Village Institute for Sustainable Technologies & Agriculture

Lopsided Indiangrass Sorghastrum secundum A medium to large perennial grass that grows 2-3 ft. in height and up to 6 ft. when its...

On all of the plants we noticed something unusual that led us to look more closely. Could these be the characteristic nests created by...

Have you ever wondered how the dirt we use in our raised beds becomes healthy soil? Here’s the long story … just kidding! Simply put, the...

For those who missed the irrigation workshop, here are some pointers to getting started with installing your own system: 1. Decide if you...

Have you checked out the communal herb garden yet? Along the main entry path and across from the pavilion lies our shared herb garden—a...

Compost is a mix of decaying nutrient-rich soil with a medium density that is naturally made using oxygen, bacteria, water, and organic...

Elliott’s lovegrass Eragrostis elliottii typically blooms in fall but may produce flowers in summer or even year-round. Its seeds are...

Stachytarpheta jamaicensis, commonly known as Blue Porterweed, is a low-growing, sprawling wildflower and an excellent addition to...

Honey bees. Where would we be without them? According to the US Department of Agriculture, one in three bites of food in the United...

Karen Rose and Dana Tyskie are now Co-Chairs of the Herb Garden. As experienced gardeners Karen and Dana are interested in expanding...

Here are some watering words of wisdom from experienced gardeners. I have watched our new gardeners for years. Some claim they have a...

The bright, showy flowers of VISTA’s Starry Rosinweed (Silphium astericus) attract butterflies and native bees among other pollinators....

An update on our experiment Our sunn hemp summer cover crops are fascinating stuff. As you may know, Jennifer and others decided to try...

Watch Gardeners should watch their plants for signs of stress from too much or too little water, disease and pests. Pest control starts...

Prep Preparing your soil is key to successful gardening. By adding garden soil, compost or leaves to your raised bed, you keep the soil...

Laurie Kleiner is always making a plan, organizing people to take part in events, and gathering friends for activities, so heading up the...

Lisa Meredith, Program Assistant, Hillsborough County IFAS Extension (Seffner) created two garden plans based on the vegetables and herbs...

VISTA Gardens was recently spotlighted by Charley Belcher on Fox Good Morning Tampa Bay. Thank you to those who participated both on and...

The Compost Committee has completed a major upgrade to the compost system during the summer of 2020.VISTA Gardens is thankful to the...

Despite the heat and humidity, several of our gardeners sweat it out and added seven new raised beds plus repaired the wood decay in our...