By Michele Miller
What’s What New Port Richey
Florida is often touted as a year-round gardening state, but with that comes its share of ebbs and flows. There’s always something to do. As far as planting goes, it’s getting time for okra, loofah, sweet potatoes, Seminole Squash, pigeon peas, and other summer ground covers meant to choke out the weeds. Might be a good time to turn that compost pile. Start thinking about what seeds you might want to get started indoors in a few months. Plan. Get some advice. Meet others with the same interests.
There are a variety of seminars happening throughout the month, as well as some key events, including the 5th Annual Monarch Fest at the New Port Richey Public Library and “Great American Farmers Market” featuring a variety of presentations, as well as some 30 + vendors at the Starkey Ranch Library in Odessa.
The UF/IFAS Extension website is an awesome tool and offers a wonderful monthly calendar of “What To Do’ when it comes to edibles and ornamentals to plant in May. You can easily access the calendars and other information at gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/infographics-collection/what-to-plant-in-may or visit the website at sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu
For more information about the UF/IFAS Pasco County Cooperative Extension, including information on the Master Gardener program, visit sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/pasco
Fifth Annual Monarch Butterfly Festival, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Saturday, May 2, at the New Port Richey Public Library
On the agenda – Keynote speaker Shawn “The Milkweed Man,” documentary screenings, environmental group representatives, and musical entertainment. The first 50 attendees receive a free milkweed plant, with additional plants and seeds available.
UF/IFAS Pasco County Cooperative Extension | 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Saturday, May 2, at Canterbury Farms & Nursery in Hudson
This presentation will highlight some differences between fire-dependent and fire-tolerant plant communities and how lightning and indigenous people have used fire to shape the landscape for hundreds of years. We will discuss how “good fires prevent bad fires” and how pine trees are adapted to fire.
UF/IFAS Pasco County Cooperative Extension | Learn to grow loofah in your own backyard, 6 – 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 6, at the Land O’Lakes Library, and 2 – 3 p.m. Tuesday, May 12, at the New River Library in Wesley Chapel
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.
UF/IFAS Pasco County Cooperative Extension | Propagation, 9 – 10 a.m. Saturday, May 9, at Heritage Park in Land O’Lakes, and 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. Saturday, May 30, at the Hugh Embry Library in Dade City
Learn how to propagate many different types of plants by various means so that you can grow your collection even more!
UF/IFAS Pasco County Cooperative Extension | Pass Along Plants, 10 – 11 a.m. Saturday, May 9, at the Zephyrhills Public Library
One for me, one for you; sharing our favorite plants. Look around. Do you see that plant that reminds you of a friend or relative? Learn how to make memories by selecting plants that you can share with others. Many of these plants can’t be found in garden centers and can only be acquired as a gift from friends or family.
UF/IFAS Pasco County Cooperative Extension | The Art of Bonsai, 6 – 7 p.m. Monday, May 11 at the Regency Park Library in New Port Richey
The goal of bonsai is to capture the essence of a full-sized tree in nature. Come learn all about them at this seminar.
Bonsai (pronounced “bone-sigh”) has been practiced in various forms for centuries. The art of growing small trees in pots spread to Japan during the sixth century through travel and trade. Bonsai has spread all over the world, and people are developing bonsai that reflect their culture and surroundings, much like the Japanese did.
Great American Farmers Market Theatre Presentations, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Saturday, May 16, at the Starkey Ranch Theatre, Library & Cultural Center in Odessa | Free
The community is welcome to come out to this America 250 Florida celebration honoring our rich farmland and agricultural heritage. Browse 30+ local vendors, explore interactive displays, and enjoy engaging talks from UF IFAS Extension Pasco County. Plus, don’t miss your chance to meet highland cow influencer Jason Moo Moa! Giveaways will be happening throughout the event—so stop by anytime and join the fun!
More details: mypas.co/PascoAmericas250
UF/IFAS Pasco County Cooperative Extension (Two Seminars) | Fertilize Appropriately for Lawns and Landscape Plants, 6 – 7 p.m. Monday, May 11, at the Hugh Embry Library in Dade City, 1 – 2 p.m. Saturday, May 16, at Canterbury Farms & Nursery in Hudson, and 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 21, at the South Holiday Library
Plants have varying nutrient needs, depending on the species, age of the plant, and its location. It’s not always necessary to fertilize your landscape plants, trees, palms, or lawns, and too much fertilizer can weaken a plant, promote disease, and invite pests, in addition to wasting money and harming the environment. Learn more about proper fertilization at these seminars
Note: The University of Florida is committed to providing universal access to all of our events. For disability accommodations, such as alternative formats of written materials, contact Kate Kaste at kkaste@pascocountyfl.net or 352-518-0156 at least 1 week in advance.
UF/IFAS Pasco County Cooperative Extension | Florida-Friendly Food-Scaping: Including Edibles in Your Yard (Two Seminars), 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. Monday, May 19, at the New Port Richey Public Library and 2 – 3 p.m. Thursday, May 28, at the New River Library in Wesley Chapel
Florida’s generally mild climate lets you have an edible landscape almost year-round. Creating an edible landscape need not be expensive or labor-intensive. Even a modest container-grown edible landscape can produce a bountiful harvest
For more local news and calendar events
Latest Posts
- Garden Groove | Horticulture Events & Programs, May 2026
- Precision Service & Installation (PSI) Earns 2025 Kwik-Wall GOLD Industry Leading Sales Award
- FDOH Pasco Offers Free or Low Cost Breast and Cervical Screenings
- Almost 1,500 Saint Leo University Students to Graduate May 6 in Two Commencement Ceremonies
- Pasco Libraries Introduces New Digital Learning Resources
Be the first to comment