From UF/IFAS
UF/IFAS Extension Orange County provides education and information to residents and businesses through workshops, publications, and mass media in the areas of family life, youth development, natural resources, horticulture, and agriculture. Current September classes/events are listed below and on its events calendar.
Garden Festival and Plant Sale (In Person)
This free event includes plant, craft and food vendors, expert speakers on all things gardening, kids’ activities, and more! Master Gardener Volunteers will be available to diagnose plant issues. UF/IFAS Extension Orange County, 6021 S. Conway Road, Orlando. Service animals only.
Saturday, March 1, 2025, from 8:30am-3:00pm.
FREE! No registration required. 407-254-9200.
Spring Vegetable Gardening (In Person)
Join Orange County Extension Agent Calvin Gardener for an informative Spring Vegetable Gardening workshop and learn how to cultivate a thriving garden in Florida’s unique climate. Discover how to use University of Florida resources to grow the food you love, improve plant health, and maximize your harvest with less effort. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this class will set you up for success!
Tuesday, March 4, 2025, 10:00am-11:30am
$10 fee. Registration required at http://ocextension.eventbrite.com. 407-254-9200.
Take Control of Your Money for Renters (Online)
Money management, renters’ rights, eviction prevention, and more! Offered via Zoom by a team of UF/IFAS Extension Agents, including Orange County Extension Agent Jenny Rodriguez, this class is for residents looking for income-based assistance programs or anyone wanting to become a more savvy renter.
Wednesday, March 5, 2025, 2:00pm-5:00pm.
FREE! Registration required at http://ocextension.eventbrite.com. 407-254-9200.
Taste of Cultures 4-part Workshop (In Person)
Embark on a 4-part culinary adventure exploring global food traditions and flavors! Join Orange County Extension Agent Hillary MacMichael for an interactive cooking series where you'll learn about the health benefits of herbs, spices, and culturally significant ingredients while developing skills to create nutritious, flavorful meals with healthy swaps. From enhancing your kitchen skills to discovering the power of spices in wellness, this class is perfect for food lovers eager to explore the world through taste!
Thursdays: March 6, 13, 20 & 27, 2025, 1:30pm to 3:00pm.
$25 fee. Registration required at http://ocextension.eventbrite.com. 407-254-9200.
Dining with Diabetes 4-part Workshop (Online)
Learn how to manage your blood sugar while still enjoying delicious meals. Join Orange County Extension Agent Hillary MacMichael for a 4-part virtual event where we'll learn about managing diabetes through healthy eating. Our knowledgeable speakers will share tips on meal planning, cooking techniques, and making delicious yet nutritious meals. Whether you have diabetes or want to support a loved one, this event is for you!
Fridays: March 7, 14, 21 & 28, 2025, 11:00am - 12:30pm.
$15 fee. Registration required at http://ocextension.eventbrite.com. 407-254-9200.
Garden Tour (In Person)
Grab your gardening hat, sunglasses, and some comfy shoes and join our Orange County Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Agent Dr. Heather Kalaman for a guided tour through our Exploration Gardens! See unique plants in our 12 themed gardens and learn about Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ principles, smart irrigation, vegetable gardening, and flower species to attract bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects. The tour includes an FFL book and pollinator seed packets.
Tuesday, March 11, 2025, 10:00am-11:30am.
$10 fee. Registration required at http://ocextension.eventbrite.com. 407-254-9200.
Spring Vegetable Gardening (In Person)
Join Orange County Extension Agent Calvin Gardener for an informative Spring Vegetable Gardening workshop and learn how to cultivate a thriving garden in Florida’s unique climate. Discover how to use University of Florida resources to grow the food you love, improve plant health, and maximize your harvest with less effort. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this class will set you up for success!
Tuesday, March 13, 2025, 10:00am-11:30am
$10 fee. Registration required at http://ocextension.eventbrite.com. 407-254-9200.
The Art of Sustainable Landscape Design & Maintenance 3-Part Workshop (In Person)
Ready to design a beautiful, eco-friendly yard? In this 3-part hands-on workshop presented by Orange County Extension Agent Clarissa Chairez, you’ll learn about Florida-Friendly Landscaping™, how to choose the right plants, and the best ways to install and maintain your landscape. Plus, you'll create a custom design to take home and bring to life! Due to the nature of the course, it is recommended to attend all 3 portions. On the first day of class, students are responsible for bringing a soil sample, PLAT survey, and photos of their yard.
Thursdays: March 13, 20 & 27, 2025, 5:30pm – 7:00pm.
