Media Release

ALACHUA COUNTY, FL - The Alachua County Extension Office is presenting a "It's Not Too Hot to Garden" Summer Gardening Workshop on Wednesday, June 15, 2011, from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Downtown Farmers Garden at the County Administration Building (on the corner of E. University Ave and S. Main St.).  Wendy Wilber, Extension Environmental Horticulture Agent, will lead a discussion on summer crops, cover cropping, seed saving, solarization and other backyard summer garden topics. This workshop is a collaboration of Florida Organic Growers, Grow Gainesville, the Alachua County Extension Office and the Alachua County Office of Sustainability.  Refreshments will be provided, but participants are asked to bring a water bottle and chair if needed.

There is a suggested donation of one healthy, non-perishable item to be collected for families in need.  Extra seeds and plants for donation will also be accepted.

According to Alachua County Sustainability Manager, Sean McLendon, "Summer gardening in Florida is a challenging given the heat, bugs and plant diseases than can plague crops." He continued, "Attendees of the workshop will be able to share ideas, ask questions, and bring samples from their gardens for diagnosis."

Attendees are requested to RSVP, by emailing Grow Gainesville at growgainesville@gmail.com.

The Alachua County Downtown Farmers’ Garden was made possible through a grant from the Downtown Rotary Club.  Established in July 2010, it serves as a living classroom for rainwater collection, composting, and organic gardening techniques.  Fruit and vegetables grown at the garden are regularly given to local charities.

Click here to learn more about the garden or to see other upcoming events.

For more information about the event, volunteering, or hosting an event at the Downtown Farmers Garden, contact Sean McLendon at 352-548-3765 or smclendon@alachuacounty.us, or Travis Mitchell, Florida Organic Growers at 352-377-6345 or travis@foginfo.org.