In this post, you&#8217;ll find a collection of valuable gardening and landscaping resources from UF/IFAS Extension. Whether you&#8217;re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, these resources will help you grow healthier plants, create beautiful landscapes, and troubleshoot common issues. Explore tips on Florida-Friendly Landscaping, lawns, plant care, and more. General Resources UF IFAS Extension [&#8230;]

<img decoding="async" fetchpriority="high" class=" wp-image-10831 alignleft" src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/polkco/files/2025/01/Untitled-design-8-300x300.jpg" alt="laptop open with UF/IFAS Extension Polk County website open on the laptop" width="330" height="330" />In this post, you&#8217;ll find a collection of valuable gardening and landscaping resources from UF/IFAS Extension. Whether you&#8217;re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, these resources will help you grow healthier plants, create beautiful landscapes, and troubleshoot common issues. Explore tips on Florida-Friendly Landscaping, lawns, plant care, and more.
<h3>General Resources</h3>
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2xcbdX1cDeyXlXUmaW9wBg">UF IFAS Extension Polk County YouTube Channel</a>
<a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/polkco/">UF/IFAS Extension Polk County Blogs </a>
<a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/4VwcTlkkQKRz0ggJbC2lKg?si=47e92a5ad5634426">Your Central Florida Yard Podcast</a>
<a href="https://polkcountyextension.eventbrite.com/">UF/IFAS Extension Polk County Eventbrite Page for Event Registration</a>
<a href="https://ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/media/fflifasufledu/docs/FFL-Plant-Guide_v030624_web.pdf">Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Guide to Plant Selection &amp; Landscape Design</a>
<a href="https://ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/resources/apps/plant-guide/">Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Plant Guide (mobile website)</a>
<a href="https://www.dropbox.com/sh/vttozumwfowaox1/AAC_dKMevDXZM1tpdoaHW0NNa?dl=0&amp;preview=Florida-Friendly+Plant+List+for+Your+Polk+Yard_updated+April+2022.pdf">Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Plant List for Your Polk Yard</a>
<a href="https://ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/media/fflifasufledu/docs/FFL-Handbook_revisions03062024_web_new_zone_map.pdf">Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Handbook for Home Landscapes</a>
<a href="https://assessment.ifas.ufl.edu/">Assessment of Non-Native Plants (find out if a plant is invasive)</a>
<h3>Lawns</h3>
<a href="https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/lawns/">Gardening Solutions: Lawns</a>
<h3>Landscape</h3>
&nbsp;
<h3>Vegetable Gardening</h3>

In this post, you’ll find a collection of valuable gardening and landscaping resources from UF/IFAS Extension. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, these resources will help you grow healthier plants, create beautiful landscapes, and troubleshoot common issues. Explore tips on Florida-Friendly Landscaping, lawns, plant care, and more.
General Resources
UF IFAS Extension Polk County YouTube Channel
UF/IFAS Extension Polk County Blogs 
Your Central Florida Yard Podcast
UF/IFAS Extension Polk County Eventbrite Page for Event Registration
Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Guide to Plant Selection & Landscape Design
Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Plant Guide (mobile website)
Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Plant List for Your Polk Yard
Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Handbook for Home Landscapes
Assessment of Non-Native Plants (find out if a plant is invasive)
Lawns
Gardening Solutions: Lawns
Landscape
 
Vegetable Gardening

In this post, you’ll find a collection of valuable gardening and landscaping resources from UF/IFAS Extension. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, these resources will help you grow healthier plants, create beautiful landscapes, and troubleshoot common issues. Explore tips on Florida-Friendly Landscaping, lawns, plant care, and more. General Resources UF IFAS Extension […]

Resources for Your Central Florida Yard

Empowering Polk County Youth The Tractor Supply Company’s 4-H Paper Clover Campaign is a vital initiative that supports youth development across the nation. With 90% of donations remaining in the state where they are raised, the program ensures local impacts, particularly in counties like Polk, Florida. These funds are earmarked specifically for 4-H leadership and [&#8230;]

