UF/IFAS Extension Agents in Suwannee and Taylor Counties recently teamed up to offer a creative new program series, Hands-On Homesteading. Held from August 22 through September 12, the four-week series focused on practical, “back-to-basics” skills—teaching participants how to grow, cook, and create products straight from their own backyards.
The idea for the program originated with Carolyn Saft, UF/IFAS Suwannee County Extension Director and Horticulture Agent, who aimed to combine gardening and food preservation into a single, comprehensive learning experience. Each workshop featured hands-on instruction, allowing participants to take home something they made themselves.
Weeks One and Two
The first week, hosted in Suwannee County, included Growing a Healthy Veggie Garden with Saft and Jam Making with Family and Consumer Sciences Agent Katherine Allen.
Weeks two and three were held in Taylor County. Lisa Strange, Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent, presented Growing Your Own Herbs with support from Sara Bartolini of White Farms, who demonstrated candle making using herb-infused tallow and oils.
That afternoon, Taylor County Extension Director Lori Wiggins, assisted by Master Gardener Volunteer Amanda Beckett, led a Sourdough Bread workshop in which each participant created a starter to take home.
Weeks Three and Four
The third session featured Fruits to Grow in North Florida with Strange, followed by Making Fresh Salsas with Wiggins, using fruits discussed earlier in the day.
The final week brought the series back to Suwannee County for Cheesemaking (Ricotta) with Allen and Oyster Mushroom
Production taught by Saft.
Participation and Impact
Participants could register for individual sessions or the full program, with transportation provided between counties. Classes were affordably priced at $20 each or $60 for the full series. In total, 24 participants attended, with many choosing to join multiple sessions.
End-of-series evaluations showed significant knowledge gains, and attendees praised the strong collaboration between the two counties and the practical, hands-on approach to learning.
The Hands-On Homesteading series proved to be a rewarding example of UF/IFAS Extension’s mission in action—helping people learn, grow, and live more sustainably.
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