We don't but you could purchase bird netting to cover your plants. However, providing seeds for native and migratory birds in the area also adds to a diverse habitat in your garden. Some seed can even be dispersed by birds as well. Thanks for your interest and happy planting!

Should you water after planting seeds? Is that a serious question?

Great point, thanks for the feedback!

Hi Vincent, So glad you enjoyed our video! We suggest you reach out to your lcoal experts at the Highlands County Extension office in regard to soil recommendations for your area. They can best advise for your climate/growing conditions. You can reach them at [email protected] or (863) 402-6540. Thanks!

Hi Amy, please reach out our counterparts at Hillsborough County Extension for this info...you are in a different growing zone than OC and don't want to steer you wrong! They can be reached at [email protected] or (813) 744-5519.

Shell ginger is so tough..

The difference between organic seed and non-specially labeled seed is often determined if the seed has been pre-treated with pesticide of fungicide to aid in germination. Organic seeds are either not pretreated, or they are treated in a method in accordance with USDA Organic regulations. Seminole pumpkin is primarily an heirloom variety, however if the seed you are buying has label that states "F1" or "F1 Variety," that means it has been hybridized.

@@ocextension Thank you for the info. I want to get pumpkin seeds that have not been treated and are as close to the traditional shape. Lots of people say their pumpkins are Seminoles but they tend to vary quite noticeably and some are very large and unattractive. This makes me wonder if the pumpkins seed were originally heirloom but over the planting seasons they plants have cross pollinated to create these monster size native pumpkins,, and therefore they are not true Seminole pumpkins anymore..

This vine should to periodically flower again without doing anything other than waiting! Yearly pruning will certainly help you with improving your bloom, some great strategies for this are found under "Planting and Care" here: gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/ornamentals/flame-vine.html Another great strategy is to plant several other plants around your garden that bloom at different times of the year for the hummingbirds. We currently have a dwarf bottlebrush in bloom at our offices, which is a plant hummingbirds are attracted to. Here is a document that contains all different kinds of hummingbird plants: gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/design/types-of-gardens/hummingbird-gardens.ht

Hi, you can stop by our office at 6021 S Conway Rd, Orlando to pick up a hard copy. Just let me know if that works for you, and I'll put a copy with your name on it at the front desk. We are open M-F, 8a-5p. Or here is a link to downloadable version if easier, ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/resources/publications/. Thanks for your interest!

I live in Palm Beach county so maybe I’ll just go for the downloadable version. Thank you!

@@travkenn1019 makes sense! You could also check with the Palm Beach Extension office,(561) 233-1700. to see if they have copies...provided it's in reasonable proximity to you with FL traffic!

HI, 32404 is in Zone 8B - here is a link to map of gardening zones: ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/resources/ffl-minute-radio/2021-archive/january-2021/plant-hardiness-zones/ Orange County is in Zone 9B so keep in mind the recommendation in our video may not apply in your zone. Thanks for your interest!

If I had to guess I would think it would be from shells, like from clams and whatever else. That kind of thing is very alkaline. Just a guess really. Im sure Florida wasn't always above water, probably more so the further south you go.

South Florida has limestone rock near the soil surface which is high in calcium carbonate, which increases the pH. Adding organic matter will help buffer the pH and help plants grow. You can also consult our Florida-Friendly Landscaping Guide to Plant Selection and Landscape Design to see which plants can tolerate a higher pH. ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/media/fflifasufledu/docs/FFL-Plant-Guide_v03222022_web.pdf

@@ocextension that helps a lot thank you!

Rats should not be a problem if you chop and drop vegetative plant material and do not add any fruit, bread or meat. Mulch over the chop and drop or pitchfork it around every so often to close any cavities they may build for nests. Regular disturbance is a good deterrent for rats and other rodents.

You are correct, the tropical milkweed, Asclepias curassavica, is known to be a host to OE disease. Either stick to native milkweeds or cut the tropical milkweed back to the ground in the fall around Thanksgiving to prevent pathogen build up on the leaves and stems.

We try to provide host plants for the major species of butterflies in Central Florida and then fill the rest with nectar plants. For example milkweed, passionvine, and cassia are host plants for any species of butterflies. There is no specific ratio.

Hi, The Seminole pumpkin can get zero to 20 pumpkins per vine. To maximize fruiting, plant in a full sun area, give it some fertilizer, and stay on top of the pest control. Caterpillars are the main problem and can be treated with BT or other pesticides that target caterpillars.

@@ocextension Hi thank you Madam for replying .actually I wanted to know the number of pumkins you got from your pumpkin plant.I am from northeast India i am dreaming to bring Seminole ,cherukee pumpkin seeds as well as cherukee tomato ,junglee peanut .thank you once again.

Thank you - glad you found it informative!

You're so welcome!

Wildflower seeds like to be planted in bare soil. After planting you can cover with a very light layer of mulch, so the seeds can still germinate and come up. Once the seeds are 2" inches tall or more you can add a little more mulch and you can continue to add more mulch as the plants grow.

Thank you! Happy planting!!

Check for a list of native plant nurseries at www.fann.org. We purchased ours from the Florida Wildflower Growers Cooperative.

Here is the link to the FFL Plant Guide ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/media/fflifasufledu/docs/FYN_Plant_Selection_Guide_2015.pdf and we also have a FFL plant app now you can use to search for plants in your zip code ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/resources/apps/plant-guide/.