The University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Extension Bookstore offers a wealth of books, CDs, DVDs, identification decks and manuals.
Do you have that hard to buy for person on your Christmas shopping list? I have an idea, especially if that person enjoys gardening.
The University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Extension Bookstore offers a wealth of books, CDs, DVDs, identification decks and manuals. These resources include gardening, lawn and landscape as well as agriculture, wildlife, boating, fishing, health, nutrition, family and community subject matter. And they are all specific for Florida. I’ll highlight a few of the horticulture books in today’s article.
Vegetable Gardening in Florida is a 135 page book covering everything from selecting the gardening site to what to do with the produce after harvesting. This is a must have book for any vegetable gardener in Florida. This book includes detailed descriptions of every major and minor crop grown throughout the state. Full-color photographs help the gardener in identifying vegetable disorders and pests. The cost is $16.95.
The Florida Lawn Handbook can help with the difficulties and frustrations most people experience in attempting to grow a lawn in Florida. This lawn book includes chapters on selection, establishment, maintenance, weed control, insect pests, disease problems, nematodes and pesticide application. Color plates identify various grass types, weeds, diseases and insects. The Florida Lawn Handbook is an invaluable aid to growing a beautiful, healthy lawn. Price is $19.95.
Your Florida Landscape is a 234 page resource featuring 240 color prints and fifty-two illustrations. This complete guide to planting and maintenance covers trees, palms, shrubs, groundcovers and vines. This book includes research-based information on common pests, beneficial insects, pruning, fertilizing, watering, mulching and evaluating your planting site. The cost is $19.95.
There are other books on fruit gardening, including citrus and blueberries, a guide to Florida’s Edible Wild Plants, growing orchids, excellent resources on Florida’s native plants suitable for landscape use, books on attracting hummingbirds and butterflies and much more.
All of these resources are available through the UF/IFAS Extension Bookstore. You may order online at http://www.ifasbooks.com or by telephone at (800) 226-1764 available Monday – Friday, 8am -5pm EST or by E-mail at ifasbooks@ifas.ufl.edu. Some of these books may be available at local bookstores. Prices listed in this article are subject to change and do not include shipping or sales tax.
Larry Williams is the Extension horticulture agent with the Okaloosa County Cooperative Extension Service, University of Florida. Contact Larry at 689-5850 or email lwilliams@co.okaloosa.fl.us.