UF IFAS Extension Polk County

10/26/2026

10/23/2026

🥜 ONE WEEK TO GO! 🥜

The 2026 Peanut Butter Challenge is in its final stretch, and we're making one last big push to help stock Polk County Public Schools food pantries before the challenge ends on October 31st!

We're especially excited to share that the Peanut Butter Challenge was recently featured on Daytime TV Show! Thank you to Deanna Moore for coordinating the opportunity and to Maggie Rodriguez for the wonderful interview and for helping shine a spotlight on this important effort.

📺 Watch the Daytime interview here: https://www.wfla.com/video/the-peanut-butter-challenge-daytime/12294315

This year, our community has once again shown what can happen when neighbors, businesses, organizations, and volunteers come together for a great cause. Every jar donated helps provide a shelf-stable source of protein for families facing food insecurity right here in Polk County.

We also want to extend a huge THANK YOU to our amazing partners and supporters who have helped spread the word throughout this year's challenge. 💙

There's still time to help us finish strong! Donate peanut butter at participating collection sites through October 31.

📖 Learn more about the challenge: https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/polkco/2026/09/30/2026-peanut-butter-challenge-polk-county/

The peanut butter challenge | Daytime

10/22/2026

10/22/2026

Native shoreline plants can protect the waterfront. Select native aquatic plants such as softstem bullrush, giant bullrush, common arrow head, pickerelweed, and maidencane. Remove invasive plant species like water hyacinth, purple loosestrife, hydrilla, and water chestnut. Including Florida-Friendly plantings helps reduce erosion, pesticide and fertilizer runoff, along with attracting wildlife.

For more information, https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/orangeco/2022/02/14/list-of-freshwater-aquatic-plants-for-florida/ or call UF/IFAS Extension Polk County Plant Clinic at 863-519-1041.

Sourced from: Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Handbook for Home Landscapes

10/22/2026

Wouldn’t it be fun to harvest your own homegrown bananas? Join us at the Lakeland Public Library on Tuesday October 27th at 10 AM to explore the wonderful world of horticulture through a collaborative partnership with UF IFAS Extension Polk County! This month, we’re learning about bananas.🍌 A Polk County Master Gardener Volunteer Expert will share how to grow this popular, tasty fruit in your own backyard! Learn the tips and tricks for successfully raising a delicious crop.

This event is for ages 18+ and registration is required. Register on our website using the link below:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bananas-in-the-home-landscape-tickets-1992241940273?aff=oddtdtcreator

10/16/2026

🚨🌿 TOMORROW IS THE DAY! 🌿🚨

The Fall Plant Sale is happening tomorrow at the City of Lakeland Nursery!

Before you head out, double-check that you've registered for your FREE ticket. Due to limited space, pre-registration is required for all attendees.

🌱 Reserve your free ticket today!
https://fall2026plantsale.eventbrite.com

Click here for more information:
https://go.ufl.edu/polkplantsalepage

📅 Saturday, October 17, 2026
⏰ 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM
📍 City of Lakeland Nursery

Polk Gardening

10/15/2026

🌱🛒 Plant Sale Countdown: 2 Days! 🛒🌱

Saturday is almost here, and the plants are ready for their new homes!

🚨 Friendly Reminder: Due to limited space and increased attendance, this year's plant sale requires advance registration & ticketed entry. We want everyone to have room to shop comfortably, discover new plants, and spend time talking with our knowledgeable experts.

🌱 Reserve your free ticket today!
https://fall2026plantsale.eventbrite.com

Click here for more information:
https://go.ufl.edu/polkplantsalepage

📅 Saturday, October 17, 2026
⏰ 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM
📍 City of Lakeland Nursery

Polk Gardening City of Lakeland, FL - Government Polk County Government Florida

10/14/2026

The best part of our plant sale isn't the plants, it's the people behind them.

Our Master Gardener Volunteers have spent countless hours for every plant you'll see at Saturday's sale. Every plant represents time, dedication, and a passion for helping our community grow.

When you shop the Fall Plant Sale, you're not just taking home a plant. You're supporting a program built on education, service, and neighbors helping neighbors.

Thank you, volunteers, for making it all possible. 💚

Event Details: Admission is still FREE, but pre-registration is required to attend.

🌱 Reserve your free ticket today!
https://fall2026plantsale.eventbrite.com

Click here for more information:
https://go.ufl.edu/polkplantsalepage

📅 Saturday, October 17, 2026
⏰ 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM
📍 City of Lakeland Nursery

10/13/2026

Lakeland’s beautiful parks, roadways and green spaces don’t happen by accident. Behind the scenes, a unique partnership between UF IFAS Extension Polk County and the City of Lakeland, FL - Government is helping grow thousands of , train landscape professionals, support efforts and build a more resilient community.

Comment "🌱" or tap the link in our bio to learn more.

10/13/2026

🪴🌸 Plant lovers, this one's for you! 🌸🪴

The Fall Plant Sale is just a few days away, and we can't wait to welcome you to the City of Lakeland Nursery this Saturday!

Before you go, don't forget:

✅ Admission is FREE
✅ Tickets are required
✅ Pre-registration is required before arrival

This new ticketed format will help create a more enjoyable shopping experience with plenty of space to browse and more opportunities to get one-on-one gardening advice from our experts.

🌱 Reserve your free ticket today!
https://fall2026plantsale.eventbrite.com

Click here for more information:
https://go.ufl.edu/polkplantsalepage

📅 Saturday, October 17, 2026
⏰ 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM
📍 City of Lakeland Nursery