UF IFAS Extension Alachua County Master Gardeners

09/01/2026

$1 seeds at Ocala’s UF IFAS Marion County Master Gardeners

Fall Seed Sales 2026 - September 9, 2026 – October 9, 2026

Are you planting a fall garden? If so, please consider purchasing your seeds from the Marion County Master Gardeners. These seeds have been cleaned and packaged by a dedicated team and are suitable for the local area. The price is $1.00 per pack or six (6) packs for $5.00. Payment is by cash or check payable to the University of Florida.

To place your order and arrange for pick-up at the Extension Office, located at 2232 NE Jacksonville Road (Ocala), please email us at [email protected] . For questions, please call our office at 352-671-8400. We thank you for supporting the Marion County Master Gardeners.

08/31/2026

“The Alachua County Library District is here to help you with your gardening needs. Rediscover our Seed Libraries housed at all 12 locations, the online magazines available to cardholders with up-to-date horticultural tricks and news, the collection of books available for checkout, and the programs we offer. Check out some options below.

ACLD Seed Library
Each location of the Library District has a Seed Library where patrons can “check out” seeds. Our Seed Libraries are supported by donations, but donations are not required to participate. And the best part of the Seed Library is that it is free for everyone! You also do not need a library card to check out seeds.

For more information about the Seed Library, please visit our website or contact your closest branch. Each library location has its own checkout limits. Interested in donating seeds to the library? You can drop them off at any location. Be sure to include as much information about them as possible, such as harvest date and variety name.

eMagazines
Our Libby/OverDrive collection offers access to hundreds of magazines on all sorts of topics, including gardening. Try the Home and Garden section for a general focus, or use your own search terms if you want something more specific (i.e., food preservation).

Book Collection
Physical and digital materials available for check out [see their website https://www.aclib.us/blog/gardening-library ]

Some Upcoming Library programs
Gardening-themed programs at our branches

UF IFAS Presents: Fall Herbs | From Garden to Table https://attend.aclib.us/event/16871081
Thursday, September 10, 1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Library Partnership Branch

Please join UF IFAS Master Gardener Deb Sanders discussing growing different Herbs. Herbs are traditionally cultivated for their unique flavors and aromas, providing essential seasoning for a wide variety of dishes. During this event, we will highlight six popular herbs that thrive during the fall season. We look forward to seeing you there.


Herbology 101 with Freya's Herbals https://attend.aclib.us/event/16706995
Tuesday, September 22, 4 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Tower Road Branch

Join Freya of Freya’s Herbals for an Herbology 101 workshop, a welcoming introduction to the world of healing plants. Participants will learn about medicinal herbs, herbal teas, and simple wellness practices while creating their own custom tea blend to take home. No experience is necessary, just curiosity and a love of nature.

Disclaimer: The information shared by Freya’s Herbals is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Products and consultations are not a substitute for professional medical advice or care.



October

UF IFAS Presents: Pollinator Gardening https://attend.aclib.us/event/16789234
Tuesday, October 13, 12 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Alachua Branch

Learn from UF IFAS how to create Florida-Friendly landscapes and gardens that create habitats that attract and support pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.



November

Gainesville Rose Society https://attend.aclib.us/event/15306076
Sunday, November 8, 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Tower Road Branch

Join the Gainesville Rose Society for their monthly meeting. Each meeting will focus on a new topic and include a program or activity, refreshments, and a short business meeting. Consulting Rosarians will be available to answer questions.



December

Gainesville Rose Society
Sunday, December 13, 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Tower Road Branch

Join the Gainesville Rose Society for their monthly meeting. Each meeting will focus on a new topic and include a program or activity, refreshments, and a short business meeting. Consulting Rosarians will be available to answer questions.

Community Organizations
Also, you may be interested in checking out organizations in Alachua County where you can meet folks with a like-minded interest in horticulture. (note: while they all engage in gardening pursuits, some may require a membership fee to join).

