The UF/IFAS Extension Alachua County Office is pleased to announce the following Commercial Horticulture programs for November 2023. These programs are being offered by Dr. Tatiana Sanchez-Jones, Commercial Horticulture Agent.
Limited Commercial Landscape Maintenance Workshop – November 1, 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. The class begins at 8:15 a.m. and ends at 3 p.m. Exams begin at 3:15 p.m.
The registration fee is $30.00 (plus $3.85 Eventbrite fee) per person and includes lunch. Participants must
register online by October 29. A late fee of $10.00 (plus a $4.52 Eventbrite fee) will be applied for registrations after October 29 or if paying at the door. There is no refund for the registration fee.
Individuals seeking recertification may attend the class for four hours. 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.
Those wanting to take the exam following the class must
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.
Hydroponic Vegetable Production (online) – November 13 to December 15 (with Bob Hochmuth and Paul Fisher)
This class is an intermediate four-week course. All course material is online and available anytime and includes pre-recorded videos, an interactive discussion board with Ph.D. professors, and quizzes. There will be new modules activated each of the four weeks, for a total of eight learning modules. Course material is available in both English and Spanish. This program is not intended for homeowners and hobbyists.
The registration fee is $265.00 per participant, and a 20% discount is available for those who enroll five or more. Participants must
register online by November 10.
Este es un curso de nivel intermedio (algo de experiencia y entrenamiento, o nivel inicial universitario). Diseñado para maestros, pequeños productores y empleados en los EEUU y otros países con algo de experiencia en horticultura o producción hidropónica. Toma alrededor de 4 horas por semana para completar las lecciones y asignaciones. No esta diseñado para produccion en casa o como hobby.
Suwannee Valley Watermelon Institute 2023 – November 30, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Suwannee River Fair Facility (17851 90 Avenue, Fanning Springs)
The University of Florida, IFAS County Extension agents throughout the region, the Suwannee River Partnership, and area watermelon growers are working together to provide this event. This meeting was started in 2009 as a once-a-year event to bring together the watermelon growers and the industry in our region.
This event offers educational sessions and the latest research findings. Continuing Education Units (CEUs) will be available for pesticide applicators.
There is no registration fee to attend, but participants must
register online by November 28. Lunch will be provided and is sponsored by the watermelon industry suppliers. For those who would like to sponsor this event, the fee is $200.00 (plus a $15.26 Eventbrite fee). It will allow participants the opportunity to set up a booth (one 6-ft. table area) so growers can visit and network with them during the industry exhibitor reception.
For questions or more information regarding sponsorship opportunities, please contact Bob Hochmuth at 386-288-6301 or
bobhoch@ufl.edu.
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.
