Home and Garden
Plastic garden gear can add microplastics to the soil. Here are some alternatives
Plastic products break down into microplastics, which contaminate soil and food.
Think the plants and animals and outdoors can make us better? The folks in this film do.
“In Our Nature” is about how nature and environmental educators can help people come together.
Plant Doctor: What’s yellow or red with black all over? Baby eastern lubbers gobbling up your garden
MacCubbin gives gardening advice for Central Floridians on care of loquat trees, hosta plants, Easter...
Landscape still recovering from freeze? Plant Doctor has some ideas on low-growing shrubs
MacCubbin gives gardening advice for Central Florida about low-growing shrubs, avocado trees, petunias, stinging (or...
Strawberry pots aren’t just for the fruit. Its ‘windows’ make for striking, efficient displays
Trailing flowers and vines can make a statement in the pots.
Gravel gardens can cut wildfire and heat risks. It’s being used outside fire zones too
In at-risk areas, gravel serves as an exceptional substitute for organic mulch.
Do-it-yourself projects can save money and build confidence, or do the opposite
They serve a range of needs, whether creative, budgetary, social or educational.
Plant Doctor to crape myrtles: Let me introduce you to my friend, the chain saw
MacCubbin gives gardening advice for Central Florida on care of crinums, caladiums, lawns, carambola (star...
Soil is the foundation of your garden. Keep it healthy!
Soil organisms keep harmful organisms in check and distribute oxygen.
Plant Doctor: Dahlias popular with transplanted Northerners present challenges locally
MacCubbin gives gardening advice for Central Florida on care of dahlias, avocado trees, azaleas, lawns,...
April in the Garden for Central Florida
Plant Doctor Tom MacCubbin shares his monthly gardening to-do list for the region
How to save money on garden gear with some creative recycling
There might be some perfectly good gardening gear hiding in plain sight.
Plant Doctor: A durable addition to home and garden, this begonia a star with or without flowers
MacCubbin gives gardening advice for Central Florida on care of begonias, St. Augustine lawns, plumeria...
Do you really need a water filter? Here’s what experts say
The challenge is knowing how to decide whether you need a filter.
Plant Doctor asked if now right time to cut back plants damaged during freeze
MacCubbin gives gardening advice for Central Florida on care of azalea, pineapple, lawns, sweet viburnum...
Nobody said vegetable gardens must be in the backyard. Put them out front if it’s sunny
You can install raised beds right over the lawn.
A glossary to help cut through seed-packet jargon and confidently plant indoors
Here are some terms to understand before you go shopping for seeds.
Plant Doctor offers more advice on caring for your cold-damage trees, flowers
MacCubbin gives gardening advice for Central Florida on care of cardboard palms, mango trees, cannas,...
Scarification: The simple seed-starting trick that helps tough-coated seeds sprout faster
Scarified seeds don’t have to wait around for their coats to break down under soil.
March in the Garden for Central Florida
Plant Doctor Tom MacCubbin shares his monthly gardening to-do list for the region
Plant Doctor: Blessing of recent winter freeze is fewer peach tree pests
MacCubbin gives gardening advice for Central Florida on care of peach trees, phalaenopsis orchids, tropical...
A kaleidoscope of oddball tomatoes to try as seed-starting season nears
One of these oddballs just might be the tomato you love the most.
Plant Doctor: Now is the right time for major pruning of roses
MacCubbin gives gardening advice for Central Florida on roses, Christmas cactuses, Meyer lemons, crape myrtles,...
Did your garden suffer in the recent freeze? The Plant Doctor has some advice
MacCubbin gives gardening advice for Central Florida on assessing damage from recent freeze, mulch from...
Record cold has fireplaces working overtime. Should those ashes be put to use in the garden?
Wood ashes from burned untreated wood can benefit your plants — but with caveats.
Backyard vegetable gardens are healthy for people and the planet. Here’s how to start yours
It's not hard start to a garden from scratch or decide what to plant.
Plant Doctor: Don’t get too attached to pots with blooming hyacinth bulbs
MacCubbin gives gardening advice for Central Florida about hyacinths, plants damaged by recent cold snap,...
How to create a calming ‘nature nook’ with indoor plants. Advice from Hilton Carter
Make the nature nook part of your daily routine to transform your mood.
Where are those darn keys? Tricks for remembering where you put things
For things you use regularly, it helps to create a system and practice doing it.
Snow protects your garden beds. Trees might need some help
Heavy snow can damage tree branches, especially evergreens.