$35 fee. Registration required at http://ocextension.eventbrite.com. 407-254-9200.
First Time Homebuyer Workshop – ENGLISH 3/14 & 3/21 (Online)
Learn the steps to home ownership and how to obtain an affordable mortgage in this 2-part class offered via Zoom in ENGLISH by a team of UF/IFAS Extension Agents, including Orange County Extension Agent Jenny Rodriguez. The homebuyer workshop meets the education requirements for down payment assistance programs.
Friday, March 14, 2025, 9:00am-1:00pm.
Friday, March 21, 2025, 9:00am-1:00pm.
$10 fee. Registration required at http://ocextension.eventbrite.com. 407-254-9200.
Palms Workshop (In Person)
Join Orange County Extension Agents Hannah Eason and Dr. Heather Kalaman for this 4-hour workshop designed for enthusiasts, horticulturists, and landscape professionals seeking a comprehensive understanding of palms. We will dive into a general overview of palms, including historical significance, biology, morphology, stressors and how to best care for palms in the landscape. CEUs available!
Wednesday, March 19, 2025, 9:00am – 1:00pm.
$50 fee. Registration required at http://ocextension.eventbrite.com. 407-254-9200.
Urban Backyard Chicken Class (Online)
Raising chickens for fresh eggs is a fun and practical hobby, even in urban or suburban spaces! Join Orange County Extension Agent JK Yarborough via TEAMS to learn how hens can benefit your home garden and how to start and maintain a successful chicken coop in your backyard.
Wednesday, March 19, 2025, 10:00am-12:00pm.
$5 fee. Registration required at http://ocextension.eventbrite.com. 407-254-9200.
Spring Vegetable Gardening (In Person)
Join Orange County Extension Agent Calvin Gardener for an informative Spring Vegetable Gardening workshop and learn how to cultivate a thriving garden in Florida’s unique climate. Discover how to use University of Florida resources to grow the food you love, improve plant health, and maximize your harvest with less effort. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this class will set you up for success!
Friday, March 21, 2025, 2:00pm-3:30pm.
$10 fee. Registration required at http://ocextension.eventbrite.com. 407-254-9200.
First Time Homebuyer Workshop – SPANISH 3/25 & 3/26 (Online)
Learn the steps to home ownership and how to obtain an affordable mortgage in this 2-part class offered via Zoom in SPANISH by a team of UF/IFAS Extension Agents, including Orange County Extension Agent Jenny Rodriguez. The homebuyer workshop meets the education requirements for down payment assistance programs.
Tuesday, March 25, 2025, 9:00am-1:00pm.
Wednesday, March 26, 2025, 9:00am-1:00pm.
$10 fee. Registration required at http://ocextension.eventbrite.com. 407-254-9200.
Spring Vegetable Gardening (In Person)
Join Orange County Extension Agent Calvin Gardener for an informative Spring Vegetable Gardening workshop and learn how to cultivate a thriving garden in Florida’s unique climate. Discover how to use University of Florida resources to grow the food you love, improve plant health, and maximize your harvest with less effort. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this class will set you up for success!
Saturday, March 29, 2025, 2:00pm-3:30pm.
$10 fee. Registration required at http://ocextension.eventbrite.com. 407-254-9200.
Adopt-A-Tree (In Person)
Join our UF/IFAS Extension Master Gardener Volunteers at Magnolia Park, 2929 S Binion Road, Apopka, FL 32703, for our Adopt-A-Tree event! Open to all Orange County residents with proof of residency such as a driver’s license, utility bill, or photo I.D. Each household is eligible to receive two trees, which must be planted on the resident’s private property only. Trees are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Varieties will vary based on availability, but all will be suitable to flourish in Zone 10A.
Saturday, March 29, 2025, 8:00am-12:00pm or until trees are gone, whichever comes first.
FREE! No pre-registration or fee to participate. 407-254-9200.
March "Pop Up" Plant Clinic (In Person)
Our Master Gardener Volunteers are hosting "Pop Up" Plant Clinics at the West Oak, Chickasaw and South Creek Branches within the Orange County Library System this month! Visit our booth for all of your plant care questions.
Saturday, March 8, 2025, 10:15am-12:15pm at West Oak Branch & Genealogy Center
Thursday, March 13, 2025, 11:30am -1:30pm at Chickasaw Branch Library
Friday, March 14, 2025, 10:15am -12:15pm at South Creek Branch Library
FREE! No registration is needed.
