June 15, 2024

Photo Credit: Dianne Busch

  In 2007, National Pollinator Week was designated by the US Senate to take place annually in June, as a way of recognizing their many contributions to our ecosystems and agriculture. This year, we celebrate June 17-23, 2024, and it’s a great time to think about how much our pollinators do for us, and what we can do for them in return!

  Animal pollinators contribute over $750 billion to our worldwide economy, and are responsible for one in every three bites of food we eat.

  So, what can you do for pollinators? Plant sustainable pollinator habitats, provide water for bees and butterflies, register your yard as a Monarch Waystation or certified wildlife habitat through the National Wildlife Federation.

   Spread the word about the Great Florida Pollinator Count in August! School groups, churches, garden clubs, HOAs, and anyone else interested is welcome to participate in this citizen science research opportunity! For more information, or to learn how to participate, please visit the Great Southeast Pollinator Census website here: https://gsepc.org/ and follow our Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/southeastpollinatorcensus/

For more information on National Pollinator Week, visit http://www.pollinator.org/pollinator-week

What to Do in Your Central Florida Garden in June

Pests: monitor weekly for harmful insects. Knowing which insects attack a plant can aid in treatment.  

Irrigation: Watch for drought stress and water as needed if rainfall has been spotty.  Focus on new plantings and follow watering restrictions.

Palms and cycads: Watch for nutrient deficiencies or other problems and use an appropriate treatment.

Pruning: Lightly prune summer-flowering shrubs, like hibiscus, oleander, crape myrtle during the warmer months - because they bloom on new growth.

Clean up your vegetable garden and solarize the soil to kill pests and disease.  See: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topi...

For additional information or assistance, contact the Master Gardener Plant Clinic Mon - Fri at (352) 671-8400.

UF/IFAS Extension Marion County is a cooperation between the Marion County Board of County Commissioners and the University of Florida to deliver relevant, research-based education programs that result in healthy people, healthy environments and healthy economies.