Dig Into Fall with Gardening and Water Tours

ALACHUA COUNTY ‒ Gardeners, nature enthusiasts and families will have several opportunities this fall to explore the outdoors and learn from experts through a slate of programs offered by the UF/IFAS Extension Alachua County Office.

The events, scheduled throughout September, October and early November, range from hands-on gardening workshops to a large horticultural expo and an in-depth water education series. Programs will be led by Environmental Horticulture Agent Cynthia Nazario-Leary and Master Gardener Volunteers.

Vegetable Gardening Workshop

The series begins Sept. 9 with The Fall Vegetable Garden workshop from 2:30 to 4 p.m. at the Alachua County Ag Auditorium, 22716 W. Newberry Road in Newberry. Fall is considered one of the best seasons to grow vegetables in North Central Florida thanks to cooler temperatures, fewer pests, reduced rainfall and lower rates of plant disease. Participants will learn soil preparation, planting techniques and harvesting methods for crops such as cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, leafy greens and root vegetables. The program is free, but registration is required online. Attendance is limited to 100.

Fall Horticultural Expo & Plant Market

On Oct. 18, the Alachua County Agriculture & Equestrian Center, 23100 W. Newberry Road in Newberry, will host the Fall Horticultural Expo & Plant Market from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event is presented by the Alachua County Master Gardener Volunteer Program in partnership with the Gainesville Garden Club. Admission and parking are free.

The expo will feature keynote speaker Jennifer Jewell, presenting “Cultivating Place: Sow Wild Wonder.” In addition to a fall plant and seed market, visitors can explore Florida-Friendly Landscaping ideas, browse nature displays, visit the Kids’ Zone and enjoy food trucks. Attendees are encouraged to bring wagons for carrying purchases.

Follow the Water Program

From Oct. 23 through Nov. 13, the Follow the Water program will take participants on a four-day journey tracing the path of a single drop of water from southern Georgia to the Gulf of Mexico. Each day focuses on different aspects of Florida’s water systems, from natural hydrology and agriculture to urban impacts and coastal ecosystems.

• Oct. 23 (Day 1): Okefenokee Wildlife Refuge, Folkston, Ga. — includes a boat tour and Chesser Island Boardwalk.
• Oct. 30 (Day 2): Big Shoals State Park and Suwannee Valley Farm Tour, White Springs — includes hiking, springs exploration and farm tours.
• Nov. 6 (Day 3): Gainesville — tours of Sweetwater Wetlands, Depot Park and a Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ neighborhood.
• Nov. 13 (Day 4): Cedar Key — includes a boat tour, shoreline exploration and walking tours along the Florida Shellfish Trail.

The cost for the full four-day program is $125, plus a $10.23 Eventbrite fee. Registration for individual days is not available. Participants must register online by Oct. 3. The program involves extensive walking, and participants are encouraged to carpool and bring a lunch.

For more information on these programs or to register, call 352-955-2402 or visit the UF/IFAS Extension Alachua County website.

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