There is no need to register for the plant clinic. Just show up with sample in hand. Bring a fresh sample of the weed, plant or insect that you’d like diagnosed. This may include a plant stem with several leaves, a 4-inch square of grass with roots attached, etc. You also may bring a sample of soil for pH testing.
Whether you’re interested in vegetable gardening, beneficial insects or having a plant problem diagnosed, there are a number of gardening events happing this month through the UF/IFAS Extension Office in Okaloosa County.
Lunch & Learn Vegetable Gardening Classes
I’ll provide two Lunch and Learn Vegetable Gardening classes for the Okaloosa County Employees emphasizing what we can grow during fall and winter as well as how to incorporate organic gardening techniques that work in Florida’s climate. Both of these classes are open to the public.
The first one will be held Tuesday, August 8 at the Okaloosa County Water and Sewer Building in the 3rd floor board room. The address is 1804 Lewis Turner Boulevard in Fort Walton Beach.
Both classes are scheduled from noon to 1 p.m. and you can bring your own lunch if you wish.
Beneficial Insects Seminar
Less than one percent of insects are harmful to our lawns landscapes and gardens. We are blessed with a wealth of beneficial insects that feed on pest insects to keep them in check naturally.
On Wednesday, August 16, UF/IFAS Extension Agent Beth Bolles will provide a talk titled Gardens Alive. Bolles will focus on beneficial organisms found in our gardens and their function in promoting a healthy environment for plant growth.
There is no cost to attend these events. However, seating is limited so registration is required by calling (850) 689-5850.
Plant Clinic
The August plant clinic will be held Friday, August 11 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon in Fort Walton Beach at the Extension Annex, 127 W. Hollywood Blvd.
In addition to the above events, Master Gardeners staff the Extension Annex located at 127 West Hollywood Boulevard in Fort Walton Beach each Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and the Youth Center in Niceville located at 200 Campbell Drive each Monday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to assist the public with their lawn, landscape and garden problems. Master Gardeners will be on hand to answer your gardening questions and diagnose your plant problems.
Larry Williams is the Extension horticulture agent with the Okaloosa County Cooperative Extension Service, University of Florida. Contact Larry at 689-5850 or email lwilliams@co.okaloosa.fl.us.
