Media Release

ALACHUA COUNTY, FL - The UF/IFAS Extension Alachua County Office is pleased to announce the following Environmental Horticulture Programs for September, 2016. These programs are being offered by Dr. Denise DeBusk, Environmental & Community Horticulture Agent, at the UF/IFAS Extension Alachua County Office (2800 N.E. 39 Avenue, Gainesville).

Gardening for Seniors – September 7, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. (with Laurie Sheldon, Master Gardener)

This class focuses on making gardening easier. It will describe and demonstrate tools, methods, and tips that can help reduce aches and pains while enjoying the outdoors.

Make Cheap and Easy Self-watering Tomato Containers – September 13, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

This workshop teaches how to build self-watering tomato containers with supplies that can be found locally. Additional information on how to use the containers and what grows in them will be presented. A self-watering container is also provided as well as a tomato transplant with everything needed to grow healthy, tasty tomatoes.

Registration is $20.00 for class and container; $5.00 for class only. Register online (with an additional fee) or call 352-337-6209 (voicemail). Class is limited to 20 participants.

Turn your Backyard into an Edible, Sustainable Landscape – September 17, from 8:30 a.m. to noon (with Russ Rice, Master Gardener)

This workshop is for the beginner to intermediate gardener that wants to create an edible landscape, utilizing organic principles. Topics include setting up garden spaces, fertilization, micro irrigation, pest and disease control, and an introduction to hydroponics. It includes hands-on activities and a manual. Light refreshments will be provided.

Registration is $50.00 for workshop. Register online (with an additional fee) or call 352-337-6209 (voicemail). Class is limited to 15 participants.

Planting Your Yard for Wildlife – September 22, from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Learn about planting yards to attract birds, butterflies, and pollinators. This class identifies various birds and butterflies, as well as the plants that attract them. It includes a tour around the demonstration gardens, informational handouts, and “seed bombs” of native wildflowers.

Registration is $5.00 for class. Register online (with an additional fee) or call 352-337-6209 (voicemail).

For more information about these programs, call 352-955-2402. Visit the Extension Office Calendar for additional programs offered by the Extension Office.

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.