Welcome to the first online version of the New Leaf Newsletter. We have been working to improve and update the format of our newsletter “A New Leaf”. Please let us know what you think
Blame it on the rain
Over the last couple days, parts of Jacksonville experienced urban flooding that had people in my neighborhood of Springfield moving their cars blocks away to higher ground. Drivers had to find alternate routes home as streets became impassable. A video of cars driving through water up to the hoods through San Marco circulated on social media. This was only after two days of rainfall. Milli Vanilli and others might “Blame it on the Rain.” But was it really the rain’s fault? For more information read Tonya Ashworth’s article
Why the Grass Is Always Greener on the Neighbor's Side of The Fence
New to Florida and lamenting the low maintenance lush green lawn you left behind? HOA breathing down your neck to fix your problem areas? You're not alone. Growing grass in Florida is not like growing grass in many other parts of the country. Keeping grass healthy, green, and weed-free here requires quite a bit of strategy. Read Stephanie Means’ article.
Tree Care Myths
We at Duval County Extension get a lot of questions about trees. Many times, folks are surprised that the solution that they found online was not the best one, and that sometimes it was actually harmful. It is surprising to me that in this age of having a world of information in the palm of our hands, how much misinformation there is out there. Read more about tree myths here.
If you can’t beat it…eat it!
Although we view it as a weed, common purslane is cultivated and eaten as a specialty vegetable around the world. It is high in minerals such as calcium, magnesium, potassium and others. It has extremely high amounts of vitamins A and E. And it is also an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids. All these healthy nutrients are wrapped up with a bright lemony flavor. Check out how to use purslane for your next dish.
Annual Survey about the New Leaf Newsletter
Please help us serve you better by filling out a brief survey which should take approx. 4 mins to complete. The information gathered will help us to improve our newsletter, demonstrate our value to the local community and secure funding for the Duval Extension Office. Please respond promptly so we can see if this newsletter is meeting its goals. Here is the link to the survey
Upcoming Events
Fall Vegetable Seed Starting 101 (Common Ground, Panama Park)
Sat, Sep 14, 2024, 9:00 AM
is introductory class will be held outdoors at Common Ground Community Garden in Panama Park. It will be taught by UF IFAS Extension Duval County Master Gardener Volunteers. The class will be informal and is geared to anyone who would like to learn the basics about how to start seeds to grow your own transplants.
Class is free. Pre-registration is encouraged, but walk-ups are welcome. Bring a folding chair if you can, bring water, and dress for the weather--hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, bug spray.
Visit Fall Vegetable Seed Class Eventbrite to reserve a spot
Accessible Gardening
Wednesday, September 18 · 12 - 1pm
oin us for a FREE informative Zoom talk on how to make gardening easier for anyone with physical limitations. We'll discuss:
- Who can benefit from accessible gardening
- Planning strategies to make gardening more accessible
- Access to the garden site
- Getting around the garden
- Types of beds, location, sizing and materials
- Helpful tools and equipment
Visit Accessible Gardening on Eventbrite to register
Direct Marketing Options for Small Farmers
Tuesday September 24th at 2:00 pm. The cost is $10.00.val County is fortunate to have thriving farmers markets and a passionate community of producers. Come learn how to take your farm to the next level with Direct Marketing. The course will cover
- Information on local and state ordinances and regulations
- Best practices for direct marketing channels
- Requirements for direct sales (livestock, eggs, honey etc.)
- Networking opportunities
Go to Direct Marketing to register
September Backyard Hen Training
Wednesday September 25th at 2:00 pm. The cost is $10.00.
This class is necessary for you to get your hen permit in Duval County. Steven Jennewein will be presenting information to help get you started on your backyard flock. It is just a little over an hour and very informative. You will receive a certificate of completion that you present to the city to receive your permit. The class will consist of a lecture and then an exhibition of a functional coop at the UF/IFAS Urban Garden. Go to: September Backyard Hens to register.
Fall Rain Barrel Workshop
Saturday September 28th 10:00 am.
By collecting and storing rainwater, you can save money, improve the health of your plants, and protect the environment. Rain barrels provide the Florida homeowner with over 50 gallons of free water for their landscape each time it fills up. You can connect additional rain barrels or install an underground cistern to store even more. In addition to saving homeowners money on irrigation, rain barrels also help reduce stormwater runoff that can contribute to flooding and erosion.
You may attend two ways: General Admission with Barrel to take home ($75 includes barrel) or Without Barrel- Listen and Learn Only ($5 includes class information only). Register at Rain Barrel Workshop on Eventbrite.
Companion Planting and Succession Gardening
Saturday, October 5th at Jarboe Park. The event is free
Learn all about companion planting and what science says. In addition, learn how to plant so you have a continual harvest all season long.
This class is part of a series of programs at Dig Local's Beaches Organic Community Garden for Fall 2024. Pre-registration is preferred, but walk-ups are welcome. Here is the registration site.
The class will be held outside in the garden, so bring a folding chair if you have one, and dress for the weather. Bring water, hat, sunscreen, bug spray, etc. or whatever you need to be comfortable.
Learn how to grow your own strawberries and take home 10 plants.
Friday October 25th at 10:00 am. The cost is $15.00.
In this class, participants will learn how to grow strawberries in the home garden. We'll discuss different methods of growing, as well as how to plant and care for the strawberries. Participants will also learn about some of the insect and disease problems that can occur, and how to address them.
The class fee includes 10 bare-root strawberry plants. Tickets go on sale September 14th. Go to Strawberry Workshop to register on Eventbrite.
For persons with disabilities requiring special accommodations that wish to attend any Extension events, please contact your local UF/IFAS Extension Office (TDD, via Florida Relay Service, 1-800-955-8771) at least ten working days prior to the class so that proper consideration may be given to the request. UF/IFAS Extension is an Equal Opportunity Institution.