🌱 UF IFAS Extension Alachua County Master Gardeners program
🌱Gainesville Rose Society
🌱Gainesville Garden Club
🌱Gainesville Giving Garden by Meg Boria

Descriptions adapted from the publisher.
By LaurelC on August 18, 2026 https://www.aclib.us/blog/gardening-library

08/31/2026

Thank you 😊 Fall Horticultural Expo & Plant Market 2026 sponsors.

08/31/2026

6pm this Wednesday free online presentation and Q&A 👇🏽

There is something for everyone!

Explore our upcoming events and find opportunities to connect, learn, and grow here: https://buff.ly/KPhuZta 🌱 😉

Don't forget to bookmark our event page to never miss an opportunity!

08/31/2026

– Toilet Paper Roll Pots

Looking for an inexpensive and even better a way to repurpose something that might otherwise be trash to use to start your plants? While there are many household products that could be used, most people will have toilet paper rolls and they make a great resource to use to grow your plants.

Materials
· Toilet paper rolls or paper towel rolls
· Soil – recommend seed starter or potion soil
· Seeds of your choice – recommend using fast growing seeds
· Container to hold pots
· Something clear to container to hold in moisture
· Scissors
· Optional – Grow lights

Instructions
1. Toilet paper rolls can be cut in half if desired, for planting deep rooted crops like carrots you will want to keep use the whole thing. Paper towel rolls are about three times the length of a toilet paper roller.
2. To create the “pot” you will cut approximately 1/2-inch slits at equal distances. Folding the roll in half twice will give you equal distance as needed.
3. Folding the flaps inward, overlap them like cardboard moving box will form a flat firm bottom.
4. Pack into a plastic tray or shallow container to keep them from tipping over. Fill the pots with pre-moistened potting or seed starting soil.
5. Plant 1-2 seeds at the depth recommend depth, cover lightly with soil and mist with water.

Pros include: the pots being 100% free, eliminates transplant shock, and biodegradable.
Cons include: mold risk since cardboard traps moisture, drying out since the cardboard can wick moisture away from soil, may unroll or become mush if kept too wet.

Tips:
· To prevent mold run a mall fan nearby to increase circulation and do not overwater.
· Water by spraying with a fine misting bottle rather than pouring water directly onto the tubes.
· When planting them make sure the top edge of the cardboard is entirely below the soil. If it sticks out above the soil then it can wick moisture away from the plant’s roots.

Author and Photo Credit: Liesa R., Marion Co. Master Gardener Volunteer

08/30/2026

Organic Vegetable Production day

08/30/2026

08/30/2026

🥬 Fall Gardening in Alachua County: A Season of Opportunity

As summer's warmth fades, Alachua County gardeners can capitalize on the ideal conditions of Northeast Florida's fall season. Cooler temperatures and reduced humidity create a perfect environment for growing a diverse range of cool-season crops.

Take advantage of our unique climate and enjoy a bountiful harvest this fall and winter! Explore the possibilities with crops like:

🥬 Lettuce
🥬 Mustard
🧅 Onions
🍓 Strawberries

- Plantings of the Month website: expert advice on planting, harvesting, and more https://sites.google.com/ufl.edu/plant-of-the-month/January/september/2024-fall-gardening

- Extension Cord Audio Podcast: in-depth insights on Plantings of the Month https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ExtensionCord

Purple mustard photo by Andi Huston
Strawberry photo by Frog Song Organics
Onion harvest by Carolina Madera

08/29/2026

Per 🚙 is $5 All About Tracks free 9am 325 SW Williston Rd, Gainesville, FL 32601

On Thursday Sept 3, join us for All About Tracks! Learn how to spot different trails left by wetland animals and what to look for in your own backyards and communities! Create animal track souvenirs and try your luck with our park scavenger hunt or bingo! Follow the footprints to fun from 9:00am to 11:00am at the entry pavilion!