This year’s Home Show, sponsored by the Building Industry Association of Okaloosa & Walton Counties (BIA), will include lawn and gardening seminars. The Home Show will be held March 7 and 8 at the Emerald Coast Convention Center on Okaloosa Island.
On Saturday, March 7 at 9:30 am, Master Gardener Margaret Stewart will provide a seminar on herb gardening in Florida. Then at 3:30 pm, I’ll provide a seminar titled “How to Grow a Florida Lawn.” Many people become frustrated with their lawns here in Florida. Our climate, sandy soils and pest problems are unique compared to most areas of the U.S. Most people follow incorrect lawn care practices in Florida. As a result, they waste money, water, fertilizer and end up with a disappointing lawn. This seminar will provide you with the right information on how to grow a Florida lawn
On Sunday, March 8 at 11:30 am, I’ll provide a seminar titled “How to Grow Tomatoes in Florida.” If you’ve experienced difficulties in growing tomatoes in Florida, you’re not alone. If you plan to grow tomatoes this year, you may want to attend the How to Grow Tomatoes in Florida seminar.
Okaloosa County Master Gardeners will have an educational booth to help answer gardening questions and provide lawn and landscape publications to attendees. Master Gardeners will staff their booth throughout the entire Home Show.
Something different this year is that the Okaloosa Saves Eco-Nomic Living Expo will be held at the BIA Home Show on March 7th. So if you attend on Saturday, look for their exhibit and participate in one of their three financial management seminars. Seminars include: “How to Improve Your Credit Score” from 11 a.m. – 12 Noon, “How to Use Your IRA to Invest in Real Estate” from 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm and “How to Save Money on Your Mortgage” from 2 pm – 3 pm. While you are there, make sure to vote for your favorite Youth Piggy Bank Pageant and Corporate Piggy Bank entries. And take advantage of the free tax prep for those earning less than $52,000 annually. Visit www.okaloosasaves.org for more info on the Eco-Nomic Living Expo.
Tickets for the event are on sale now at all Eglin Federal Credit Union Branch locations for only $2 in advance. Tickets at the door are $5 per person with children 12 and under admitted free when accompanied by an adult.
The 2015 Home Show hours are Saturday 9 am – 5 pm and Sunday 11am – 4 pm.
Visit www.biaow.org for more info on the 2015 Home Show.
Larry Williams, UF/IFAS Extension Agent, Okaloosa County, February 26, 2015
