The UF/IFAS Extension Alachua County Office is pleased to announce the following Commercial Horticulture programs for February 2023. These programs are being offered by Dr. Tatiana Sanchez-Jones, Commercial Horticulture Agent.
Limited Commercial Landscape Maintenance Workshop – February 14, from 8:15 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Alachua County Ag Auditorium (22716 W. Newberry Road, Newberry)
The Limited Commercial Landscape Maintenance Workshop trains commercial landscape maintenance personnel to make correct pesticide applications for ornamentals and plant beds only. Attendance for the full day is required before sitting for the license exam. Class begins at 8:15 a.m. and ends at 3 p.m. Exams begin at 3:15 p.m.
Those wanting to take the exam on the computer (recommended) following the class should
register online. Click on residential pest control and then “Exam SignUp.” Participants can pay online, and then they will be given a voucher number. Please bring the printed receipt and voucher number on the day of the class. Books are not provided but can be pre-ordered
online. It is recommended that the attendee study before attending the workshop, as this is a review. Books required are SM 1, SP 499, and SM 82.
Up to six Continuing Education Units will be available in the following categories: three General Standard/Core (Chapters 482 and 487), three Ornamental & Turf, three Limited Lawn & Ornamental, three Limited Landscape Maintenance, and three Commercial Lawn & Ornamental.
Individuals seeking recertification may attend the class for four hours if registered on Eventbrite. The registration fee is $30.00 per person (includes lunch). Participants must
register online by February 11. A late fee of $10.00 will be applied for registrations after February 11 or if paying at the door. The class is limited to 35 participants. There are no refunds for the registration fee.
Anaerobic Soil Disinfestation Field Day – February 28, from 9 a.m. to noon, at Siembra Farm (2033 S.E. 23rd Place, Gainesville) with Dr. Xin Zhao, UF Horticulture Sciences
By attending this field day, participants learn about Anaerobic Soil Disinfestation (ASD) as an alternative to chemical soil fumigation. They learn how the process was conducted at this local farm and its effects on weed and disease pressure in carrot production. Topics include an introduction to the ASD technique, a field demonstration, on-farm research trials, and discussions on ASD application in organic vegetable production. Dr. Xin Zhao’s lab members from UF Horticultural Sciences Department will provide research updates on organic vegetables in North Central Florida. This on-farm research was funded by the USDA - Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education Program (SARE). Please bring a hat and jacket with you.
The registration fee is $5.00 (plus $2.18 in Eventbrite fees). The registration fee includes light refreshments. Participants must
register online by February 24. The event is limited to 30 participants. There are no refunds for the registration fee.
For more information about these programs, contact Dr. Tatiana Sanchez-Jones, Commercial Horticulture Agent, UF/IFAS Extension Alachua County, at 352-955-2402 or
tatiana.sanchez@ufl.edu. Visit the
Extension Office website for additional programs offered by the Extension Office.
An Equal Opportunity Institution. Extension Service, University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, Dr. Andra Johnson, Dean for UF/IFAS Extension. Single copies of Extension publications (excluding 4-H and youth publications) are available free to Florida residents from county Extension offices.