The UF/IFAS Extension Alachua County Office is pleased to announce the following Commercial Horticulture programs for March 2026. These programs are being offered by Commercial Horticulture Agent Tatiana Sanchez-Jones and other extension specialists.
Spring 2026 Bee College – March 20-21, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Day 1) and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Day 2), at the Honey Bee Research and Education Laboratory (1881 Natural Area Drive, Gainesville).
Bee College is a training event for beekeepers of all experience levels. Bee College participants will have the opportunity to learn about honey bees and beekeeping from the state's experts. Class topics include beginner beekeeping courses, in-hive skill practice, research updates, native bees and more.
The registration cost varies, and participants must register through Eventbrite. More details are provided within the Eventbrite page.
For questions about this event, contact honeybee@ifas.ufl.edu.
Starting a Successful Hydroponic Business – March 23-24, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (Day 1) and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Day 2), at the UF/IFAS Suwannee Valley Research Extension Center (8202 CR 417, Live Oak).
This two-day program will feature demonstrations and hands-on activities inside greenhouses, a shade house, and an outdoor production area at the facility. The topics to be covered include:
- Planning the business and developing a marketing strategy
- Growing transplants
- Selecting hydroponic systems
- Soilless media choices
- Irrigation and fertilizer
- Nutrient management
- Managing pests
- Production of several crops, from microgreens to herbs to cut flowers to tomatoes
This event is brought to you by the Small Farms Academy team, which includes state, county and regional faculty at the University of Florida.
Registration fee includes printed materials, lunch, and refreshments. Register by March 10. General admission is $295 (includes $20.29 fee). Participants must register through Eventbrite.
For questions about lodging or additional logistics related to this event, contact Kim Glasscock at kglasscock@ufl.edu.
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.
