UF IFAS Extension Manatee County

UF IFAS Extension Manatee County All UF/IFAS Extension Manatee County comments are made by UF/IFAS Extension Manatee County designees.

We bring the resources of the University of Florida to Manatee County to solve local issues, provide educational opportunities, promote economic enhancement and improve the quality of life for all. The University of Florida Extension Manatee County intends to educate, inform and provide updated information on UF/IFAS Extension Manatee County's activities and to support and promote the UF/IFAS Exte

nsion Manatee County's objectives for these activities through its social media account. The University of Florida welcomes your comments on our social media posts and encourages interaction among Gators around the world. We also encourage our community to foster respectful and vibrant online connections. Before you post, please consider the UF Core Values and review these UF Community Commenting Guidelines (“Guidelines”). We review all comments made and when necessary, we reserve the right to remove comments that are:

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Congratulations to all of our incredible 4-H youth recognized at this year’s awards banquet!From leadership and communit...
06/05/2026

Congratulations to all of our incredible 4-H youth recognized at this year’s awards banquet!

From leadership and community involvement to project work and personal growth, these young people continue to represent the very best of Manatee County 4-H. We are so proud of the hard work, dedication, and accomplishments of each and every member recognized throughout the evening.

Thank you to the families, volunteers, and supporters who help make these opportunities possible. Here’s to another year of learning, growing, and leading the 4-H way!

Happy National Gardening Week! What a beautiful morning celebrating the grand opening and ribbon cutting of the Patricia...
06/04/2026

Happy National Gardening Week! What a beautiful morning celebrating the grand opening and ribbon cutting of the Patricia and Dr. Carroll Geraldson Community Garden.

This new community space represents so much more than gardening — it’s a place for neighbors to connect, learn, grow healthy food, and build community together. Named in honor of Patricia and Dr. Carroll Geraldson, whose legacy helped shape agriculture in Manatee County, the garden reflects their lifelong spirit of innovation, generosity, and community involvement.

Thank you to everyone who attended, volunteered, supported, and helped bring this project to life, including our Community Gardens Team, volunteers, county staff, and local artists.

We are excited to watch this garden continue to grow and blossom for years to come!

We’re hiring! UF/IFAS Extension Manatee County is seeking an Extension Agent I-III focused on Commercial Horticulture – ...
06/03/2026

We’re hiring! UF/IFAS Extension Manatee County is seeking an Extension Agent I-III focused on Commercial Horticulture – Vegetable & Fruit Production.

This full-time position will work directly with local growers and agricultural communities to provide research-based education on topics like irrigation management, pest management, nutrient management, water quality, and sustainable production practices. The role also includes hands-on demonstrations, workshops, field visits, and collaboration with agricultural partners throughout the region.

If you’re passionate about agriculture, education, and supporting Florida’s farming community, we encourage you to apply.

Palmetto, FL
Application deadline: June 21, 2026
You can find the application here: https://tinyurl.com/3v6jwaj3

Florida thunderstorm season is nearly upon us! Come by to get your FREE rain gauge.With afternoon thunderstorms becoming...
06/02/2026

Florida thunderstorm season is nearly upon us! Come by to get your FREE rain gauge.

With afternoon thunderstorms becoming part of our daily routine, now is the perfect time to check your irrigation rain sensor and keep an eye on how much rainfall your landscape is actually receiving.

A simple rain gauge can help you track how much rain your yard is getting so you only irrigate when needed. Many Florida landscapes receive plenty of water from summer storms alone! You can stop by our office to pick up a FREE rain gauge while supplies last at 1303 17th St W, Palmetto, FL 34221.

Did you know Florida law requires all automatic irrigation systems to have a working rain sensor? These devices help prevent irrigation systems from running during or after rainfall, saving water, protecting your plants from overwatering, and helping reduce unnecessary runoff.

