Media Release

ALACHUA COUNTY, FL - The UF/IFAS Extension Alachua County Office is pleased to announce the following Environmental Horticulture Programs for February, 2014. These programs are being offered by Wendy Wilber, Environmental Horticulture Agent, at the UF/IFAS Extension Alachua County Office (2800 NE 39 Avenue, Gainesville) unless otherwise indicated.

Raised Bed Vegetable Gardening – February 3, from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., at the Millhopper Library Branch (3145 NW 43 Street, Gainesville), and repeated on February 5, from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m., at the Extension Office.

This program teaches what crops grow in fall gardens and about the efficient technique of growing vegetables in raised beds.

Success with Potatoes – February 12, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Soil preparation and potato variety selection will be covered in the class. Included are cultural techniques and how to harvest and cure potatoes.

Growing Shiitake & Oyster Mushrooms – February 20, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. (with Aparna Gazula, Commercial Horticulture Agent)

This workshop will teach how to grow mushrooms. Shiitake mushrooms are grown on hardwood logs and oyster mushrooms can be grown on straw.  Oyster mushroom production kits will be available for $8.00 per kit (limit 1 per household for first 50 registrants). The kit includes: mushroom spawn, a grow bag, straw, lime, and other resources materials.

There is no cost to attend these classes, space is limited; pre-register at least 3 days prior to class by calling 352-337-6209 (voice mail).

For more information about these programs, call 352-955-2402. Visit the Extension Office calendar for additional programs offered by the UF/IFAS Extension Alachua County.

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.