<h2 style="text-align: left">Empowering Polk County Youth</h2>
The Tractor Supply Company’s <a href="https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/cms/4h">4-H Paper Clover Campaign</a> is a vital initiative that supports youth development across the nation. With 90% of donations remaining in the state where they are raised, the program ensures local impacts, particularly in counties like Polk, Florida. These funds are earmarked specifically for 4-H leadership and camping opportunities, fostering invaluable life skills such as leadership, teamwork, and independence.
<h4>The Impact of the 4-H Paper Clover Campaign<img decoding="async" class="alignright wp-image-10701 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="450" height="450" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/polkco/files/2024/12/TSC-paper-clover-december-social-1080-x-10804.jpg"></h4>
Since 2010, Tractor Supply has partnered with the National 4-H Council to raise over $19 million through the biannual Paper Clover Campaigns. These funds provide scholarships for 4-H youth to attend transformative experiences like summer camps, leadership programs, and STEM-focused events. The most recent campaigns set records, with millions raised nationwide to benefit over 80,000 young people annually.
In Polk County, the campaign plays a key role in empowering youth. Donations have funded scholarships for participation in:
<ul>
<li>4-H Summer Camp at Camp Cloverleaf, where attendees explore nature, engage in team-building, and develop practical skills.</li>
<li>4-H Legislature, which teaches young participants about government processes and civic engagement.</li>
<li>The 4-H Fishing Club Overnight Trip, combining education and outdoor adventure in a memorable year-end experience.</li>
</ul>
These programs not only teach practical skills but also inspire youth to become confident leaders and engaged citizens.
<h3>How You Can Help</h3>
During the campaign, customers can purchase a Paper Clover at any Tractor Supply store or online. Contributions—whether large or small—directly support initiatives in your community. The collective generosity of Tractor Supply customers and team members ensures the next generation of leaders can thrive. Join Tractor Supply and the 4-H in cultivating the leaders of tomorrow while supporting local initiatives that make Polk County shine.
For more information about the Paper Clover Campaign and how you can support 4-H youth, visit the <a href="https://ir.tractorsupply.com/newsroom/news-releases/news-releases-details/2024/Tractor-Supply-Celebrates-the-Season-of-Giving-With-4-H-Paper-Clover-Fundraiser/">Tractor Supply 4-H Paper Clover Page</a>. Together, we can empower our youth and make a lasting difference in our community.
<a href="https://corporate.tractorsupply.com/newsroom/news-releases/news-releases-details/2024/Tractor-Supplys-4-H-Spring-Paper-Clover-Fundraiser-Has-Sprung/default.aspx"><img decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-10239 aligncenter lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="1650" height="470" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/polkco/files/2024/12/2.png"></a>

Empowering Polk County Youth
The Tractor Supply Company’s 4-H Paper Clover Campaign is a vital initiative that supports youth development across the nation. With 90% of donations remaining in the state where they are raised, the program ensures local impacts, particularly in counties like Polk, Florida. These funds are earmarked specifically for 4-H leadership and camping opportunities, fostering invaluable life skills such as leadership, teamwork, and independence.
The Impact of the 4-H Paper Clover Campaign
Since 2010, Tractor Supply has partnered with the National 4-H Council to raise over $19 million through the biannual Paper Clover Campaigns. These funds provide scholarships for 4-H youth to attend transformative experiences like summer camps, leadership programs, and STEM-focused events. The most recent campaigns set records, with millions raised nationwide to benefit over 80,000 young people annually.
In Polk County, the campaign plays a key role in empowering youth. Donations have funded scholarships for participation in:
4-H Summer Camp at Camp Cloverleaf, where attendees explore nature, engage in team-building, and develop practical skills.
4-H Legislature, which teaches young participants about government processes and civic engagement.
The 4-H Fishing Club Overnight Trip, combining education and outdoor adventure in a memorable year-end experience.
These programs not only teach practical skills but also inspire youth to become confident leaders and engaged citizens.
How You Can Help
During the campaign, customers can purchase a Paper Clover at any Tractor Supply store or online. Contributions—whether large or small—directly support initiatives in your community. The collective generosity of Tractor Supply customers and team members ensures the next generation of leaders can thrive. Join Tractor Supply and the 4-H in cultivating the leaders of tomorrow while supporting local initiatives that make Polk County shine.
For more information about the Paper Clover Campaign and how you can support 4-H youth, visit the Tractor Supply 4-H Paper Clover Page. Together, we can empower our youth and make a lasting difference in our community.

