food Science and Human Nutrition Department.
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fs418

Don’t Fake It, Make It! Best Practices for Attending Virtual Events

Illustrated differences between in-person conferences (left) and meetings (right).

Continuing the Don’t Fake It, Make It! series to make the most out of virtual conferences and meetings, this fact sheet provides tips specific to attendees. Up to this point, the series has focused largely on the process a host should go through before launching a virtual event. This new 4-page publication of the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural Education and Communication shifts the focus from virtual host to virtual participant to allow attendees of the virtual event to get the most out of the experience. While the spotlight is on attending virtual conferences in particular, the suggestions included can translate to other virtual meeting spaces. Written by Jarred A. Shellhouse and Lauri M. Baker.
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/wc373

Chicken of the Woods (Laetiporus sulphureus species complex)

Mature fruiting bodies of Laetiporus sulphureus species complex. Gainesville, Florida. Credits: Curtis Peyer

Species in the Laetiporus sulphureus species complex, also known as “chicken of the woods” mushrooms, are wood-decay fungi that cause brown rot within the heartwood of their tree hosts. The common name “chicken of the woods” is given to some species in this group because they are tasty edible mushrooms. Several Laetiporus species have been harvested to use as food colorants, to dye natural products such as wool, and for human consumption. This new 4-page publication of the UF/IFAS Plant Pathology Department, written by Brianna Benitez, Claudia A. Paez, Matthew E. Smith, and Jason A. Smith, describes these fungi as well as their ecology, management, and potential edibility.
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pp358

Dietas populares: Ayuno intermitente

Microgreen salad Photo Credits: UF/IFAS Photo by Robert Annis

La pérdida de peso puede ser un desafío. Comenzar una dieta restrictiva puede ser agotador emocionalmente y difícil de cumplir. ¿Hay alguna forma más efectiva de perder peso? ¿El momento y la frecuencia de las comidas ayudan a perder peso? Esta publicación describe los beneficios y riesgos del ayuno intermitente para bajar de peso.
This new 4-page article is the Spanish language translation of FSHN20-47/FS409, Popular Diets: Intermittent Fasting, written by Michelle Yavelow, Daniela Rivero-Mendoza, and Wendy Dahl, translated by Daniela Rivero-Mendoza, and published by the UF/IFAS Food Science and Human Nutrition Department.
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fs417

Dietas populares: Alimentos crudos

Strawberries, blueberries, cereal grains, and a banana. Fragaria, fruits, foods, red, sweets, healthy eating. UF/IFAS Photo: Tyler Jones. Photo Credits: UF/IFAS Photo by Tyler Jones

La dieta de alimentos crudos tiene sus raíces en un movimiento vegetariano que se remonta a los años 1800. Como su nombre lo indica, una dieta de alimentos crudos es un patrón dietético compuesto mayoritaria o completamente por alimentos crudos y sin procesar. Esta publicación explora los posibles beneficios y riesgos para la salud de una dieta de alimentos crudos.
This is the Spanish translation of FSHN20-45/FS404, Popular Diets: Raw Foods, written by Alexa Barad, Daniela Rivero-Mendoza, and Wendy Dahl, translated by Daniela Rivero-Mendoza, and published by the UF/IFAS Food Science and Human Nutrition Department.
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fs415

Pérdida de peso y los adultos mayores: Riesgos y beneficios

Hands sorting peanuts for quality. Consuming more plant-based proteins such as soy, legumes, nuts, and seeds can help manage unintentional weight loss. Photo Credits: UF/IFAS Photo by Tyler Jones

A los adultos obesos a menudo se les aconseja perder peso para reducir el riesgo de enfermedades crónicas. Sin embargo, los beneficios para la salud de la pérdida de peso cambian a medida que envejecemos. Esta publicación analiza los riesgos y beneficios de la pérdida de peso planificada y no planificada para adultos mayores.
This is the Spanish translation of FSHN20-42/FS401, Weight Loss and the Older Adult: Risks and Benefits, written by Wendy Gans, Rachelle Savelle, Nancy Gal, and Wendy Dahl, translated by Daniela Rivero-Mendoza, and published by the UF/IFAS Food Science and Human Nutrition Department.
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fs414

Biology and Management of Galinsoga (Galinsoga quadriradiata) in Ornamental Crop Production

Galinsoga (Galinsoga quadriradiata) shoots. Credits: Annette Chandler, UF/IFAS

Galinsoga (Galinsoga quadriradiata) is an erect (upright), herbaceous, short-lived warm-season annual weed in Florida landscapes, container nurseries, and other agricultural production systems. In nurseries and landscapes, galinsoga can be a troublesome weed, but it has been utilized by some cultures for food or medicinal purposes. This new 5-page article is written for green-industry professionals and others to aid in the identification and management of galinsoga in and around ornamental plants. Written by Thomas Smith, Chris Marble, Shawn Steed, and Nathan Boyd, and published by the UF/IFAS Environmental Horticulture Department.
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep593

Japanese Persimmon Cultural Practices in Florida

Stink bug on persimmon fruit. Credits: UF/IFAS

Persimmons are considered a relatively sustainable crop in Florida, rated as a 6 out of 10 on an assessment of agricultural sustainability, with a moderate commercial potential and high direct-to-consumer potential. Trees grow and fruit best in central and northern Florida and can produce high yields of good-quality fruit. This new 13-page publication of the UF/IFAS Horticultural Sciences Department describes how to propagate and establish persimmons in Florida, while also providing information on irrigation, fertilization, harvest, pests, diseases, and more. Written by Ali Sarkhosh, Dustin M. Huff, and Peter C. Andersen.
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/hs1389

Septic Systems and Springs Water Quality: An Overview for Florida

Ichetucknee Springs State Park. Photo taken 01-08-20.  Photo Credits:  UF/IFAS Photo by Tyler Jones

Wastewater carries pathogens, nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus), and trace organic chemicals that may be harmful to human health and ecosystem functioning. Thus, proper treatment of wastewater is crucial. While septic systems can be one means of effective wastewater treatment, there are some special considerations for their use in Florida because of unique geography and sandy soils. The purpose of this new 6-page publication of the UF/IFAS Department of Soil and Water Sciences is to explain the basics of how septic systems work and how they can affect springs water quality in Florida, with a special emphasis on potential N loading from septic systems. This document is intended for homeowners, the general public, and county, city, and other local personnel tasked with managing water quality in areas with septic systems. Written by Mary Lusk, Andrea Albertin, Whitney Elmore, William Lester, and James Moll.
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ss693