Media Release

​ALACHUA COUNTY, FL - The UF/IFAS Extension Alachua County Office is pleased to announce the following Environmental Horticulture Programs for March, 2015. 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.

Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Getting Ready for Spring – March 3, from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., at the Senior Recreation Center (5701 NW 34 Street, Gainesville)

This class focuses on growing the right plants in the right place, watering efficiently, and fertilizer use.

Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Saving Money in the Landscape – March 7 & March 8, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., at the North Central Florida Home & Garden Show (University of Florida, Stephen C. O’Connell Center, 250 Gale Lemerand Drive, Gainesville)

This seminar will teach how to create big impacts on a budget - addressing plant selection, cuttings, irrigation, mulching and pruning.

Registration is not required.

Vegetable Gardening: Grow Great Tomatoes – March 18, from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

This class will cover growing tomatoes in the garden and in containers. Learn the basics of how to grow tomatoes in Florida’s challenging environment. Topics include: tomato pest control options, including non-chemical choices of combatting the scores of tomato insects and disease problems.

Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Lawns & Turf Alternatives – March 24, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., at the Tower Road Library Branch (3020 SW 75 Street, Gainesville)

This class covers lawn mowing, watering, fertilizing and pest management.

Growing Blueberries – March 26, from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Alachua County is one of the top blueberry producing counties in the state. Learn to easily grow rabbit-eye blueberries. This class covers planting, fertilizing and pruning.

Fruit Production Workshop - March 28, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., (registration at 9 a.m., program begins at 10 a.m.), at the Straughn IFAS Extension Professional Development Center (2142 Shealy Drive, Gainesville), with Aparna Gazula, Commercial Horticulture Agent

This workshop is intended for fruit enthusiasts and small farmers. The latest information from UF/IFAS experts will be offered on variety selection, production, and pest and disease management for peaches, blueberries and citrus.

The registration fee is $10.00 (includes lunch). Registration can be paid at the door or online (with additional fee).

There is no cost to attend these classes (unless otherwise indicated), 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, please call 352-955-2402. Visit the Extension Office calendar for additional programs offered by the UF/IFAS Extension Alachua County 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.