Seed Saving Strategies
2022-11-18 10:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | UF/IFAS Manatee County Extension, 1303 17th Street West, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
Have you ever thought about saving seeds from your favorite vegetables? Join us for this two-hour workshop about seed saving strategies. Topics will include plant mating systems, isolation techniques, seed processing, and more!
For more information, please contact, Mack Lessig, at 941-722-4524 ext. 1821 or mlessig@ufl.edu. For special accommodations, please let us know 10 days before the class.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Defend Yourself! How Bugs and Bloomers Survive
2023-01-14 10:30 - 12:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Insects and plants have evolved often astonishing and sometimes bizarre ways to survive when everything is out to eat them. For more than a decade, John Lampkin has been photo-documenting thorns and thistles and chemical cocktails, as bugs and bloomers battle it out. The result is a visually delightful, fun, and educational exploration of a 450-million-year-old “arms race.”
Presented by John Lampkin: John Lampkin’s photographs grace the pages of field guides, websites and magazines and he won the “American Butterflies” magazine 2020 photo contest. As a neo-classical composer, he won international prizes for his “Piano Concerto” and woodwind quintets. He has constructed many crossword puzzles, often with Nature themes, for the NY Times, LA Times and Wall Street Journal. At heart, he is just a guy with a camera who enjoys thinking and sharing what he discovers.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Landscape Tips for Water Conservation
2023-01-26 10:00 - 12:00 | Online Event
Valrie Massey, Horticulture Program Assistant, will focus on Florida-Friendly Landscape tips such as right plant vs. right place, watering efficiently, and mulch benefits. We will have a brief discussion on your in-ground sprinkler system and the benefits of installing smart irrigation devices.
This class satisfies the landscape educational requirement for the Manatee County Outdoor Water Conservation Rebate Program.
Contact: Valrie (941) 722-4524 ext 1829 or vmassey@ufl.edu for further class information. Minimum class size required or class will be cancelled. Registered attendees will be notified.
>>> WEBINAR REGISTRATION <<<
For information and eligibility on the Manatee County Outdoor Rebate Program, please call: Manatee County Utility Department – Water Conservation; Tina (941) 792-8811, ext 5327 or tina.moutoux@mymanatee.org
The University of Florida is committed to providing universal access to all of our events. For disability accommodations such as sign language interpreters and listening devices, please contact Valrie Massey (vmassey@ufl.edu / 941-722-4524) at least 1 week in advance. Advance notice is necessary to arrange for some accessibility needs.

Florida-Friendly Friday- Ask an Agent: Winter Gardening Tips
2023-01-27 11:00 - 12:30 | Online Event
Join us as to learn about good winter gardening practices and the does and don’ts before, during and after cold spells. Bob Albanese, Extension Horticulturist will provide information on timely gardening activities and recommendations for central Florida’s cooler season. We will discuss proper pruning practices, selecting the right plants and trees for your cold hardiness zone and how to prepare your vegetable garden. You will also learn about how to conserve water during Florida’s winter. Please bring your questions.
Free class, but advance registration required.
>>> WEBINAR REGISTRATION <<<

Aquaculture's Role in the Global Food Security Agenda
2023-01-30 18:00 - 19:30 | Mote Marine Laboratory, 1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy., Sarasota, FL, 34236, United States
Farming the Future:
Aquaculture’s Role in the Global Food Security Agenda
Dr. Nicole Rhody will lead the last lecture of the series on Jan. 30. With over 20 years of experience in the field of aquaculture and based at the 200-acre Mote Aquaculture Research Park, she aids in leading a team of scientists focused on conservation and cultivation of marine finfish, bivalves, crustaceans and aquatic plants.
On Monday, Jan. 30, attendees can discover the new and innovative ways Mote’s aquaculture research scientists are working to ensure global access to healthy and sustainable protein options. The lecture focuses on aquaculture, currently the fastest-growing food production sector globally and a sustainable option for attaining food security. Guests will learn how sustainable aquaculture methods can protect our oceans and help meet the increasing demand for seafood. By expanding our ability to cultivate aquatic animals and plants we can ensure sustainable human food production in the future.
Mote Members also receive discounted admission to the event.
Tickets are on sale now at mote.org/lecture.