Empowering Polk County Youth The Tractor Supply Company’s 4-H Paper Clover Campaign is a vital initiative that supports youth development across the nation. With 90% of donations remaining in the state where they are raised, the program ensures local impacts, particularly in counties like Polk, Florida. These funds are earmarked specifically for 4-H leadership and […]

Tractor Supply’s 4-H Paper Clover Campaign

Thank You, Polk County! The 2024 Peanut Butter Challenge, organized by UF/IFAS Extension and Florida A&#38;M University (FAMU) Cooperative Extension, was a smooth success. This annual peanut butter jar collection brings communities together to fight hunger and promote one of Florida’s staple crops — peanuts — just in time for the holiday season. And this [&#8230;]

<figure id="attachment_10521" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-10521" style="width: 450px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-10521 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="450" height="352" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/polkco/files/2024/12/Blog_3-300x235.png"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-10521" class="wp-caption-text">UF/IFAS Extension Polk County Team &#8211; Credit: UF/IFAS Extension Polk County Team</figcaption></figure>
<h3>Thank You, Polk County!</h3>
The 2024 Peanut Butter Challenge, organized by UF/IFAS Extension and Florida A&amp;M University (FAMU) Cooperative Extension, was a smooth success. This annual peanut butter jar collection brings communities together to fight hunger and promote one of Florida’s staple crops — peanuts — just in time for the holiday season. And this year, Polk County truly stepped up to the plate!
A huge thank you to everyone who participated in this year’s challenge! From individuals to families to local organizations, your generosity made a tangible difference in the lives of those in need.
<figure id="attachment_10645" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-10645" style="width: 300px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-10645 size-medium lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="300" height="294" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/polkco/files/2024/12/Ann-Marie-Gutierrez-and-John-Shaw-at-Haines-City-Public-library-helping-me-load-up-the-librarys-peanut-butter-donation-300x294.jpg"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-10645" class="wp-caption-text">Haines City Public Library Team &#8211; Credit: Andrea Nikolai</figcaption></figure>
<h4></h4>
<h4>A Sweet Show of Generosity from Polk County</h4>
Polk County residents showed up in a big way for the 2024 challenge, partnering with local nonprofit KidsPACK to make a significant impact. Together, the community donated an incredible 977 jars of peanut butter, weighing in at a whopping 1,480 pounds. That is almost a 40% increase in jars and 50% increase in total weight compared to last year’s total of 702 jars of peanut butter, weighing 988 pounds.
Here’s a fun fact to put that in perspective: Americans consume about 4 pounds of peanut butter per person each year. That means Polk County’s contribution could meet the annual peanut butter needs of approximately 370 people!
<h4 style="text-align: left">Why the Peanut Butter Challenge Matters</h4>
<figure id="attachment_10641" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-10641" style="width: 265px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-10641 " src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/polkco/files/2024/12/Master-Gardeners-From-left-to-right-Molly-Griner-Patti-Hayford-and-Bonnie-Poller-who-helped-unload-all-the-peanut-butter-225x300.jpg" alt="" width="265" height="353" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-10641" class="wp-caption-text">Polk County Master Gardeners &#8211; Credit: Andrea Nikolai</figcaption></figure>
The Peanut Butter Challenge isn’t just a friendly competition among Florida counties — it’s an opportunity to feed hungry families and raise awareness about the importance of Florida’s peanut industry. Peanuts are a versatile, nutrient-rich crop grown right here in our state, making them the perfect staple for fighting food insecurity. In fact, a full 75% of Florida peanuts are processed into peanut butter, which accounts for about half of all US peanut consumption.
As the jars rolled in, the real winners were the children and families who will benefit from this generous outpouring of support. The donations collected in Polk County will stay local, ensuring that those in need within our community have access to this shelf-stable, protein-packed food.
<h4>How Polk County Got Involved</h4>
