You have questions....

We have answers!

Extension is a partnership between federal, state, and county governments to provide scientific knowledge and expertise to the public. The University of Florida (UF), together with Florida A&M University (FAMU), administers the Florida Cooperative Extension Service.

The University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Okaloosa County Extension Office employs agents that can answer questions in a variety of subject areas:

• Agriculture
• Residential & Commercial Horticulture
• 4-H 
• Work & Life (for example: family life; nutrition, personal finance advice)
• Marine Life type of Science

Or Ask the "ExtensionBot" your question  

• SOIL TESTING QUESTIONS?

  Q:  How do I take a soil Sample? Why? What does it tell me?

  1.  Soil Sampling Procedures
  2. Jennifer Bearden (our ag agent) put together a video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nVC86gegh9Y 
  3.  We test the pH at this office for free, just bring in a dry sample in a ziploc bag or some container (1-2 cups) and leave it with us. It usually takes a few days to get it processed. 

  4. A pH test and will only let you know whether to add sulfur or lime to raise or lower the soils pH. Some things grow better at a certain pH, so depending on what you are growing (grass or garden) you may want to adjust the pH of your soil, so it will grow better.

  5. If you want a more comprehensive test (if you are having problems that may be caused by nutrient deficiencies), you can pick up a bag & form from us and send it to the lab in Gainesville
  6. For more info, the Gainesville website is UF Soils Lab  They have a great FAQ page too .

  • Landscape & Vegetable Garden Test Form
  • Producer Test Form
  • Nutrient Testing form for Bahia Pastures 
• LAWN PROBLEM QUESTIONS?
  1.   WEEDS?  Check out the Summer Annual Lawn Weed Control Timeline,  also: Weed Management Guide for FL Lawns
  2. Black stuff growing on the ground? 
     1. for example
     2. Most Likely you are dealing with algae; 1st check irrigation to be sure you are not over-watering. Location of black areas? (Near a downspout: consider mulching those areas instead of trying to grow turf); or maybe you can extend the downspout to be moved. Also, check out Controlling Moss & Algae in turf
  3. Take All Root Rot?   Check out Take-All Root Rot 
     1. For Example  https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/LH079 
  4. Confusion over Winterizer Fertilizer?  
     1.  check out Larry's helpful article: Confusion over winterizer fertilizer
  5.  Fall & Winter Lawn Care Questions?
     1. Larry's tips on that:  Larry Fall & Winter Lawn Care
  6. If you have more questions that were not addressed or would like more information, feel free to call or email us.
• QUESTIONS ABOUT PESTICIDE LICENSING & CLASSES?

  Check out the Commercial Horticulture pesticide page with links and answers to many questions.

  We miss her, but we are still trying to help with any questions that are not answered on the "pesticide page"; Fdac's is still planning to transition this year sometime, so keep all of that in mind. We will have to re-learn their new changes too.

• IRRIGATION, HOW MUCH WATER???
  1. How do I know how much water to put on my lawn? 
     • Check out these great resources: 
     • Let Your Lawn tell you when to water; 
     • How To Calibrate Your Sprinkler System :  
     • Watering Your Florida Lawn 
• FERTILIZER?

  Downloadable resources  and Links to sites pertaining to Fertilizing Lawns and Turfgrasses in Florida.

  • Link to site: The Florida Fertilizer Label
  • Link to site: Fertilization & Irrigation Needs for FL Lawns & Landscapes
  • Homeowner BMP home lawn
  • General Recommendations for Fertilization of FL Turfgrasses

   

• FARMERS MARKET QUESTIONS?
  • Where, When, and more info?  - Check out this page for Okaloosa Farmers Markets
  • Annual Permit? -  County Growers Permit Form march2016 - Fill out the annual form and drop off a copy to the Okaloosa Extension office or email to bearden@ufl.edu 

   

• HONEY BEES?
  • The Tri-County Beekeepers have meetings at the extension on the last Tuesday of every month unless otherwise posted on our Extension calendar 
  • Do you have Honey Bees you need to remove? check out the FDAC's website, they have the most up to date list of experts on an excel spreadsheet that can remove them for you --  Honey Bee Removal or Eradication List

   

• HOME CANNING?

  Where Can I find trusted recipes & guidance for safe home canning?

  • • The National Center for Home Food Preservation Website: https://nchfp.uga.edu/ 
• Helpful Links
  • Ask IFAS
  • Okaloosa County Extension Calendar of Events
  • Gardening Solutions