Levy extension Nature Coast Master Gardeners (NCMGs) are partnering with The Children’s Table, a non-profit food pantry based in Bronson, FL., to teach vegetable gardening basics. University of Florida research-based gardening recommendations will be presented, and attendees will have opportunity to practice gardening skills at the onsite garden. The garden site and open air meeting space are provided by Two Hawk Hammock owners, Kenneth and Heidi Schwiebert.

What are some of your gardening challenges? Do you have sandy well drained soil? Does an insect swarm threaten to devour your garden? The growing season is different here, when are we supposed to plant? These and other questions will be discussed during University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Levy extension gardening class. NCMGs will work in small groups to guide and reinforce information. Attendees will apply classroom lessons in the onsite garden. You will have opportunity to adopt, plant, manage and harvest a section of the garden. Registered attendees will receive a packet of UF/IFAS horticulture information including online resources.

NCMGs will provide a basic overview of the steps necessary to grow vegetables in north Florida. They will review: guidance on siting the garden; what to plant, and when; fertilizing and pest control based on University of Florida research-based publications. Florida vegetable gardening guide (Park Brown et. al., 2021); heat safety (AskIFAS, Gardening Solutions) and soil pH and the home landscape or garden (Shober et.al., 2019) are examples of UF/IFAS online documents.

Bring your favorite gardening tool(s), hat, wear closed toe shoes. There is no charge to participate. Pre-registration is required and space is limited. This is an outdoor event. Bad weather backup day, September 14.  Until next time — Happy Gardening!

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