Okaloosa County Master Gardeners

06/07/2026

https://www.thedestinlog.com/story/news/environment/2026/05/29/google-debug-asks-release-millions-mosquitoes-florida/90218065007/

Google is using artificial intelligence to curb mosquito-transmitted viruses with software engineers, biologists and special insect breeding robots.

06/06/2026

https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/calhounco/2026/05/21/properly-pruning-palms-in-the-panhandle/

Email 0 Facebook 0 Twitter 0 Reddit 0 X Linkedin 0 Stumbleupon 0 Each spring, landscape professionals and homeowners alike embark on the task of pruning palm trees. Unfortunately, most palms either don’t need pruning or are incorrectly pruned (often in the same landscapes by the same offenders tha...

06/05/2026

06/05/2026

https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/escambiaco/2026/06/01/buyer-beware-reaches-the-plant-world/

Email 0 Facebook 0 Twitter 0 Reddit 0 X Linkedin 0 Stumbleupon 0 The world of online plant shopping is wonderful in allowing gardeners to find plants that are not readily available in local markets. There are numerous reputable sources of plant material available online; however, there are also some...

06/04/2026

https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/washingtonco/2026/05/28/tiny-threats-in-the-tall-grass-tick-safety-for-the-panhandle/

Email 0 Facebook 0 Twitter 0 Reddit 0 X Linkedin 0 Stumbleupon 0 Summer rain and high temperatures are welcome conditions to promote growth of crops and landscape plants, but the same conditions are ideal for a dangerous arachnid hiding in vegetation. There are numerous species of ticks that inhabit...

06/03/2026

Time to Apply for 2026 Master Gardener Volunteer Training Course
The University of Florida Extension Office in Okaloosa County is now accepting applications for the 2026 Master Gardener Volunteer training course.
We are looking for people who enjoy gardening and want to help others learn about plants, lawns, and gardens. Volunteers will work with the Extension Office in Crestview and Fort Walton Beach and help with educational programs and activities.
Master Gardener Volunteers help answer gardening questions from residents through phone calls, emails, and visits to the Extension Office. They help teach classes and give presentations to community groups. They assist with plant clinics, where they help identify lawn, landscape, and garden problems. They may help create educational displays, work in demonstration gardens, and support school garden projects. They may assist with the 4-H youth program, help at fairs and contests, and with newsletters.
The goal of the Master Gardener Volunteer program is to help Extension Agents provide research-based gardening information to people throughout Florida. To join the program, applicants should have an interest in gardening, enjoy helping others, and be willing to complete all training and volunteer requirements.
Training classes will be held on Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., beginning August 6, 2026. The course lasts 14 weeks. Most classes will take place at the Extension Office, located at 3098 Airport Road in Crestview. Classes will be taught by Extension faculty and specialists from the University of Florida. Training topics include plant science, soils, insects, plant diseases, landscape plant care, vegetable and fruit gardening, lawn care and irrigation and diagnostics.
The course fee is $150, and space is limited. To request an application for the 2026 Master Gardener Volunteer training course, call the Extension Office at (850) 689-5850. Applications must be completed by Friday, June 22, to be considered.
Larry Williams, UF/IFAS Extension Agent, Okaloosa County, June 1, 2026

06/01/2026

Join us on June 27th from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm at the Sheila Dunning Extension Building located at 1954 Lewis Turner Blvd., Ft. Walton Beach. There will be lectures throughout the day as well as displays by the Master Gardener Volunteers and Tri-County Beekeepers!

05/31/2026

Odd Fruits: Gall and Leaf Spot Diseases Caused by Exobasidium Fungi PP389/PP389: Odd Fruits: Gall and Leaf Spot Diseases Caused by Exobasidium Fungi