Fernview Farm, Inc

01/30/2026

Florida freezes can be tricky. Here are a few proven ways to help protect plants when temperatures drop. The UF/IFAS Extension team in Sumter County is here to help.

❄️ Covering plants properly during a freeze can mean the difference between minor damage and major plant loss, especially in Florida. Here are a few tips that have worked well for me:
• Cover plants before sunset to trap heat from the soil
• Use breathable materials like frost cloth, sheets, or blankets (no plastic)
• Stake or frame covers so material does not touch foliage; contact can cause burn
• Secure covers to the ground; wind can uncover plants overnight
• Add mulch at the base to protect roots and conserve soil heat

🌴 Important note on palms:
Covering only the trunk does nothing. The growing point is in the crown, so the entire palm must be protected, often impractical for large palms. This is why the right plant, right place matters.
For smaller palms (like pygmy date palms), it is suggested to use a simple PVC frame covered with sheets or frost cloth to keep material off the foliage and trap heat.

💧 Watering tip:
Lightly watering soil the day before a freeze can help, moist soil holds and releases more heat than dry soil. Avoid overhead irrigation during freezing temperatures.

If you have questions after a freeze, contact UF/IFAS Extension
Sumter County:
📞 352-569-6866 | 📧 [email protected]

01/12/2026

Seeing brown patches in your lawn this winter?
In Central Florida, it’s often Large Patch, which is a cool-season, damp-weather fungal disease common in St. Augustine & Zoysia grass.

Large Patch usually starts as small yellow/brown patches that expand over time. In affected areas, grass blades can rot at the base and pull up easily.

Homeowner tips to help reduce spread:
💧 Avoid over-watering
⏰ Run irrigation only in the early morning
✂️ Mow diseased areas last to keep it from spreading

Not sure what you’re seeing? We’re happy to help 🌿
352-245-7905

04/12/2024

University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension outreach is a partnership between state, federal, and county governments to provide scientific knowledge and expertise to the public. The University of Florida (UF), together with Florida A&M University (FAMU), administers....

03/07/2024

As it is getting warmer, make sure you are only running your irrigation in the early morning hours (5am to just before sunrise). Watering while the sun is up drastically reduces the amount of water your lawn and plants receive due to evaporation, especially at higher temperatures. Watering later in the evening puts your grass at higher risk for diseases, as the water can remain on the grass blades for hours.

Another reason to avoid running irrigation during the daytime, is that it can interrupt any services you receive. Mowing, pruning, pesticides and fertilization can all be affected if your lawn or shrubs are wet!

Send a message to learn more

07/28/2023

Accepting new customers for w**d control in landscape beds. NO CONTRACTS. Call, text, or email us your address for a monthly price. We have been in The Villages for over 23 years and are growing! An initial hand-pulling w**dout can be provided if your w**ds are currently overgrown.
352-245-7905 (call or text) or email us at [email protected]

02/04/2023

Annual chili cookoff and Craft beer festival at Lake Sumter Landing.

03/21/2022

03/16/2022

Sandra and James (original owners) have been enjoying their retirement. Sandra's photo from her travels was featured in the Miami Herald.

“They have swallowed worse.”