Garden Groove | Horticultural Events & Programs, April 2026

Step into the fascinating world of moths and discover their hidden lives unfolding right here in Pasco County. This 45 min presentation will showcase the full life cycle of most moths (order Lepidoptera), using local species like the tomato hornworm/sphinx moth, giant leopard moth, and oleander moth as vivid examples.

Learn the basics of building and maintaining raised bed gardens. The presentation will discuss the advantages of raised bed gardens, how to find the best location in your yard, different methods and materials for the construction, best types of irrigation, the best times of the year to plant different crops, and most importantly, what material to fill the bed to maintain great soil health.

The festival is a learning and sharing event designed to expand knowledge and appreciation of the loquat tree and its fruit. Presentations throughout the day will explore topics including cultivation of loquat trees, uses of the fruit and leaves, and discussions on community markets and agrarianism.

Did you know that not all insects are harmful to your plants or garden? Some insects can be highly beneficial to your space. How do we identify the beneficial insects we want in our gardens? Come learn how to tell whether a bug is good or bad based on appearance and plant damage

This seminar will offer insight into how to start, root, and maintain your seedlings, cuttings, and rootings. The presentation will cover the basics of both sexual and asexual varieties of propagation so you can head home and get started with your very own plants.

Do you love watching birds? Delight at seeing pollinators in your yard? Want to encourage wildlife to “share your space?” Join us for an informative class on attracting wildlife into your yard via Florida-Friendly Landscaping principles.

Achieving a healthy, low-maintenance home landscape starts with putting the right plant in the right place. Select Florida-Friendly plants and turfgrass that match a site’s soil, light, water, and climatic conditions. Buy quality plants that welcome wildlife, consider mature plant size when you make your purchase, and aim for a diversity of trees, shrubs, and groundcovers.

The annual sale will be held at 9810 Gary Street, Hudson. Sales support high school scholarships.

Learn about chickens and what you’ll need to raise them – topics include

• Review of New Ordinances
• Types of henhouses for hot climates
• Different types of pens
• Location of your coop/henhouse in your yard
• How to predator-proof your pen/henhouse
• Introducing your pullets to their new henhouse

A look at why we grow tomatoes differently in Florida than other parts of the country, the time we plant can be one of the biggest keys to success. An understanding of heirloom vs hybrid and determinate vs nondeterminate plants. What are all those funny letters on the back of the label? Finally, a look at most of the insect problems a Florida grower will experience.

Worm composting is a great way to reduce kitchen waste, whether you live in an apartment or a home with a yard. Worm castings are a great organic soil amendment and soil conditioner that can be added directly to houseplants or used in your garden and flower beds.

Pasco County’s current watering restrictions allow for one-time-per-week irrigation. Your lawn CAN grow well within this limit! It IS POSSIBLE to maintain a healthy lawn and comply with the current Pasco County one-day-per-week watering restrictions! Join us to learn how to maximize turfgrass health, save water, and save money via techniques researched and published by turf experts at UF/IFAS Extension.

This workshop will explore the benefits and basic “how-to’s” for composting in the home landscape. Paying participants will receive one (1) GEOBIN brand compost bin (246-gallon capacity). Limit one compost bin per household, and only one compost bin per paying ticket. Register here.

This workshop will explain the benefits and functions of rain barrels for water harvesting, and guide U-Build-It for your own barrel that you get to take home. Registration is required.

Whether you want a manicured garden or your own slice of “real Florida,” native plants can help you create a more diverse, water-wise, and sustainable future for your landscape. Learn the basics of garden design, site prep, planting procedures, and maintenance

For novice gardeners, learn the basics to get started. For intermediate to advanced gardeners, take a refresher course to improve your knowledge. If you give them the growing conditions they prefer and do a little planning, you can grow fresh, nutritious vegetables most of the year in central Florida.