Les Harrison is a longtime resident of north Florida, having attended public schools in three counties. He has a Bachelor Degree from the University of Florida in Journalism and a Master’s of Science from Auburn University in Agricultural Economics. He is the author of more than 2000 newspaper and magazine stories and journal articles. During his career, he held positions in private, government and educational (university level) sectors. He holds the title of Extension Agent Emeritus. He can be reached at harrison.gl@gmail.com.
The thermometer readings and humidity levels are climbing, but they have yet to reach the misery point. If able to speak, most of the insect population would likely disagree. They prefer a sultry environment which creates ideal growing conditions for plants cultivated both for food and landscape ornamentation. As such, both the insect herbivores and…Read more
Chief among the developing caterpillar pests is the southern armyworm. This insect is native to the warmer regions of both American continents. About 30 to 40 days on average are required for a complete generation, with environmental factors restraining even more reproduction. In northern Florida moths which produce this caterpillar can be found throughout the…Read more
Nature has a way of making life as easy as possible, but it will not happen fast, so planning is critical to success. One means is by putting some plants (trap crops) which attract beneficial and/or destructive insects. Insects are one of the main challenges in growing a vegetable garden. Warm weather and high humidity…Read more
The grassy like leaves emerge green and ready to soak up the spring sun. Unfortunately, not all are the turf preferred for home lawns. Purple nutsedge, Cyperus rotundus, grows from every possible sunny location with soil capable of supporting the plant. This non-native pest is a rapidly spreading perennial which will take every opportunity to…Read more
Sometimes surprises can puzzle and perplex, and yet be pleasant. Finding a twenty-dollar bill in a parking lot, for example, would certainly be a positive experience. The occurrence would likely be tinged with pity for the person who lost it, though. Even if they were totally careless with their financial resources, the discovery would make…Read more
The recent showers have been a welcome relief after a few weeks without the critical liquid from above. Irrigation and sprinklers can produce a bountiful vegetable garden, healthy shrubs and a lovely green lawn, but generous rains do it so much better and at a lower cost. April is an ideal time to plant many…Read more
The seasonal temperatures have moved panhandle Florida’s vegetable gardens from winter to the spring phase. Still, the unusually cool March has made it possible for a few winter holdouts to remain for early April 2023. While many of winter’s leafy vegetables are responding to the longer days by bolting, sending up flower spikes, a few…Read more
The polychromatic displays of Spring 2023 are located high and low, in residential and rural areas and seemingly without end. The blooms foretell the likelihood of the next generation of plants, but they are also an essential resource for insects in the spring. A grouping of insects commonly known as pollinators is currently busy collecting…Read more
With the return of warmer weather, the focus of outdoor activities is shifting to pursuits where the partakers can maintain a personally comfortable temperature. So logically this means taking advantage of the local water resources. Panhandle Florida has a wealth of aquatic assets which can be enjoyed all year long, but spring and summer provide…Read more
As contrite and well-worn as the statement is, springtime is truly the season of renewal and rebirth. The warming temperatures and ample rain have grass growing, birds singing, and shrubs blooming. Most area residents are leaving their homes and returning to the outside activities which make panhandle Florida so attractive to citizens and visitors alike….Read more