Need help checking your system? Our Water Conservation Team offers FREE rain sensor testing and full irrigation evaluations for Manatee County residents. Call (941) 722-4524 ext. 1828 or email [email protected] for more information.

A little monitoring can go a long way toward conserving water during Florida’s rainy season!

This month is a great time to plant heat-loving flowers like celosia, vinca, and portulaca, along with summer favorites ...
06/01/2026

This month is a great time to plant heat-loving flowers like celosia, vinca, and portulaca, along with summer favorites like okra, sweet potato, basil, and rosemary. It’s also the perfect season to plant palms while warm temperatures and summer rains help establish strong roots.

As your garden grows, remember to keep an eye out for pests, monitor irrigation needs, lightly prune summer-blooming shrubs, and check local fertilizer restrictions before applying products during the rainy season. Read more about June planting tips and keep your Florida garden thriving all summer long here: https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/EP450

Our May 2026 edition of "Ag is For" is here. This month, Ag is for kids! Take a look as we highlight our Manatee County ...
05/29/2026

Our May 2026 edition of "Ag is For" is here. This month, Ag is for kids!

Take a look as we highlight our Manatee County 4-H program and the different ways that your child can be involved in various areas of agriculture from animal shows, herpetology, and summer classes.

🍀Learn more about Manatee County 4-H: https://sites.google.com/ufl.edu/manatee-county-4-h/youth-interested-in-joining

Ready to grow your gardening knowledge and give back to the community?Sign up for the 2026 Master Gardener Volunteer Tra...
05/28/2026

Ready to grow your gardening knowledge and give back to the community?

Sign up for the 2026 Master Gardener Volunteer Training Program at UF/IFAS Extension Manatee County!

This comprehensive 14-week course begins Fall 2026 and will take place every Wednesday from 8:30 AM to 1:30 PM at our UF/IFAS Extension Office located at 1303 17th St W, Palmetto, FL 34221. The cost of the program is $200.

Participants will learn from expert-led sessions covering topics like soil science, pest management, plant care, and more — all while connecting with fellow plant enthusiasts and preparing for meaningful volunteer opportunities throughout the community. From educational programs to local gardens and outreach events, Master Gardener Volunteers play an important role in helping Manatee County grow greener.

Interested in joining? Contact Mack Lessig at [email protected] or call (941) 722-4524 ext. 1821 for more information.

The new issue of The Garden Bench is here!Read the full newsletter here: https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/manatee/lawn--garden/...
05/27/2026

The new issue of The Garden Bench is here!

Read the full newsletter here: https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/manatee/lawn--garden/garden-bench-newsletter/

Explore this month’s edition of the Garden Bench newsletter—your go-to guide for seasonal, research-based gardening advice from Manatee County’s Residential Horticulture Master Gardener Volunteers.

Learn about topics such as:
• Landscape power tools
• How to mount an orchid
• Attracting hummingbirds in Manatee County
• Irrigation restrictions

Fertilizer restrictions are almost here. From June 1 through September 30, fertilizer application restrictions go into e...
05/26/2026

Fertilizer restrictions are almost here. From June 1 through September 30, fertilizer application restrictions go into effect to help protect our waterways during Florida’s rainy season.

Not sure what rules apply where you live? The Florida Fertilizer Ordinances App makes it easy to search your address and view local restrictions, exemptions, setbacks, and ordinance details specific to your area.

A few important reminders for Manatee County residents:
• Fertilizer cannot be applied before heavy rain events, tropical weather, or when soils are saturated.
• Fertilizer must be kept at least 10 feet away from water bodies.
• Some exemptions apply for vegetable gardens, farms, compost, and certain professional applications.

Using fertilizer responsibly helps reduce nutrient runoff and protects our rivers, bays, and drinking water. Check your local rules before you fertilize!

Learn more here: https://ffl-apps.ifas.ufl.edu/fertilizer/

Address

1303 17th Street W
Palmetto, FL
34221

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+19417224524

Website

https://www.eventbrite.com/organizations/events

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