The Compost Pile March 2026

FROM THE EDITOR

Here we are, spring has definitely sprung and Master Gardener Volunteers are busier than ever. There are multiple events that we are participating in. If you have the time, make sure to sign up and lend a hand!

We just had our awards meeting and congratulations to our winners. Congratulations also to those folks who reached significant milestones in their MGV journey! You are all amazing!

This is our busy time of the year. Don’t forget to take time off for yourself as well! Whether you volunteer in the office, the nursery, or any other activity that we are involved in just know that we couldn’t do it without the support of each and every one of you!

SHORT COURSE NORTH

Link to register Florida Federation of Garden Clubs, Inc. - Short Course North "Possibilities", District I

VERNAL EQUINOX by Marg Stewart

Each year in March, the vernal equinox signals the official beginning of spring in the Northern Hemisphere. For gardeners, farmers, and anyone who spends time outdoors, this astronomical event marks an important seasonal transition.

What Is the Vernal Equinox?

The word “equinox” comes from the Latin aequus (equal) and nox (night), meaning “equal night.” On the vernal equinox, the sun is positioned directly above Earth’ s equator. Because of this alignment, most places on Earth experience roughly 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of darkness.

The vernal equinox usually occurs between March 19 and March 21. After this point, the Northern Hemisphere begins receiving progressively longer days and more direct sunlight as the Earth continues its orbit around the sun. This increase in daylight is one of the key environmental signals that triggers seasonal biological changes.

How the Vernal Equinox Affects Plants

Plants rely heavily on environmental cues to regulate growth and development. Two major factors influence spring plant activity: temperature and day length, a process known as photoperiodism.

As days lengthen after the vernal equinox:

• Photosynthesis increases. Longer daylight hours allow plants to produce more energy through photosynthesis, supporting new growth.

• Dormancy ends in many species. Trees and shrubs that have been dormant through winter begin forming buds and new leaves.

• Flowering is triggered in some plants. Certain plants are classified as long-day plants, meaning they require longer daylight periods to initiate flowering.

• Soil activity increases. Warmer temperatures and longer days stimulate soil microbes and beneficial organisms, improving nutrient cycling.

In many regions, the weeks surrounding the vernal equinox also mark the start of spring planting for cool season crops such as lettuce, peas, and carrots. Extension specialists often encourage gardeners to begin preparing soil, starting seeds, or transplanting hardy vegetables during this time, depending on local frost dates.

Impacts on Agriculture

For farmers, the equinox signals a shift in seasonal management practices. The increasing sunlight and warming temperatures create favorable conditions for:

• Crop germination and early growth

• Pasture and forage regrowth

• Increased insect and pollinator activity

These changes help determine planting schedules, fertilizer applications, and irrigation needs. In many agricultural regions, spring fieldwork begins in earnest shortly after the equinox as soils warm and daylight hours expand.

Effects on People

Humans are also influenced by seasonal changes associated with the vernal equinox. The longer days that follow affect our circadian rhythms, which are the internal biological clocks regulating sleep, energy, and mood. Several common effects are:

• Improved mood and energy levels due to increased sunlight exposure

• More outdoor activities, including gardening, farming, and recreation

• Seasonal cultural traditions, many of which celebrate renewal and growth in spring.

For gardeners and homeowners, the equinox often marks the start of the active landscaping season, pruning winter damage, fertilizing lawns, planting flowers, and preparing vegetable gardens.

A Seasonal Turning Point

Although spring weather may still vary widely from year to year, the vernal equinox serves as a reliable astronomical milestone marking the transition from winter dormancy to spring growth. Increasing daylight after this date drives plant development, agricultural production, and even human behavior.

For gardeners and agricultural producers alike, the vernal equinox is a reminder that the growing season is beginning and that the natural cycle of renewal is once again underway.