Composting Workshop
2023-02-04 08:30 - 09:30, 2023-06-03 08:30 - 09:30 | UF/IFAS Extension, Hillsborough County, 5339 County Road 579, Seffner, FL, 33584, United States
Learn how to put your everyday food waste and organic materials to work for you! Hillsborough County and City of Tampa residents/employees will receive a compost bin, compost bucket and thermometer after attending the workshop. (Limit 1 per household and the representative of the household must be an adult.) Please arrive 15 minutes before the program starts.
>>> IN PERSON REGISTRATION <<<
>>> WEBINAR REGISTRATION <<<
NOTE: Pick-up of workshop items/giveaways for on-site attendees will be on the date of the workshop or by rescheduling with the workshop presenter. All items must be picked up within 30 days of the date of the workshop. No exceptions.
***PLEASE NOTE: There is a non-refundable $5.00 registration fee per household for this workshop. Please be advised, if our records indicate that you or another member of your household attended this workshop in the past, you will not be eligible to attend and your registration fee will not be refunded, is non- transferrable, and may not be credited toward a future workshop.***
Attending a workshop on behalf of another person is not permitted.

Spring Vegetable Gardening
2023-02-16 10:00 - 11:30 | UF/IFAS Extension, Hillsborough County, 5339 County Road 579, Seffner, FL, 33584, United States
Learn about what to plant when to get your spring vegetable garden started.
Learn about what to plant when to get your spring vegetable garden started.
If you would like to grow your own vegetables, this class is for you! Learn to grow “warm season” vegetables including soil preparation, garden bed types, and seed starting techniques. Gardens may be grown year-round in Florida, but spring is the preferred season by most homeowners. Participants will receive some seeds, vegetable transplants and a copy of the Florida Vegetable Gardening Guide after attending the workshop. (Limit 1 kit per household and the representative of the household must be an adult.)
>>> IN PERSON REGISTRATION <<<
>>> WEBINAR REGISTRATION <<<
PLEASE NOTE: There is a non-refundable $5.00 registration fee per household for this workshop.
If you have any questions, please contact the UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County at (813) 744-5519.
***The University of Florida is committed to providing universal access to all of our events. For disability accommodations such as sign language interpreters and listening devices, please contact: Tina Allen, allenti@hillsboroughcounty.org, 813-744-5519 Ext. 54112, at least 1 week in advance. Advance notice is necessary to arrange for some accessibility needs.

Precious Pollinators
2023-03-16 18:30 - 20:00 | Palma Sola Botanical Garden, 9800 17th Avenue Northwest, Bradenton, FL, 34209, United States
Learn about pollinators, their favorite plants, and make your own bee box!
This program is offered in partnership between UF/IFAS Extension Manatee County, Palma Sola Botanical Park and the Manatee County Agricultural Museum Inc. This event is family friendly and open to all.
AGENDA:
6:30PM Garden Walk and Talk: Focus on pollinator friendly plants and how to incorporate pollinator friendly practices in your home garden. Led by Master Gardener Volunteers.
7:00PM Break
7:10PM State of Pollinators Presentation: Learn about our native pollinators from Residential Horticulture Agent, Alyssa Vinson.
7:40PM Make and Take Bee Boxes: Build and take home your very own bee box to provide safe habitat to our native bees.
8:00PM Adjourn
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
The University of Florida is committed to providing universal access to all of our events. For disability accommodations such as sign language interpreters and listening devices, please contact Katie Granberg, katiebg@ufl.edu, (941) 722-4524 x 1815 at least 1 week in advance. Advance notice is necessary to arrange for some accessibility needs.

