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 April classes/events are listed below and on its events calendar.
How to Grow Oyster Mushrooms
Join us to learn about the basics of fungi and how to make an oyster mushroom grow bag! Presented by Orange County Extension Agent Calvin Gardner, this hands-on class will cover fungi anatomy, growth habits, and edible uses, plus participants will make a mushroom grow bag to take home.
Tuesday, April 1, 2025, 10:00am-11:30am.
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, April 2, 2025, 5:00pm-8:00pm.
FREE! Registration required at http://ocextension.eventbrite.com. 407-254-9200.
gARTening Series: Hammered Flower Art Workshop (In Person)
In this class presented by Orange County Extension Agent Clarissa Chairez, we’re exploring a unique and creative way to incorporate nature into art with Hammered Flower Art! This technique, also known as flower pounding, offers a unique blend of botanical beauty and artistic expression. Participants can design on a canvas tote bag or watercolor paper. Kids 12 and under are welcome and encouraged to join!
Friday, April 4, 2025, 2:00pm-3:30pm.
$7.50-$20 fee, depending on design choice. Registration required at http://ocextension.eventbrite.com. 407-254-9200.
Florida Native Landscaping (Online)
Interested in incorporating more native plants into your landscape but not sure where to begin? Join us to learn how to create beautiful, low-maintenance landscapes with Florida native plants that thrive in the local climate and support wildlife. Taught by Orange County Extension Agent Dr. Heather Kalaman, this class will highlight the ecological and aesthetic advantages of using native species, with a focus on several often-overlooked native species that are low-maintenance and will attract pollinators and other wildlife.
Tuesday, April 8, 2025, 1:00pm-2:00pm OR 6:00pm-7:00pm.
$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!
Thursday, April 10, 2025, 10:00am-11:30am
$10 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 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, April 15, 2025, 10:00am-11:30am.
$10 fee. Registration required at http://ocextension.eventbrite.com. 407-254-9200.
How to Grow Oyster Mushrooms
Join us to learn about the basics of fungi and how to make an oyster mushroom grow bag! Presented by Orange County Extension Agent Calvin Gardner, this hands-on class will cover fungi anatomy, growth habits, and edible uses, plus participants will make a mushroom grow bag to take home.
Tuesday, April 15, 2025, 10:00am-11:30am.
Registration required at http://ocextension.eventbrite.com. 407-254-9200.
Lawn & Ornamental Landscapes: Overview, Exam Review, & CEUs (In Person)
Join us for a comprehensive overview of Best Management Practices (BMPs) & Integrated Pest Management (IPM)for Urban Lawn & Ornamental landscapes. Presented by Orange County Extension Agent Hannah Eason, this class is intended for landscape professionals preparing to obtain or maintain a pesticide applicator license. We will provide an overview of lawn and landscaping topics to supplement the exam study materials specific to the license category. Topics include laws, safety, basic maintenance, insect, weed, disease ID, management, plus calculation and calibration exercises.
Wednesday, April 16, 2025, 9:00am-1:00pm.
$40 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, April 16, 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!
Wednesday, April 16, 2025, 2:00pm-3:30pm.
$10 fee. Registration required at http://ocextension.eventbrite.com. 407-254-9200.
First Time Homebuyer Workshop – SPANISH 4/16 & 4/23 (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.
Wednesday, April 16, 2025, 5:00pm-9:00pm.
Wednesday, April 23, 2025, 5:00pm-9:00pm.
$10 fee. Registration required at http://ocextension.eventbrite.com. 407-254-9200.
First Time Homebuyer Workshop – ENGLISH 4/17 & 4/24 (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.
Thursday, April 17, 2025, 5:00pm-9:00pm.
Thursday, April 24, 2025, 5:00pm-9:00pm.
$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!
Tuesday, April 22, 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 UF/IFAS Extension Orange County, 6021 S. Conway Rd., Orlando, FL 32812, 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 can 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, April 26, 2025, 8:00am-12:00pm or until trees are gone, whichever comes first.
FREE! No pre-registration or fee to participate. 407-254-9200.
April "Pop Up" Plant Clinic (In Person)
Our Master Gardener Volunteers are hosting "Pop Up" Plant Clinics at the Windermere and Winter Garden Branches within the Orange County Library System this month! Visit our booth for all of your plant care questions.
Tuesday, April 1, 2025, 10:30am-12:30pm at Windermere Branch Library
Saturday, April 12, 2025, 10:15am -12:15pm at Winter Garden Branch Library
FREE! No registration is needed.