February in the Garden for Central Florida
Plant Doctor Tom MacCubbin shares his monthly gardening to-do list for the region
Plant Doctor: Area neighborhoods in the pink courtesy of blooming tabebuia trees
MacCubbin gives gardening advice for Central Florida about tabebuia trees. lavender, parsley, tomatoes, azaleas and...
The secret to pest-free houseplants starts at the nursery
Bringing home a new houseplant? Prevention is key to avoiding pest infestations.
Plant Doctor: Have some patience with impatiens during the cooler months
MacCubbin gives gardening advice for Central Florida about impatiens, bromeliads, peace lilies, schefflera, caladium, petunias,...
Plant Doctor: Taste test is best way to tell if oranges are ripe, ready to pick
MacCubbin gives gardening advice for Central Florida about citrus, mulch and compost, lawn care, gardenias,...
Meet the succulents that look like dolphins and hearts
Succulents with unique leaves are particularly striking.
Herbs grown indoors require extra care. Here are some tips
Herbs like rosemary and sage can thrive if properly managed.
Plant Doctor: Plant tomato seeds now to get early start on spring crop
MacCubbin gives gardening advice for Central Florida about tomatoes, amaryllis, poinsettias, palms, vegetables and bougainvillea
Plant Doctor: Grow the colorful state flower of California in your garden
MacCubbin gives gardening advice for Central Florida about the California poppy, magnolia, crape myrtle, kalanchoe,...
Christmas is over, but what to do with the tree? These landfill alternatives can also help your garden
Some 10 million live Christmas trees end up in landfills every year.
Plant Doctor: Enjoy colorful camellias during the cooler months
MacCubbin gives gardening advice for Central Florida about camellias, banana plants, broccoli and cauliflower, lawn...
January in the Garden for Central Florida
Plant Doctor Tom MacCubbin shares his monthly gardening to-do list for the region
Deck your garden with boughs of holly, a plant rich in symbolism and evergreen beauty
No doubt you’ve seen your share of hollies this month — but are they growing...
Plant Doctor: Grow tea in your garden that you can brew and drink, too
MacCubbin gives gardening advice for Central Florida about tea plants, annuals like coleus, ligustrum, figs,...
Creating a simple garden sanctuary for year-round relaxation
Studies show that spending time in a garden reduces stress.
Plant Doctor: Tips to care for and get the most color out of your poinsettias
MacCubbin gives gardening advice for Central Florida about poinsettias, Christmas cactus, sago, houseplants and winter...
The secret to keeping your holiday greenery fresher longer
While freshness isn't guaranteed, these tips can help.
This underappreciated holiday flower has upside-down blooms
These perennials bloom only in winter.
Plant Doctor: Forced amaryllis bulbs make good gifts if done right way
MacCubbin gives gardening advice for Central Florida on amaryllis bulbs, citrus trees, magnolia trees, azaleas...
Plant Doctor: With proper care anthuriums provide colorful, long-lasting blooms
MacCubbin gives gardening advice for Central Florida on anthuriums, beets, amaryllis, Christmas cacti, ixora, composting...
December in the Garden for Central Florida
Plant Doctor Tom MacCubbin shares his monthly gardening to-do list for the region
Very Orlando Gift Guide: Soothing houseplants, 150th-anniversary book, puppy training classes
Orlando-based gifts: Holiday gift offerings range from soothing houseplants for the green thumb friend, a...
Doing these fall garden chores will make your spring easier
Tackling a few tasks now can make spring much easier.
Plant Doctor: Sometimes a little neglect brings bougainvilleas into full bloom
MacCubbin gives gardening advice for Central Florida on bougainvilleas, creeping fig, crape myrtles, crown of...
Plant Doctor: On a budget? Petunias make sense, can save dollars in your garden
MacCubbin gives gardening advice for Central Florida about petunias, ponytail plants, grapefruit and peach trees,...
Transform fallen leaves into valuable leaf mold for your garden this fall
There are a few ways to turn fallen leaves into valuable leaf litter.
Give caterpillars a ‘soft landing’ under your trees. The ecosystem will thank you
Beneficial insects and critters need a safe home in which to rest, hide, breed and...
Plant Doctor: To bloom or not to bloom — that is the coleus question
MacCubbin gives gardening advice for Central Florida about coleus, loquat trees, tangerine trees, lemon trees,...
Plant Doctor: Sow pansies now to enjoy a panoply of colors in cooler months
MacCubbin gives gardening advice for Central Florida residents about pansies, crape myrtles, gardenias, philodendron and...
November in the Garden for Central Florida
Plant Doctor Tom MacCubbin shares his monthly gardening to-do list for the region
From errant birdseed to mint mishaps, gardening can be as scary as any Halloween night
Many gardeners have faced unexpected horrors in their yards.