UF/IFAS Leon County Extension

If you came to our Open House and Plant Sale then you saw all the great work done by our Master Gardener Volunteers. If you are interested in applying to join the Master Gardener Volunteer program in Leon County, we will host an informational webinar next Thursday, June 11th at 6:00 pm on Zoom to discuss the program and how to apply. Link to event: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/becoming-a-master-gardener-volunteer-2026-tickets-1990019944223
Applications are due by June 30th. To receive an MGV application call our office at 850-606-5200, or email us at [email protected].

Turn your recipes into revenue! Join our webinar, perfect for aspiring food entrepreneurs and curious foodies alike. Limited seats, save your spot today! More class dates to be announced later.

Register Now: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1989380925902?aff=oddtdtcreator

Fun doesn’t always have to come with a price tag! Spend quality time with friends and family at free or low-cost events, try an in-home movie or game night, or explore your local park. Enjoy making memories without breaking the bank!

Weekly Contribution: $21

The grown-ups had their turn, now it’s the kids’ time to shine! After hosting our Extension Open House for adults, we’re flipping the script and putting youth front and center for a day designed just for them.
So come on over to explore how UF/IFAS Leon County Extension is intentionally creating hands-on opportunities for young people to build confidence, develop life skills, and discover their spark, all while having a great time!
At the Kids Open House, families, teachers, and community members can:
• Learn how to join or start a 4-H club
• Explore interactive, hands-on programs offered in schools
• Connect with UF/IFAS Extension for partnerships
• See youth development in action!

Speaking of action…

Our Youth Market Day brings our approach to youth development to life, giving young people the chance to practice communication, decision-making, money management, and leadership skills in a fun, supportive environment, all while running their very own small businesses.
The best part yet? This opportunity is completely free for selected youth, thanks to our donors.

Interested in your kids or teens being a Youth Vendor? Spots are limited!

👉 Apply here: https://ufl.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0i8SEEGgcwd1bYG

The placement or location of your plants in your landscape will determine how successfully they grow. "Landscapes with plants that match their preferred growing conditions require less water, fertilizer, pesticides, and maintenance than landscapes with plants growing in the wrong locations." This is why our first Florida-Friendly Landscaping principle is "Right Plant, Right Place". "In addition to correct watering, light and soil requirements, as well as salt and wind tolerance, it is important to allow space for plants to reach within range of their mature size." Read this article for more information on correct plant placement https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/care/planting/plant-placement/
To see examples of "Right Plant, Right Place" in action, come by the UF/IFAS Leon County Extension office to see our gardens. The Master Gardener Volunteers work very hard to make our gardens Florida-Friendly. ☺️

It's time to ditch those unused subscriptions! Take a moment to review all your subscriptions - streaming services, magazines, etc. You might be amazed at what you're paying for and not even using. By canceling your unused subscriptions, you can free up extra money to help achieve your savings goal. You can always resubscribe if you need that service at a later date!

Weekly Contribution: $20

We had a very successful Open House and Plant Sale! The weather cooperated beautifully. Thank you to everyone who came to the event to support the Leon County Extension Office. Thank you to all the employees and volunteers that made it happen. We will see you the same time next year. 😁🍃

No worries, this post is 100% gluten-free! 🍞 May is Celiac Disease Awareness Month.

Celiac disease is a chronic condition affecting the digestive and immune systems, triggered by gluten—a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. When someone with celiac disease eats gluten, it damages their small intestine, leading to a variety of symptoms and potential health complications. Gluten is a protein found naturally in wheat, barley, and rye, and is commonly found in bread, pasta, cakes, and cookies. However, it may also be found in other products like lipsticks, nutrient supplements, and toothpastes.

It’s important to note that celiac disease isn’t the same as gluten sensitivity or a wheat allergy. Gluten sensitivity can cause discomfort, but it doesn’t harm the small intestine. Wheat allergy and celiac disease both involve the immune system, but the underlying processes and health impacts are very different.

Click this link to learn more: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/celiac-disease/definition-facts

🛒 Shop with a list! Planning ahead helps you stay focused, avoid impulse buys, and remember everything you need in one trip. Whether you use an app or a notepad, just don’t forget to bring your list along when you head to the store!

Weekly Contribution: $19

We are keeping an eye on the weather. We still plan on hosting our Open House and Plant Sale tomorrow from 9 am to 12 pm rain or shine! ☀️🤞 We will update y'all if our plans change. In addition to the Plant Sale, there will also be the 4H Auction, bouquets, and a bake sale hosted by our Family Consumer Sciences program.
The Leon County Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) work incredibly hard throughout the community on various projects. The Open House and Plant Sale is their major annual event, and we want to share all of these great Florida-Friendly plants with you, grown with love and dedication by all of the Leon County MGVs. For more on the Leon County MGV program, check out MGV Mary Lee Kiracofe's article from last year - https://www.tallahassee.com/story/life/home-garden/2025/05/09/meet-the-master-gardeners-buy-a-bouquet-at-annual-plant-sale/83504689007/