From UF/IFAS
In Summary:
Residents and businesses can take advantage of multiple February workshops and events hosted by UF/IFAS Extension Orange County, including online financial education courses and in-person gardening programs. Highlights include first-time homebuyer workshops in English and Spanish, a class for renters focused on money management and eviction prevention, and hands-on sessions at the Exploration Gardens. Several free opportunities are also scheduled, including Pop Up Plant Clinics and an Adopt-A-Tree event for Orange County residents.
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Related: Florida-Friendly landscape professionals are good for the environment, your wallet.
UF/IFAS Extension Orange County offers educational resources and information to residents and businesses through workshops, publications, and mass media, focusing on family life, youth development, natural resources, horticulture, and agriculture. Current December classes/events are listed below and on its events calendar.
First Time Homebuyer Workshop – ENGLISH 2/10 & 2/17 (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.
Tuesday, February 10, 2026, 5:00pm-9:00pm.
Tuesday, February 17, 2026, 5:00pm-9:00pm.
$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 seeking income-based assistance programs or anyone looking to become a more savvy renter.
Wednesday, February 11, 2026, 5:00pm-9:00pm.
FREE! Registration required at http://ocextension.eventbrite.com. 407-254-9200.
The Science of Cheesemaking (In Person)
Don’t miss this hands-on opportunity to explore the world of cheese making and take home your own creation. Join Orange County Extension Agent Hillary MacMichael for a fun, interactive experience that reveals the science behind making safe, delicious cheese from scratch using quick and easy techniques.
Friday, February 13, 2026, 2:00pm-4:00pm.
$20 fee. Registration required at http://ocextension.eventbrite.com. 407-254-9200.
First Time Homebuyer Workshop – SPANISH (Online)
Learn the steps to home ownership and how to obtain an affordable mortgage in this 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, February 18, 2026, 9:00am-5:00pm.
$10 fee. Registration required at http://ocextension.eventbrite.com. 407-254-9200.
Green Industries Best Management Practices (GI-BMP) (In Person)
A science-based educational program for lawn care and landscape maintenance workers. Pre-requisite for the Limited Urban Fertilizer Applicator License. Presented by Orange County Extension Agent Hannah Eason, this class covers proper fertilization, pest control, irrigation, and cultural practices for landscape and pest control professionals. Plus, enjoy a bonus Lunch & Learn on SunSpot Safety—with SWAG included! CEUs available!
Wednesday, February 18, 2026, 8:15am-3:30pm.
$30 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 J.K. 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, February 18, 2026, 10:00am-12:00pm.
$5 fee. Registration required at http://ocextension.eventbrite.com. 407-254-9200.
Vegetable Gardening in the Garden (In Person)
Join us at the Exploration Gardens for an interactive, hands-on class covering the basics of vegetable gardening. Participants will learn essential skills, including seeding, transplanting, and caring for vegetable plants, to support a successful harvest. Designed for both novice and experienced gardeners, this class will be taught by Orange County Extension Agent Calvin Gardner.
Thursday, February 19, 2026, 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 Extension 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 educational materials and pollinator seed packets. Open to ages 13 and up!
Tuesday, February 24, 2026, 10:00am-11:30am.
$10 fee. Registration required at http://ocextension.eventbrite.com. 407-254-9200.
Native Plant Workshop (In Person)
Transform your landscape with the power of Florida’s native plants! Join Orange County Extension Agent Dr. Heather Kalaman and members of the Tarflower Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society for an inspiring workshop showcasing beautiful, low-maintenance plants that attract pollinators and thrive in our climate. Enjoy hands-on learning and a guided walk through our vibrant 4-acre demonstration gardens.
Friday, February 27, 2026, 10:00am-12:00pm.
$20 fee includes the class and native plant walk, a packet of Florida native wildflower seeds, and a potted Florida native plant. Registration required at http://ocextension.eventbrite.com. 407-254-9200.
Vegetable Gardening in the Garden (In Person)
Join us at the Exploration Gardens for an interactive, hands-on class covering the basics of vegetable gardening. Participants will learn essential skills, including seeding, transplanting, and caring for vegetable plants, to support a successful harvest. Designed for both novice and experienced gardeners, this class will be taught by Orange County Extension Agent Calvin Gardner.
Friday, February 27, 2026, 10:00am-11:30am.
$10 fee. Registration required at http://ocextension.eventbrite.com. 407-254-9200
February "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, February 3, 2026, 10:30am-12:30pm at Windermere Branch Library
Saturday, February 14, 2026, 10:15am-12:15pm at Winter Garden Branch Library
FREE! No registration is needed.
Adopt-A-Tree (In Person)
Join our UF/IFAS Extension Master Gardener Volunteers at Downey Park, 10107 Flowers Ave, Orlando, FL 32825, 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 by availability, but all will be suitable for Zone 10A.
Saturday, February 21, 2026, 8:00am-12:00pm or until trees are gone, whichever comes first.
FREE! No pre-registration or fee to participate. 407-254-9200.
Key Points:
- UF/IFAS Extension Orange County is offering online and in-person programs throughout February 2026 on housing, finances, and horticulture.
- A two-part First-Time Homebuyer Workshop (English) will be held on Feb. 10 and February 17 (5–9 p.m.) for a $10 fee.
- The Take Control of Your Money for Renters class will be held on February 11 (5–9 p.m.) online and is free with registration.
- Gardening-focused events include Vegetable Gardening in the Garden, Garden Tours, and a Native Plant Workshop, as well as a Green Industries BMP certification course for landscape professionals.
- Free community events include Pop Up Plant Clinics at local libraries and an Adopt-A-Tree giveaway on February 21 at Downey Park in Orlando (proof of residency required).