This year’s challenge featured multiple donation locations across Polk County, with local libraries and the Polk County Sheriff&#8217;s Office stepping up as donation sites, making it easy for residents to participate.
The partnership with KidsPACK added an extra layer of heart to this year’s effort. KidsPACK, a nonprofit dedicated to feeding children in need, ensured the donated peanut butter would reach families in time for the holidays. The sight of the truck loaded with jars and ready for delivery was a proud moment for everyone involved.
<figure id="attachment_10633" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-10633" style="width: 300px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-10633 size-medium lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="300" height="280" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/polkco/files/2024/12/Image-30-300x280.jpg"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-10633" class="wp-caption-text">Polk County UF/IFAS Team boxing donations &#8211; Credit: Jasi Romero</figcaption></figure>
<figure id="attachment_10635" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-10635" style="width: 321px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-10635 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="321" height="281" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/polkco/files/2024/12/Image-41-300x263.jpg"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-10635" class="wp-caption-text">Mark with KidsPack and boxed donations &#8211; Credit: Jasi Romero</figcaption></figure>
<figure id="attachment_10637" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-10637" style="width: 375px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-10637 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="375" height="281" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/polkco/files/2024/12/Image-44-300x225.jpg"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-10637" class="wp-caption-text">Mark with KidsPack loading up donations &#8211; Credit: Jasi Romero</figcaption></figure>
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A heartwarming highlight of this year’s effort was the inspiring contribution from nine-year-old London Brandt. Motivated by a desire to help those in need, London donated 64 jars of peanut butter to the cause. She creatively gathered these donations by requesting jars of peanut butter for her birthday and receiving support from her community. London’s selfless act exemplifies how individuals of all ages can make a significant impact in their communities. Check out this blog to hear more about her story: <a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/polkco/2024/12/09/annual-peanut-butter-challenge-series-how-one-girl-is-giving-back/">How One Girl Is Giving Back</a>!
<hr />
<figure id="attachment_10605" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-10605" style="width: 271px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-10605 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="271" height="246" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/polkco/files/2024/12/Meghan-Petty-and-Kayla-Hemby-in-front-of-car-filled-with-Polk-County-Sheriffs-office-peanut-butter-1-300x272.jpg"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-10605" class="wp-caption-text">Polk County Sheriff&#8217;s Office Team &#8211; Credit: Andrea Nikolai</figcaption></figure>
<figure id="attachment_10609" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-10609" style="width: 305px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-10609 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="305" height="239" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/polkco/files/2024/12/11-13-24-city-librarian-lisa-lilyquist-and-Library-Associate-Christopher-Philip-with-the-array-of-peanut-butter-lakeland-public-library-anikolai-300x235.jpg"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-10609" class="wp-caption-text">Lakeland Library Team &#8211; Credit: Andrea Nikolai</figcaption></figure>
<h3 style="text-align: center">Join the Fun Next Year</h3>
Did you miss out on this year’s Peanut Butter Challenge? Don’t worry, the annual event will be back in 2025! It’s a simple yet impactful way to make a difference while celebrating a Florida-grown crop.
To stay updated on events like the Peanut Butter Challenge, follow Polk County’s UF/IFAS Extension office on social media at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/PolkExtension/">Facebook.com/PolkExtension</a>. For more information about the challenge, visit <a href="https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/peanutbutter/">go.ufl.edu/pbc</a>.

