TAVARES, Fla. — The University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Extension in Lake County is hosting the following educational events in February:
Healthy Cooking for 1 or 2
Thursday, Feb. 8 from 10 a.m. – noon
Lady Lake Public Library, 225 W. Guava St.
Participants will learn how to make healthier choices, discover recipes and ideas for nutritious meals, and downsize and simplify meal preparation without sacrificing flavor. Register online at https://fcslake.eventbrite.comfor this free class.
Plant This, Not That
Friday, Feb. 9 from 11 a.m. – noon
WT Bland Public Library, 1995 N. Donnelly St., Mount Dora
Discover Florida-Friendly plants that are suited for Lake County and surrounding areas. Learn about plants that are best to avoid. Master Gardener Karen Kennen will present an hour lecture. Pre-registration is not required. For more information, contact the W.T. Bland Public Library -352-735-7180, option 5.
Understanding the DASH Diet
Tuesday, Feb. 13 from 10 a.m. – noon
Lake County Extension Center, 1951 Woodlea Road, Tavares
Learn why the DASH diet is ranked best diet overall for the eighth year in a row by U.S. News and World Report. The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet is designed to help treat or prevent high blood pressure by emphasizing portion size and eating a variety of nutrient rich foods. The cost of the class is $5 and includes materials and food samples. Register online at https://fcslake.eventbrite.com.
The Art of Pruning Beautiful Roses
Wednesday, Feb. 14 from 9 – 10:30 a.m.
Lake County Extension Center, Discovery Gardens, 1951 Woodlea Road, Tavares
Participants will learn the art of pruning techniques used for commonly grown roses in the home landscape. Residents will learn how to prune roses for optimum growth and health. Sumter County Master Gardener and rosarian Ed Bull will present a 30-minute lecture followed by a hands-on demonstration in the Rose Garden at Discovery Gardens. This class is free, but space is limited. Register online at https://artofpruningbeautifulroses.eventbrite.com.
Homeowner Hydroponics
Saturday, Feb. 17 from 10 – 11:30 a.m.
Lake County Extension Center, 1951 Woodlea Road, Tavares
Residential Horticulture Agent Brooke Moffis will lead this class as part of the “Saturday in the Garden” speaker series. Moffis will deliver a 45-minute presentation on hydroponic basics, followed by demonstration of three different home hydroponic systems – a tower, a vertical stacking and a floating raft hydroponics system. To guarantee a seat and materials for this class, $5 registration is required by 5 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 15. Register online at https://homeownerhydroponics.eventbrite.com or by cash or check at the Lake County Extension Center during normal business hours.
Warm Season Forage Production
Wednesday, Feb. 21 from 6 – 8 p.m.
Lake County Extension Center, 1951 Woodlea Road, Tavares
Whether making hay or grazing livestock, productive pastures play an important role in the success of any agriculture operation. This program, taught by UF Extension Forage Specialist Dr. Wallau, will provide an overview of important measures you can take now to ensure successful forage production this summer. The $10 pre-registration is required online at http://summerpastures.eventbrite.com and includes printed materials.
Foodscape Revolution
Monday, Feb. 26 from 10 a.m. – noon
Lake County Extension Center, 1951 Woodlea Road, Tavares
Garden author and personality, Brie Arthur, will share her signature design technique of Foodscaping, a sustainable landscape practice that embraces beauty and utility. She encourages everyone to “think outside of the box,” and learn how pairing edibles in a traditional ornamental landscape increases bio-diversity and adds purpose to everyday spaces. Registration is $6.22 per participant and is required by Thursday, Feb. 22 by 5 p.m. Register online at https://thefoodscaperevolution.eventbrite.com. Arthur will share her favorite recipes and time-saving tips for preparing the fresh produce grown in the foodscape. From drying herbs for custom seasoning blends to canning peppers, Arthur explains how to make the most of the food you grow. Enjoy a tomato tasting while learning how to make heirloom garden fresh sauce and salsa.
Those with food allergies should be aware that food items prepared or distributed as part of UF/IFAS Extension events may contain milk, egg, gluten, wheat, soybean, peanuts, tree nuts, fish and shellfish; and could be prepared in a facility that may be exposed to any of these ingredients.
For additional details about any of these events, contact the UF/IFAS Extension in Lake County at 352-343-4101 or visit www.lake.ifas.ufl.edu. The mission of the UF/IFAS Extension in Lake County is to develop knowledge in agricultural, human and natural resources and to make that knowledge accessible to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. The Extension service provides free consultations, as well as educational programs on a variety of subjects.
–UF/IFAS Extension in Lake County
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