Santa Rosa County Cooperative Extension Office

Most Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) List

1.  I have recently moved to Santa Rosa County and would like to know what kind of grass should I use to establish a lawn?

The grasses that can be grown as permanent lawns in the county are centipedegrass, St. Augustine, zoysia, Bermuda, bahia and carpetgrass.  There is no best grass for every situation.  Contact your County Extension office for fact sheets and other information that will be helpful in selecting the best grass to establish in your lawn.

2. What is the last frost date for Santa Rosa County?  I would like to plant my vegetable garden early.

Mid-March is usually considered a relatively safe planting time for the spring vegetables.

3.  What kind of oak trees grow here?

There are approximately 30 different species of oaks that are native to Santa Rosa County.  Some of the more common ones are live oak, laurel oak, water oak and turkey oak.

4.  Why does my lawn have dead areas?

There are many reasons including insect and disease pests, over-fertilization and poor watering or mowing practices.  Each lawn problem should be diagnosed individually.  Contact your local Extension office at 850-623-3868 for help and recommendations.  

5. How do I control weeds, insects, and other pests in my lawn, garden, or other property? How can I get an insect identified? Where can I get unbiased advice on termite control? Is the spider I found poisonous? Is the snake I found poisonous?

Contact the Extension Office at 850-623-3868 and one of our professionals will assist you in determining your problem and finding a solution.

6. How much fertilizer and lime should I apply to my garden/lawn/field?

The County Extension Office can assist you in determining nutrient requirements for your property. Contact them at 850-623-3868.

7. How do I obtain a restricted use pesticide applicator’s license?

By passing exams given at the County Extension Office and paying the appropriate license fees.

8. Is there a 4-H club in the county my child can join?

Yes, there are more than twenty 4-H clubs throughout the county involved in numerous projects from citizenship development to horse care. Contact the Extension Office at 850-623-3868 for more information.

9. I have recently moved to the area and will bring my horses down soon. What type of forage grasses are commonly grown around here?

The most common perennial grasses planted here are bahia and bermuda. There are several different varieties of each. We also plant several different varieties of summer and winter annuals. For a complete list contact John Atkins at JDATKINS@mail.ifas.ufl.edu or phone 850-675-6654.

10. I have a pond on my property, when is the best time of year to lime it?

The best time of the year to lime a pond is late fall and winter. To determine if the pond could benefit from liming we can conduct a pH test in our office.

11. How do I can green beans, potatoes etc?

Call the county extension office at 850-623-3868 to receive free copies of canning publications.

12. How long can I keep foods in the refrigerator?

Call county extension office at 850-623-3868 for free brochure on storing foods.

13. I have mildew in my house. Is there any way to get rid of it?

Call the county extension office at 850-623-3868 for free brochure on mildew.

14. How do I freeze vegetables?

Call the county extension office at 850-623-3868 for free brochure on freezing vegetables.

15. How do I join the volunteer group, Family and Community Educators (FCE)?

Call the county extension office at 850-623-3868 and talk to Linda Bowman, Family and Consumer Sciences Agent.

16. How can I sign up for the free monthly consumer and family sciences newsletter “Consumer Highlights”?

Call the county extension office at 850-623-3868 and request to be put on the mailing list. If you prefer to receive it via e-mail, give them your e-mail address.