UF/IFAS Extension Polk County Team – Credit: UF/IFAS Extension Polk County Team
Thank You, Polk County!
The 2024 Peanut Butter Challenge, organized by UF/IFAS Extension and Florida A&M University (FAMU) Cooperative Extension, was a smooth success. This annual peanut butter jar collection brings communities together to fight hunger and promote one of Florida’s staple crops — peanuts — just in time for the holiday season. And this year, Polk County truly stepped up to the plate!
A huge thank you to everyone who participated in this year’s challenge! From individuals to families to local organizations, your generosity made a tangible difference in the lives of those in need.
Haines City Public Library Team – Credit: Andrea Nikolai

A Sweet Show of Generosity from Polk County
Polk County residents showed up in a big way for the 2024 challenge, partnering with local nonprofit KidsPACK to make a significant impact. Together, the community donated an incredible 977 jars of peanut butter, weighing in at a whopping 1,480 pounds. That is almost a 40% increase in jars and 50% increase in total weight compared to last year’s total of 702 jars of peanut butter, weighing 988 pounds.
Here’s a fun fact to put that in perspective: Americans consume about 4 pounds of peanut butter per person each year. That means Polk County’s contribution could meet the annual peanut butter needs of approximately 370 people!
Why the Peanut Butter Challenge Matters
Polk County Master Gardeners – Credit: Andrea Nikolai
The Peanut Butter Challenge isn’t just a friendly competition among Florida counties — it’s an opportunity to feed hungry families and raise awareness about the importance of Florida’s peanut industry. Peanuts are a versatile, nutrient-rich crop grown right here in our state, making them the perfect staple for fighting food insecurity. In fact, a full 75% of Florida peanuts are processed into peanut butter, which accounts for about half of all US peanut consumption.
As the jars rolled in, the real winners were the children and families who will benefit from this generous outpouring of support. The donations collected in Polk County will stay local, ensuring that those in need within our community have access to this shelf-stable, protein-packed food.
How Polk County Got Involved
This year’s challenge featured multiple donation locations across Polk County, with local libraries and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office stepping up as donation sites, making it easy for residents to participate.
The partnership with KidsPACK added an extra layer of heart to this year’s effort. KidsPACK, a nonprofit dedicated to feeding children in need, ensured the donated peanut butter would reach families in time for the holidays. The sight of the truck loaded with jars and ready for delivery was a proud moment for everyone involved.
Polk County UF/IFAS Team boxing donations – Credit: Jasi Romero
Mark with KidsPack and boxed donations – Credit: Jasi Romero
Mark with KidsPack loading up donations – Credit: Jasi Romero
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
A heartwarming highlight of this year’s effort was the inspiring contribution from nine-year-old London Brandt. Motivated by a desire to help those in need, London donated 64 jars of peanut butter to the cause. She creatively gathered these donations by requesting jars of peanut butter for her birthday and receiving support from her community. London’s selfless act exemplifies how individuals of all ages can make a significant impact in their communities. Check out this blog to hear more about her story: How One Girl Is Giving Back!
Polk County Sheriff’s Office Team – Credit: Andrea Nikolai
Lakeland Library Team – Credit: Andrea Nikolai
Join the Fun Next Year
Did you miss out on this year’s Peanut Butter Challenge? Don’t worry, the annual event will be back in 2025! It’s a simple yet impactful way to make a difference while celebrating a Florida-grown crop.
To stay updated on events like the Peanut Butter Challenge, follow Polk County’s UF/IFAS Extension office on social media at Facebook.com/PolkExtension. For more information about the challenge, visit go.ufl.edu/pbc.

Thank You, Polk County! The 2024 Peanut Butter Challenge, organized by UF/IFAS Extension and Florida A&M University (FAMU) Cooperative Extension, was a smooth success. This annual peanut butter jar collection brings communities together to fight hunger and promote one of Florida’s staple crops — peanuts — just in time for the holiday season. And this […]

Polk County

Narrower Topics

Resources for Your Central Florida Yard

Tractor Supply’s 4-H Paper Clover Campaign

Annual Peanut Butter Challenge: 2024 Wrap Up

Polk County

Narrower Topics

Polk County Soil and Water

Resources for Your Central Florida Yard

Tractor Supply’s 4-H Paper Clover Campaign

Annual Peanut Butter Challenge: 2024 Wrap Up