Media Release

ALACHUA COUNTY, FL - The UF/IFAS Extension Alachua County Office is pleased to announce the following Environmental & Community Horticulture Programs for February 2017. These programs are being offered by Dr. Denise DeBusk, Environmental & Community Horticulture Agent, at the UF/IFAS Extension Alachua County Office (2800 N.E. 39th Avenue, Gainesville) unless otherwise indicated.

Pruning Your Fruit Trees – February 4, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., at 1679 N.E. CR 337, High Springs

This workshop provides demonstrations and hands-on practice pruning various fruit trees, including grapevines, peaches, nectarines, persimmons, apples, and more. Those with pruners and loppers should bring them, and participants should dress for the weather and bring lawn chairs. Fruit Tree Extension Specialist Dr. Jeff Williamson will lead the workshop.

Registration is $10.00 for the class. Participants can register online (for an additional fee), or call 352-337-6209. There are no refunds for registration costs.

FFL Series: Introduction to Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ – February 7, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

This class will introduce you to the nine Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ principles. Participants will receive handbooks and materials.

View/download the series flyer (PDF).

Registration is $5.00 for class. Participants can register online (for an additional fee), or call 352-337-6209. There are no refunds for registration costs. The series is limited to 30 participants.

Grow Your Own Potatoes – February 9, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at the Newberry Branch Library (110 S. Seaboard Drive, Newberry)

Soil preparation and variety selection will be covered in the class. Participants will also learn cultural techniques and how to harvest and cure potatoes. Master Gardener Mary Ann Harris will be presenting.

The class is free. Participants may register online. Class is limited to 40 participants.

FFL Series: Choose the Right Mulch – February 16, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The class provides information on the types and characteristics of various mulches. It includes activities on calculating the proper amount of mulch. Participants will receive handbooks and materials.

Registration is $5.00 for class. Participants can register online (for an additional fee), or call 352-337-6209. There are no refunds for registration costs. Class is limited to 30 participants.

Vegetable Gardening for Beginners – February 16, from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., at the Tower Road Branch Library (3020 S.W. 75th Street, Gainesville)

Participants will learn to start a vegetable garden using the square foot gardening technique. Bed construction, soil preparation, vegetables that can be grown, and pest control will be covered. Master Gardener Colin Burrows will be presenting.

The class is free. Participants may register online. Class is limited to 50 participants.

Gardening Tips and Tricks – February 23, from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., at the Senior Recreation Center (5701 N.W. 34th Blvd, Gainesville)

This class focuses on making gardening easier. Participants will learn tools, methods, and tips that can help reduce aches and pains while enjoying the outdoors. Master Gardener Laurie Sheldon will be presenting.

The class is free. Participants may register online.

FFL Series: Recycle Yard Waste and Compost – February 23, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Participants learn how to recycle yard waste and compost food scraps to decrease the amount of garbage and replenish soil. Compost bins and food scrap containers will be available.

Registration is $5.00 for the class. Participants can register online (for an additional fee), or call 352-337-6209. There are no refunds for registration costs. Class is limited to 30 participants.

Growing Peaches, Plums, and Apples – February 28, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Participants learn how to grow apple, plum, nectarine, and peach trees in Alachua County. Planting, pruning, fertilization, watering, and pest control will be covered. Participants will develop a management plan for growing the fruit.

Registration is $5.00 for the class. Participants can register online (for an additional fee), or call 352-337-6209. There are no refunds for registration costs. Class is limited to 50 participants.

Participants must register at least three days prior to classes. For more information about these programs call 352-955-2402. Visit the Extension Office Calendar for additional programs offered by the Extension Office.

An Equal Opportunity Institution. Extension Service, University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, Nick T. Place, Dean. Single copies of Extension publications (excluding 4-H and youth publications) are available free to Florida residents from county Extension offices. Information about alternate formats is available from IFAS Communications, University of Florida, PO Box 110810, Gainesville, FL 32611-0810.