Fermented Foods: Sauerkraut FSHN26-3/FS474: Fermented Foods: Sauerkraut

Agave spp.: Agave, Century Plant FPS22/FP022: Agave spp.: Agave, Century Plant

Florida Scorpionfly EENY-538/IN949: Florida Scorpionfly, Panorpa floridana Byers (Insecta: Mecoptera: Panorpidae)

Preliminary Update of Rust Disease in Florida WarmSeason Grasses PP388/PP388: Preliminary Update of Rust Disease in Florida Warm-Season Grasses

Agapanthus spp. and hybrids FPS 18/FP018: Agapanthus

spp. and hybrids: Agapanthus, African Lily, Lily of the Nile

A Parasitoid Muscidifurax raptor EENY657/IN1161: A Parasitoid Muscidifurax raptor Girault & Sanders (Insecta: Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae)

Soil-Inhabiting Nematodes EENY-012/IN138: SoilInhabiting Nematodes, Phylum Nematoda

Antirrhinum majus FPS-44/FP044: Antirrhinum majus: Snapdragon

CHERRIES JUBILEE by Dave Gordon

Approximately seven years ago, when I was President of the OCMGA, Debbie Sewell presented me with a beautiful camellia-Cherries Jubilee. The plant has done extremely well and rewards me with beautiful blooms beginning in March. It is a slow grower but is one you should include in your garden.

THANKS OCMGA.

You never know what kind of celebrities our Master Gardener Volunteers will run in to! Shari, Diane, and Toni were at The Bush House in Crestview to help celebrate their Spring Event.

Not only were they providing information to our residents but they got to ‘hop’ into spring with the help of a well-dressed Easter Bunny!

WHAT’S BUGGING YOU?

Recently, we have had several clients bring in critters for identification. Both times they were carpet beetles. One was a varied carpet beetle and the other was a furniture carpet beetle.

Carpet beetles (Anthrenus flavipes) are small, oval insects in the family Dermestidae. Adults are typically between 1/16 and 1/4 inch long and may appear black or patterned with white, brown, yellow, or orange scales. While the adults are often seen near windows or lights, they are not the primary cause of damage.

The real problem lies in the larval stage. Carpet beetle larvae are small, brown, and covered with bristle-like hairs. They tend to hide in dark, undisturbed areas such as closets, storage boxes, baseboards, and underneath furniture.

Why Are They a Problem?

Larvae feed on materials containing natural fibers, including:

• Wool clothing and rugs

• Upholstery and carpets

• Feathers, fur, and leather

Stored items like blankets and taxidermy Damage often appears as irregular holes or thin, worn patches. Items made entirely of synthetic materials are less likely to be damaged, but blends can still be affected.

Understanding Their Life Cycle

Carpet beetles develop through four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Females lay eggs in hidden areas close to food sources. Once the eggs hatch, larvae begin feeding this is the stage responsible for damage.

Larval development can last several months to over a year, depending on indoor conditions such as temperature and humidity. Because larvae avoid light and remain hidden, infestations may go unnoticed until damage is discovered.

Outdoors, carpet beetles are beneficial scavengers, feeding on pollen, dead insects, and animal debris. However, they can move indoors through open doors and windows, on cut flowers, or from nearby bird or rodent nests.

How to Prevent and Control Carpet Beetles

The most effective approach to managing carpet beetles is prevention through good housekeeping.

Start with sanitation:

Regular cleaning is key. Vacuum carpets, rugs, baseboards, and upholstered furniture frequently. Pay special attention to cracks, crevices, and seldom-moved items where lint and debris accumulate.

Protect stored items:

Before storing clothing or linens, wash or dry-clean them to remove oils and residues that attract pests. Store items in airtight containers or sealed bags to prevent infestation.

Use non-chemical methods when possible:

Temperature treatments can be effective. Freezing infested items for several days or exposing them to heat can eliminate all life stages. Cedar products may provide some deterrence, although they lose effectiveness over time.

Consider chemical control if needed:

If infestations are severe, targeted insecticide applications in cracks, crevices, closets, and storage areas may help. Always follow label directions and avoid applying insecticides directly to clothing or fabrics.

Carpet beetles are a common nuisance, but they can be managed with vigilance and routine cleaning. Early detection and proper storage practices go a long way in protecting your belongings.

SPOTLIGHT ON…...

This issue we are spotlighting recent activities with Keep Okaloosa Beautiful Pollinator Pots and the UPs program.

At the Keep Okaloosa Beautiful Pollinator Pot event. Who knew that playing in dirt could be so much fun!?