Irrigation With Water Conservation In Mind
2023-03-28 10:00 - 12:00 | Online Event
Learn how to conserve water in your irrigation system while still maintaining a healthy looking landscape and turf area.
Brian J Rigney, Program Assistant, will focus on how to adjust your in-ground sprinkler system to conserve water, how you can repair parts, and the benefits of installing water-saving irrigation devices. We will have a brief discussion on Florida-Friendly Landscape (TM) tips.

Contact Mr. Rigney (941) 722-4524 X 1828 or BrianRigney@ufl.edu for further class information. Minimum class size required or class will be cancelled. Registered attendees will be notified.
This class satisfies the irrigation educational requirement for the Manatee County Outdoor Water Conservation Rebate Program.
For information and eligibility on the Manatee County Outdoor Rebate Program, please call: Manatee County Utility Department – Water Conservation; Tina (941) 792-8811 X 5327 or tina.moutoux@mymanatee.org
Book your FREE irrigation and landscape evaluation today. Call Maggie Gaughan (941) 722-4524 X 1827 to sign up.
>>> WEBINAR REGISTRATION <<<
The University of Florida is committed to providing universal access to all our events. For disability accommodations such as sign language interpreters and listening devices, please contact Brian Rigney at BrianRigney@ufl.edu or (941) 722-4524 at least one week in advance. Advance notice is necessary to arrange for some accessibility needs.

Weeds and Seeds: A History of Dining in Florida
2023-05-06 10:30 - 12:00 | Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL, 34688, United States
Weeds and Seeds:
A History of Dining in Florida
Cattle, citrus, and many other common foods today were brought to Florida by the Spanish, so what were people eating before then? We’ll explore what people were eating 2,000 years ago and some ways our food has changed since then!
Presented by the Florida Public Archaeology Network
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Gardening with Mushrooms
2023-05-16 10:00 - 11:30 | UF/IFAS Manatee County Extension, 1303 17th Street West, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
Join UF/IFAS Extension Manatee County for a conversation about using mushrooms to enhance your gardens!

Join UF/IFAS Extension Manatee County for a conversation about using mushrooms to enhance your gardens. Not always nefarious, fungi in the garden can be used to help build soil, process compost and support plant health. Participants have the option to take home a block of ready to grow mushrooms.
Notes – Please select only one of the available ticket options. The fee for each ticket type is included in the ticket type description. Be prepared to be outdoors working in the garden. Class will be in the Barbara Davis Educational Gardens located just south of the main office, we will have signs directing you.
Please submit special accommodation requests to katiebg@ufl.edu at least 10 days prior to event.
BUY TICKETS

Florida First Detector Workshop
2023-05-19 09:30 - 11:30 | Hillsborough County Extension, 5339 County Road 579, Seffner, FL, 33584, United States
Learn about common pests and diseases and how to manage them in your home landscape.
Learn about the turfgrass pest chinch bugs, the invasive giant African land snail, whiteflies, scales and mealybugs from our Florida First Detector specialists from the University of Florida. Workshop Participants will receive a tote bag with a pest identification book and other identification tools. There will be lot of hands-on activities. The tote bag and other products will be shipped to you after the workshop.

>> IN PERSON REGISTRATION <<<
>>> WEBINAR REGISTRATION <<<

Edible Landscaping
2023-06-15 10:00 - 11:00 | UF/IFAS Extension, Hillsborough County, 5339 County Road 579, Seffner, FL, 33584, United States
Learn how to grow vegetables, herbs, fruits and other foods in a Florida-Friendly way!
Learn to select varieties of edibles to plant in your landscape that grow well in Florida in a way that conserves water, builds soil, and reduces pesticide use. This class is for gardeners interested in expanding their own edible landscapes, with information about creating a backyard garden that delivers fresh food in an affordable, sustainable way. Participants who attend in person will receive starts of a variety of plants that may include pineapple, papaya, banana, pigeon peas, sweet potato, tropical spinach and turmeric.
>>> IN PERSON REGISTRATION <<<
>>> WEBINAR REGISTRATION <<<
If you have any questions, please contact the UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County at (813) 744-5519.
***The University of Florida is committed to providing universal access to all of our events. For disability accommodations such as sign language interpreters and listening devices, please contact: Tia Silvasy, tsilvasy@ufl.edu, 813-744-5519 Ext. 54145, at least 1 week in advance. Advance notice is necessary to arrange for some accessibility needs.

