This is workshop is free and open to the public, no pre-registration is required. ... to register, visit the Food Safety and Quality website, or call toll-free at 1-888-.
March Extension Programs Environmental Horticulture Programs These programs are being offered by Wendy Wilber, Environmental Horticulture Agent, at the UF/IFAS Extension Alachua County Office (2800 NE 39 Avenue, Gainesville) unless otherwise indicated. Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Getting Ready for Spring – March 3, from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., at the Senior Recreation Center (5701 NW 34 Street, Gainesville) This class focuses on growing the right plants in the right place, watering efficiently, and fertilizer use. Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Saving Money in the Landscape – March 7 & March 8, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., at the North Central Florida Home & Garden Show (University of Florida, Stephen C. O’Connell Center, 250 Gale Lemerand Drive, Gainesville) This seminar will teach how to create big impacts on a budget - addressing plant selection, cuttings, irrigation, mulching and pruning. Registration is not required. Vegetable Gardening: Grow Great Tomatoes – March 18, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. This class will cover growing tomatoes in the garden and in containers. Learn the basics of how to grow tomatoes in Florida’s challenging environment. Topics include: tomato pest control options, including non-chemical choices of combatting the scores of tomato insects and disease problems. Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Lawns & Turf Alternatives – March 24, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., at the Tower Road Library Branch (3020 SW 75 Street, Gainesville) This class covers lawn mowing, watering, fertilizing, and pest management. Growing Blueberries – March 26, from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Alachua County is one of the top blueberry producing counties in the state. Learn to easily grow rabbit-eye blueberries. This class covers planting, fertilizing, and pruning. Fruit Production Workshop - March 28, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., (registration at 9 a.m., program begins at 10 a.m.), at the Straughn IFAS Extension Professional Development Center (2142 Shealy Drive, Gainesville), with Aparna Gazula, Commercial Horticulture Agent This workshop is intended for fruit enthusiasts and small farmers. The latest information from UF/IFAS experts will be offered on variety selection, production, and pest and disease management for peaches, blueberries, and citrus.
The registration fee is $10.00 (includes lunch). Registration can be paid at the door or online (with additional fee). There is no cost to attend these classes (unless otherwise indicated), space is limited; preregister at least 3 days prior to class by calling 352-337-6209 (voice mail). Commercial Horticulture Program This program is being offered by Aparna Gazula, Commercial Horticulture Agent. Organic Strawberry Workshop – March 3, from 1 p.m. to 4:20 p.m., at Frog Song Organics (4317 NE US Highway, Hawthorne), with specialists from University of Florida. The entrance to the farm is located on Sid Martin NE US Highway 301 Topics include: Cover Crops Options for Organic Strawberry, Performance of Selected Commercial Strawberry Cultivars, Pest and Disease Management in Organic Strawberry Production – Field Practicum in Pest Identification, and Consumer Preferences for Strawberry Quality Attributes. This is workshop is free and open to the public, no pre-registration is required. 4-H Program This program is being offered by Matt Benge, 4-H Youth Development Agent. Alachua County Open & 4-H Horse Show – March 15, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Canterbury Equestrian Showplace Outdoor Arena (9 miles west of I-75 on Newberry Road) The Horse Show is open to all riders ages 8 and up. The Horse Show is open to the public and there is no cost to attend. For more information contact Matt Benge, Alachua County 4-H Youth Development Agent at 352-955-2402. Family and Consumer Sciences Programs These programs are being offered by Brenda C. Williams, Family and Consumer Sciences Agent, at the UF/IFAS Extension Alachua County Office (2800 NE 39 Avenue, Gainesville). Food Safety and Quality Program (ServSafe®) – March 19, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This program is dedicated to providing training which enables food managers and staff to offer Florida consumers food that is prepared in a clean and safe environment. For more information and to register, visit the Food Safety and Quality website, or call toll-free at 1-888232-8723. Canning Workshop – March 24, from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. and repeated from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Basic information on canning foods using the boiling-water canner and steam pressure canner. Directions and tips will also be included on making jams, jellies, and pickles. No registration fee; printed materials will be available for $3.00 per set. Please pre-register for this class by calling 352-337-6209 (voicemail). Agriculture & Natural Resources Program This program is being offered by Barton Wilder, Agriculture & Natural Resources Agent, at the UF/IFAS Extension Alachua County Office (2800 NE 39 Avenue, Gainesville). Worker Protection Standard: Train the Trainer Workshop – March 26, from 9 a.m. to noon, with Aparna Gazula, Commercial Horticulture Agent Registration fee is $10.00 (includes light refreshments). Register by calling 352-337-6209 (voicemail) no later than March 23. For more information about these programs, please call 352-955-2402. Visit the Extension Office calendar for additional programs offered by the UF/IFAS Extension Alachua County Office.
