Garden Groove | Horticultural Events, July 2026

Learn how to grow loofahs – yes, those scrubby sponges – right in your own backyard. This fun class covers everything from planting seeds to peeling and drying your harvest. You’ll get tips on sunlight, types of support, and when to pick them for the best results. By the end, you’ll be ready to start a loofah jungle and collect your own sponges!

For more information on this event or other programs sponsored by the UF/IFAS Pasco County Extension, visit sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/pasco

An overview of tomatoes and how to successfully grow them in Central Florida. Learn about their origin and how they were introduced into Western culture. A look at why we grow tomatoes differently in Florida than in other parts of the country. An understanding of heirloom vs hybrid and determinate vs nondeterminate plants is one better than the other. 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.

For more information on this event or other programs sponsored by the UF/IFAS Pasco County Extension, visit sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/pasco

Yard trimmings, leaves, and other landscape waste can be combined with kitchen waste in the composting process to create fertile, organic matter that can be added to soil, mulch, and potting soil to help your plants flourish. Composting is nature’s way of recycling…actively helped along by you! Join in this informative in-person presentation to learn tips and tricks about the science and art of composting from UF/IFAS Extension Pasco County.

For more information on this event or other programs sponsored by the UF/IFAS Pasco County Extension, visit sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/pasco

Explore the botanical history and classification of African violets and learn about diverse cultivars and morphological traits. The presenter will include information on proper care, including light, temperature, and watering. While discovering fun facts about the cultural and significance of African violets, the presenter will include some propagation techniques and challenges that one might have with propagation and growing violets.

For more information on this event or other programs sponsored by the UF/IFAS Pasco County Extension, visit sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/pasco

Landscape irrigation systems require frequent maintenance to make sure you are providing the water that your turfgrass and landscape plants need, but aren’t overwatering. This presentation will teach Pasco County citizens how to best manage their irrigation systems for maximum water-use efficiency that keeps your plants and your wallet happy!

For more information on this event or other programs sponsored by the UF/IFAS Pasco County Extension, visit sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/pasco

How Best to Control Yard Pests – Integrated Pest Management (IPM), will provide you with the basics of Integrated Pest Management techniques for Florida-Friendly Landscapes. Learn how to effectively control garden pests with the least impact on the environment.

For more information on this event or other programs sponsored by the UF/IFAS Pasco County Extension, visit sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/pasco

Growing your own fresh food in Florida is easier than you think! If you give them the growing conditions they prefer and do a little planning, you can grow fresh, nutritious, and flavorful vegetables almost year-round in Central Florida. This presentation will focus on starting seeds and propagating plants that will do well in Florida’s Fall growing season.

For more information on this event or other programs sponsored by the UF/IFAS Pasco County Extension, visit sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/pasco

This NPR FarmNet event takes place on the third Tuesday of each month and typically features plants, seeds, a guest speaker, and the opportunity to slip next door to Ordinance One for a brew.

What you do in your landscape matters. From the fertilizers you apply to the water you use, your gardening choices can have an impact on land, water, wildlife, and the overall well-being of Florida’s residents. Bring your questions, photos, samples, or plain curiosity to this casual Q&A session focused on Pasco County residential lawns and landscape plants.

For more information on this event or other programs sponsored by the UF/IFAS Pasco County Extension, visit sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/pasco

Learn about the mushroom life cycle: mycelium, mycorrhizae, the fruiting body, and spores. Spore printing. There will be recipes and folklore that include mushrooms.

For more information on this event or other programs sponsored by the UF/IFAS Pasco County Extension, visit sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/pasco

A little-known fact – Okra is most widely known as a vegetable, but since it has seeds, it is actually a fruit. 

It’s also one of the vegetables that can withstand, rather, flourish in Florida’s tropical summer climate.

And while it’s an essential in many cultural and regional dishes, okra sometimes gets a bad rap – one this event seeks to dispel with education and a variety of okra-inspired recipes and concoctions.

Buy and taste local sweet potatoes at this annual event, which, per usual, offers an educational spin for those interested in planting their own crop. And while November is typically harvest time for the sweet potato in these parts, those in the know have been delighting in sweet potato greens, considered a delicacy in asian cultures, throughout the summer months.