Media Release

ALACHUA COUNTY, FL - The Alachua County Extension Office is pleased to announce the following Commercial Horticulture Programs, for March 2011. These programs are offered by Aparna Gazula, Commercial Horticulture Agent. All of these programs are held at the Extension Office (2800 NE 39th Avenue, Gainesville).

Growing Green Peppers & Heirloom Tomatoes - March 15, 2011 at 6 p.m. 
Learn how to grow in soil-less conditions under open shade structures.

No cost for this class. Pre-register by March 11, by calling 352-337-6209.

Green Industries Best Management Practices Workshop  - March 24, 2011, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
This workshop is designed to provide training in Best Management Practices for anyone working in the lawn, landscape, pest control, or municipal grounds areas. This is a required training class for all commercial and institutional fertilizer applicators in Alachua County according to the Alachua County Fertilizer Standards and Management Practices Code.

A “Commercial Fertilizer Applicator” means any person who applies fertilizer on turf and/or landscape plants in Alachua County in exchange for money, goods, services or other valuable consideration.

An “Institutional Fertilizer Applicator” means any person, other than a non-commercial or commercial applicator (unless such definitions also apply under the circumstances), that applies fertilizer for the purpose of maintaining turf and/or landscape plants. Institutional applicators shall include, but shall not be limited to, owners and managers of public lands, schools, parks, religious institutions, utilities, industrial or business sites and any residential properties maintained in condominium and/or common ownership.

Best Management Practices are focused on reducing non-point source pollution resulting from fertilization or pesticide application.  In some areas, you need to be certified in the BMPs to be able to bid on jobs or have commercial customers.  It will be mandatory throughout the state in the near future.   Stay a step ahead of the new requirements.

* Earn CEUs for pesticide license holders. For CEUs, get form signed before you leave.

*(2) CORE, (2) Ornamental & Turf, Limited Commercial Landscape.

Cost $25.00 (includes materials and lunch). Pre-register by March 22, by calling 352-337-6209.

Advanced Landscapers Training - March 31, 2011, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
To renew your LCLM license, attend this 4-hr class to get CEU credits to renew your license. 4 maximum CEUs will be given in: Ornamental &Turf, Limited Lawn & Ornamental, Limited Landscape Maintenance, Commercial Lawn & Ornamental.  Registration fee is $5.00, pre-register by March 29th, call 352-337-6209.