Regrow Your Veggies Workshop
2023-06-25 10:00 - 11:30 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Save money and time by sustainably regrowing your own produce!
Get step-by-step directions on how to regrow delicious vegetables in your kitchen.

Ages: 12 & up | Cost: $5 Preregistration required by June 24.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Cicadas: Florida’s Heat Bugs
2023-06-30 10:00 - 11:00 | Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL, United States
Discover the life, habits, songs, and fun facts about these widespread (& loud) insects.
Discover the life, habits, songs and fun facts about these widespread (& loud) insects. If weather permits, we will also go outside to try to listen for them!
This program will take place inside the auditorium of the Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, but will also go outside briefly to observe wild insects. This program is recommended for adults and youth ages 8 and up.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Talk Plants with Me
2023-07-06 11:30 - 12:00, 2023-08-10 11:30 - 12:00 | ZOOM, United States
Ask a Horticulture Agent Webinar!
Submit your questions to our Horticulture Agent for live Q&A. We will talk about hot topics in the plant world and may have a few guests join us along the way.
>>> WEBINAR REGISTRATION <<<

Vegetable Gardening
2023-07-07 10:00 - 12:00 | UF/IFAS Manatee County Extension, 1303 17th Street West, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
A beginner’s guide to vegetable gardening in Florida!
Join us for Vegetable Gardening! In this two-hour workshop, we will be covering basic vegetable gardening in Central Florida. Topics include planting seasons, variety selections, cultivation techniques, fertilizer, and more. For more information, please contact, Mack Lessig, at (941) 722-4521 ext.1821 or mlessig@ufl.edu.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Uncommon Edibles
2023-07-10 18:30 - 20:00 | Palma Sola Botanical Park, 9800 17th Avenue Northwest, Bradenton, FL, 34209, United States
Learn about uncommon fruits, vegetables, herbs, and spices!
Join experts from UF/IFAS Extension and the Manatee Rare Fruit Council to discover some of the lesser known edible plants that can be a successful addition to your garden or landscape. Attendees will tour the fruit tree orchard and participate in a planting activity.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Bugs, Bugs, Bugs
2023-07-14 10:00 - 12:00 | UF/IFAS Manatee County Extension, 1303 17th Street West, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
Let us answer all of your insect and pest questions!
Do you want to learn more about pest and beneficial insects? During this 2-hour class we’ll cover insect life cycles, managements, identification, and more. For more information, please contact Mack Lessig at (941) 722-4524 ext. 1821 or mlessig@ufl.edu.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Veggie Influenza
2023-07-21 10:00 - 12:00 | UF/IFAS Manatee County Extension, 1303 17th Street West, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
Be prepared for veggie flu season by getting a shot of information!
This workshop is designed to educate the casual gardener about some of the most common vegetable diseases in Florida and in Manatee County. In this roughly two hour class, participants will learn the basic biology of pathogenic organisms, how to identify common disease symptoms, and acquire some basic disease management skills. This workshop is not designed for professional landscapers or pesticide applicators.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Salt Tolerant Plants & Irrigating with Reclaimed Water
2023-07-27 10:00 - 12:00 | Online Event
Learn which plants are salt tolerant and what to know when irrigating with reclaimed water.
Valrie Massey Program Assistant will host the webinar. Learn how to choose Salt Tolerant Plants appropriate for your landscape location and irrigation source.
Contact: Valrie (941) 722-4524 ext:1829 or vmassey@ufl.edu for further class information.
Minimum class size is required or class will be postponed. All those that register will be notified if postponed.
This class satisfies the landscape educational class requirement for the Manatee County Outdoor Water Conservation Rebate Program. For further information on the program, please contact: Tina 941-792-8811, Ext. 5327 or tina.moutoux@mymanatee.org
>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<