Our volunteers provided the education and participants provided the smiles.

Thank you to all who participated!

The garden at the UP program continues to be productive! The spring plantings are in and the gardens continue their amazing journey!

Thank you to our volunteers who participate in this fantastic endeavor!

Lost Garden Lore

Have you ever wondered what gardening was like many years ago? What did people say about gardening? Well, this new section will give some highlights as to what was published in local newspapers. This issue we’ll cover a few items from 1900-1930.

Master Gardener Volunteers in Action

The wildflower area in Ft. Walton has achieved FDOT recognition! Thank you to our volunteers who work on this area and keep it a haven for pollinators!

GARDENING WORDS

Trug A garden trug is a traditional, shallow, lightweight basket designed for harvesting, carrying, and washing vegetables, fruits, and flowers. Typically, it features a sturdy handle and feet for stability. The shallow design prevents delicate produce and flowers from being bruised or crushed when stacked. Authentic Sussex trugs are crafted from steamed wood slats. Originating from the Old English word trög (meaning trough), these baskets are designed for both beauty and utility in the garden.

LAST WORD Marg Stewart

One of the few times, Luna(tic) was quiet, too quiet. That always leads to a search to see what she is up to now. At least this time, it didn’t involve destruction. No, she discovered that the windowsill in the laundry room is just the right size for a catnap in the sun. Granted, not a very lady-like position (hope my neighbor wasn’t shocked), but I have to give her credit for ingenuity.

I’ll enjoy the peace and quiet for the time it will last. Her latest stunt is to get into the shower...while I’m in it...with the water running. The end result is a very wet cat. She doesn’t mind at all. Just sits toward the front where she’ s not getting directly hit by the water, sort of like being at Niagara Falls where you have to don the poncho but you end up wet anyway. I have tried drying her off afterwards and that went about as well as you would expect it didn’t. So, my goal is to remove anything she’s near that would not fare well by being impacted by a cat’s wet posterior. One notebook will never be the same and a magazine has strange waves in it thanks to her planting her caboose onto paper while in her saturated state.

Happy Hubby reminded me that, like removing things I don’t want wet, I have a similar strategy for handling myself after gardening. The shoes have to go by the door otherwise there will be clods of dirt everywhere I go. Clothes don’t go past the laundry room you never know what is going to fall out of (or in some cases crawl out of) what I was wearing.

And true to form, spring has arrived and the ants are back. Sugar ants. The bane of my existence. This time it was from under the windowsill by the sink in the kitchen. Discovered them and then looked like a crazy person while standing there with a flashlight, willing them to lead me back to where they were entering. Ah Hah! Found the entry point and sealed that up while dispatching those who had entered to the great ant hill in the sky.

This procedure has gone on for three days now. They are determined little blighters, I’ll give them that. Any tiny gap and there they are. Yes, I’ve sprayed outside and I guess that I’m just dealing with the remainders. Knock on wood day four and no uninvited guests scurrying

around.

That’s spring. Everything is in a hurry to sprout, grow, invade my kitchen….but it should also be a time that we make extra sure we give ourselves permission to stretch out and chill.

All the blooming plants, the flowers that make spring so colorful are not around for long. Make sure you take the time to notice them. Sure there are a lot of chores to be done but they will get done just enjoy the time we get to spend outside this time of year.

No one will care if you flop down and enjoy the breeze and the day. I wouldn’t recommend a windowsill though. It might not be very comfortable and whatever you do, don’t pose like Luna(tic) unless you have a very high fence and/or understanding neighbors!

Plentiful Plantings

“Spring is nature’s way of saying, ‘Let’s party!’”

Robin Williams

Equal Opportunity Institution

Mission

To assist Extension Agents in providing research-based horticultural education to Florida residents.

Vision

To be the most trusted resource for horticultural education in Florida.

The Compost Pile is a quarterly publication created by the Okaloosa County Master Gardener Volunteers.

Marg Stewart Editor

Karen Harper, Debbie Sewell, Katy McMackin Co-Editors

Contributors: Shari Wight, Sheri Murphy, Dana Jolman, Dean Clary, Carolyn Coleman