One of the many benefits of living in panhandle Florida is the relatively mild winters. While the days and nights are not the subtropical temperatures of south Florida in October, the thermometer readings are far above the frigid readings so common currently in much of the country. A secondary advantage of the local climate is…Read more
Author: Les Harrison
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.
Potato Problems in the Panhandle and Beyond
The leaf litter and pine straw so common to panhandle Florida’s lawns and landscapes this time of year hides a variety of items from sight. The mulch in the making is a resource which literally falls from the sky, or at least that direction. In addition to the benefits, there are some drawbacks. This plant…Read more
Using the Surplus of Summer to Prepare for Leaner Times
In case it has escaped anyone’s attention, the summer of 2022 turned out to be a hot and humid season. This trend is not a surprise for anyone who has lived in panhandle Florida for at least twelve months, but it can be overwhelming for the many new residents to the area who are having…Read more
Keeping the Lawn Healthy During Dry Spells
Everything seems to come with some sort of trade off. Each benefit has a corresponding detriment, the yin and yang of everyday connected reality. The recent weather is a good example of this philosophical perception of the natural world’s two sides. It has had its negative attributes resulting in positive outcomes for a vast segment…Read more
The Lasting Signs of Florida’s Spanish Past
Just 500 years ago Florida was barely identified, and the flora and fauna undocumented with little known of its complexity or diversity. Juan Ponce de Leon and the Spanish conquistadores who followed him claimed control of the state and geographic area for several centuries before being pushed out. Even today there are still places and…Read more
How to Use Timing to Support a Happy, Healthy Lawn
October has traditionally been the beginning of harvest season. Many agricultural crops are reaching maturity and, depending on several environmental factors, are soon to be ready for gathering. During the bygone era when the population was self-reliant and attuned to the seasonal changes, getting next year’s seed stock prepared was a critical activity. If next…Read more
A Few Techniques for a Happy Fall Lawn
With the arrival of October tomorrow, the end is in sight, well at least the end of summer. The hot humid days of September have given way to the moderate temperature readings courtesy of recent weather events. Days have shortened noticeably and the plants have noticed. Foliage growth has slowed and seed production is in…Read more
The Importance of Caring for Crepe Myrtles
“If once a man indulges himself in murder, very soon he comes to think little of robbing,” so said English essayist Thomas Penson De Quincey. This early 19th century writer and social commentator published extensively on some of the social problems of his countrymen. De Quincy is considered to have founded a genre of literature…Read more
Autumn Tasks for a Happy, Healthy Garden
The burgeoning season of autumn in panhandle Florida is known as a period for maintaining the landscape and cultivating the fall garden. While it is great to be returning to outdoor recreational activities in the moderating heat and humidity, the lawn and garden chores can be a bit tedious with the many distractions currently available….Read more
Signs of Tree Health to Watch Out for in Storm Season
After tropical storms and hurricanes, there are always discussions about the trees which have fallen during the storm. Many times the trees in question have landed on a home or some other structure which resulted in multiple thousands of dollars damage. Commonly, water and laurel oaks are the culprits. These large trees are frequently found…Read more