The Neighborhood Gardener – January

Happy New Year, and happy gardening!

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New Tools for Palm Problem Diagnosis

A Resource for Pests and Diseases of Cultivated Palms was created by UF/IFAS palm faculty and other partners. It's actually a group of tools to help with the identification of insects, diseases, and other pests and disorders of palms.

Additional tools within this resource are currently being developed, including palm species identification and individual screening tools for mites, beetles, and scale insects.

Find it online at: http://itp.lucidcentral.org/id/palms/resource/

Plant of the Month: Japanese Plum Yew

Deep shade can be a challenge for gardeners, but Japanese plum yew is a lush evergreen plant that performs well even in the shadiest spots. And they’re a good choice for gardens that are frequented by deer, since deer usually won't eat them. More

Tea Scale on Camellias

Now that camellias are getting ready to bloom, be on the lookout for tea scale. This insect pest can be controlled with pruning, insecticides, and some biological methods. Learn how to keep an eye out for tea scale and manage it. More

January in Your Garden

Now is a good time to plant cold-hardy woody shrubs and trees. Water frequently to get new plantings off to a good start.  Florida observes Arbor Day on January 21. To celebrate, plant a tree in your yard or community.

For more month-by-month gardening tips, check out the Florida Gardening Calendar. Three different editions of the calendar provide specific tips for each of Florida's gardening regions—North, Central, and South. More

Friend or Foe? Foe: Snowbush Caterpillar

These pests are the larval form of the white-tipped black moth and they feed on snowbush shrubs. Dr. Doug Caldwell, Collier County Horticulture Agent, discusses the harmful effects of snowbush caterpillar in this YouTube video. You can also read the accompanying fact sheet.

Get Educated on Using Roundup® at Home

There are many types of weed control products on the market. This fact sheet breaks down information about one of the most common products and how it should be used. More