UF IFAS Extension Manatee County

08/25/2026

Have you ever bought a whole package of fresh herbs for a recipe, only to use a tablespoon and wonder what to do with the rest? Instead of letting those leftover herbs go to waste, try propagating them and growing your own! Learn all about propagating herbs in the new July/August issue of The Garden Bench plus more interesting topics!

Read the full newsletter here: https://tinyurl.com/yxk897dz

08/24/2026

Our Commercial Horticulture Extension Agent, Caitlin Sollazzo, got to share her expertise during the 2026 Southwest Florida Scouting Training Series. Programs like this are a great example of Extension connecting research-based knowledge with the growers and horticulture professionals who put it into practice!

08/21/2026

Good news- we added three additional dates to our Fall Vegetable Gardening series! Our previous classes sold out quickly so don't wait to claim your spot. There are also only a few spots remaining for our Vegetable Diseases class. We can't wait to learn more about vegetable gardening together!

Classes will be held at the Agriculture and Extension Service of Manatee County located at 1303 17th St W, Palmetto, FL 34221.

You can view all classes and register here: https://tinyurl.com/3ve4db8d

08/20/2026

'Twas the night before the clothing swap...

Reminder that our FREE community clothing swap starts tomorrow from 9am-12pm. Can't make it tomorrow? Our clothing swap will also be open this Saturday from 9am-12pm. We are located at 1303 17th St W, Palmetto, FL 34221.

You do not have to register for the swap to attend, but it helps give us a better idea of how many people to expect. You can register HERE: https://tinyurl.com/2pf7wtfh

Bring a friend and a bag of clothes and we will see you there!

08/19/2026

Our 4-H Eco Explorers Camp gave young participants the opportunity to explore the natural world through hands-on learning and discovery. Throughout the week, campers explored soil science, insects, marine life, survival skills, and the connections that help ecosystems thrive. We love seeing 4-H give young people the chance to get curious, ask questions, and discover the world around them!

08/18/2026

Whether you're new to cattle production or an experienced producer looking to strengthen your operation, the Ranching Foundations – Manatee program has something for you.

Join UF/IFAS at the Agriculture and Extension Service on August 27 to learn practical strategies for ranch business planning, pasture management, cattle nutrition, available agricultural resources, and more. Registration includes dinner and educational materials.

This is a great opportunity to build your knowledge, connect with other cattle producers, and gain practical tools to support a productive and sustainable ranching operation. Space is limited, so be sure to register! Registration and meal begin at 5:30 pm, with the program starting promptly at 6:00 pm.

Register HERE: https://tinyurl.com/2kc9ynr3

Anyone wishing to participate who may need special accommodations should contact Christa Kirby at [email protected] at least two weeks prior to the event

08/17/2026

Help us count local pollinators this Friday, August 21! Join us for the Great Southeast Pollinator Census, a community science project where participants will learn basic insect identification and conduct a 15-minute pollinator count in the gardens.

No prior experience is needed, and your observations will help researchers better understand and protect pollinator populations across the Southeast. Bring a sunhat, sunscreen, water bottle, clipboard and pencil, plus a chair or stool if desired.

For more information, contact Adam Green at adamgreen@ufl or 941-722-4524 ext. 1816.

Sign up HERE: https://tinyurl.com/43n3zbpc

08/14/2026

Do you have clothes that don't fit anymore? Did your kids or grandchildren clean out their closets before going back to school? Bring your donations to our office for our FREE community clothing swap.

Our clothing swap is only one week away! You can bring donations ahead of the event to our office or bring donations with you on the day of the swap. We look forward to seeing you on August 21 and 22 from 9am-12pm for our clothing swap!

You do not have to register for the swap to attend, but it helps give us a better idea of how many people to expect. You can register HERE: https://tinyurl.com/2pf7wtfh

08/12/2026

Only FIVE spots remaining for our free Plant Food 101 class next Thursday! Join us if you are interested in learning more about what fertilizers are, how nutrients work, and how to choose the right products for your garden. Reserve your spot here: https://tinyurl.com/5bb7x4bc

Want to better understand what your plants actually need to thrive? Join us for Plant Food 101 on Thursday, August 20, from 10 a.m. to noon at our office located at 1303 17th St W, Palmetto, FL 34221.

Learn the basics of plant nutrition, including what fertilizers are, how essential nutrients work, and how to choose the right products for your garden. This class will give you the practical knowledge you need to make informed decisions and help your plants grow healthier and stronger.

Register for the FREE class here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/plant-food-101-tickets-1992135888068

For more information, contact Residential Horticulture Agent Mack Lessig at [email protected] or 941-722-4524 ext. 1821.

08/11/2026

Today is a great opportunity to celebrate the sons and daughters who bring joy, challenges, and plenty of learning opportunities into our lives. Strong relationships with children are built over time, and having the right tools to guide behavior, encourage responsibility, and navigate conflict can make a meaningful difference.

Through our Family and Consumer Sciences program, we offer Positive Behavioral Management Skills, a free SMART program designed for families. Participants learn proven strategies for positive parenting and teaching, fostering healthy relationships, encouraging responsibility, and managing challenging behaviors.

Learn more about this free program and explore resources designed to help families support children as they grow HERE: https://tinyurl.com/3cf5tjk6