Plant Food 101
2023-07-28 10:00 - 12:00 | UF/IFAS Manatee County Extension, 1303 17th Street West, Palmetto, FL, 34221, United States
Join us for Plant Food 101! Come find out what plants need to grow.
Join us for Plant Food 101! In this two-hour workshop, we will covering basic plant nutrition. Learn about the role that nitrogen, potassium, and other elements play within a plant. For more information, please contact, Mack Lessig, at (941) 722-4524 ext.1821 or mlessig@ufl.edu.
>>> RESERVE A SPOT <<<

Grafting & Air Layering
2023-08-11 10:00 - 12:00 | Palma Sola Botanical Park, 9800 17th Avenue Northwest, Bradenton, FL, 34209, United States
Join UF/IFAS Environmental Horticulture Associate Professor Dr. Andrew Koeser and Residential Horticulture Agent Alyssa Vinson for an introduction to grafting and air layering. The class will be hands on, so be prepared to participate and learn skills you can apply in your home landscapes.
The University of Florida is committed to providing universal access to all of our events. For disability accommodations such as sign language interpreters and listening devices, please contact Katie Granberg, katiebg@ufl.edu, (941) 722-4524 x 1815 at least 1 week in advance. Advance notice is necessary to arrange for some accessibility needs.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Community Tree Care for HOAs
2023-08-22 09:00 - 12:00 | Palma Sola Botanical Park, 9800 17th Avenue Northwest, Bradenton, FL, 34209, United States
Join UF/IFAS Extension and Professional Arborists for a presentation and panel discussion on tree care and maintenance in HOA communities. We will focus on how to set up a tree care plan and contracts for care that are based on sound arboricultural practices.
Agenda:
9:00 Welcome and Introductions
9:15-10:15 Community Tree Care: Why, What, How?
10:15-10:30 Break
10:30-11:30 Setting up your Community for Success: Presentation and Panel discussion
11:30-12:00 Q and A and Resource Sharing
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
The University of Florida is committed to providing universal access to all of our events. For disability accommodations such as sign language interpreters and listening devices, please contact Katie Granberg, katiebg@ufl.edu, (941) 722-4524 x 1815 at least 1 week in advance. Advance notice is necessary to arrange for some accessibility needs.

Farming at Boyd Hill Garden
2023-09-07 15:30 - 17:00, 2023-09-14 15:30 - 17:00 | Boyd Hill Nature Preserve Classroom, 1101 COUNTRY CLUB WY S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33705, United States
Fun, hands-on education on organic gardening, raising chickens, and fun activities from 4-H curricula.
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<

Herbs in Florida
2023-09-08 09:00 - 10:00, 2023-09-15 09:00 - 10:00 | Moccasin Lake Environmental Education Center, 2750 Park Trail Lane, Clearwater, FL, United States
A two-part series on growing herbs in Florida!

Friday, September 8 at 9:00AM
Growing Herbs in Florida – In this first of a two-part series, join Master Gardener Volunteer John Dawson in the Educational Garden to learn about culinary herbs that grow well in our warm and cool seasons. This class covers types of herbs, planting and growing tips, and a tour of the herb gardens. $5
Friday, September 15 at 9:00AM
Propagating and Harvesting Herbs in Florida – In part two, Master Gardener Volunteer Rebecca Moreland will demonstrate propagation techniques for herbs including seeding, cuttings, and division. You will also learn about harvesting and using these flavorful and healthful plants. $5
>>> REGISTER HERE <<<
The University of Florida is committed to providing universal access to all of our events. For disability accommodations such as sign language interpreters and listening devices, please contact our office at (941) 722-4524 at least 1 week in advance. Advance notice is necessary to arrange for some accessibility needs.
