Sherri Sanders UADA White County Agent

Sherri Sanders UADA White County Agent University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture
White County We're basically a go-between between you and the scientists.

We use the results of scientific research, much of it conducted at the University of Arkansas system colleges and our research stations, to help you improve your life and your community. There is a lot of innovation and creation happening at the Extension Service and other land-grant universities across the United States, but it doesn't always make it out of the labs and into the public. We take t

he guesswork out of the research and present the science-based techniques to you in a way that's helpful in YOUR life. As of April 22, 2025, the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture is complying with federal Executive Orders, as well as Arkansas state laws that have been recently signed or enacted. Previous posts, publications, podcasts, news stories, etc. published on our webpages, social media posts, etc. were published in compliance with previous federal executive orders and regulations that have been revoked.

🌱 Calling all youth ages 5–19! 🌱Looking for a fun, hands-on activity this summer? Join us for Propagate, Play & Bouquet ...
06/18/2026

🌱 Calling all youth ages 5–19! 🌱

Looking for a fun, hands-on activity this summer? Join us for Propagate, Play & Bouquet on Friday, June 26 at the White County Extension Office!

Participants will:
🌿 Learn how to propagate plants from seeds and cuttings
🌸 Harvest cut flowers and create a bouquet to take home
🎲 Enjoy fun horticulture-themed games and activities
🍪 Snack and have fun with friends

The workshop is FREE and open to all youth ages 5–19, regardless of experience level.

The only thing we ask is that you pre-register by June 19 so we can gather supplies, prepare materials, and make sure we have enough snacks for everyone.

📅 Friday, June 26, 2026
⏰ 9:00 a.m. – Noon
📍 White County Extension Office

☎️ Call 501-268-5394 to register

Come learn, grow, create, and have fun with us this summer! 🌻🌱💐

Tomato Disease Alert: Early BlightWarm temperatures and rainy weather create ideal conditions for early blight, one of t...
06/18/2026

Tomato Disease Alert: Early Blight

Warm temperatures and rainy weather create ideal conditions for early blight, one of the most common tomato diseases in Arkansas.

Look for:
🔍 Brown spots on leaves with a target-like pattern
🔍 Yellowing around leaf spots
🔍 Dark lesions on stems
🔍 Fruit spots near the stem end

Help prevent problems by:
✔ Removing volunteer tomatoes and weeds
✔ Rotating planting locations
✔ Using proper fertilization
✔ Selecting resistant varieties when available

Photo credit: Cornell University

06/17/2026

Another episode featuring Magen Allen

🌹 Flowers. Gardening. Creativity. Inspiration. 🌹Join us on October 8 for a day celebrating flowers, gardens, and the tal...
06/16/2026

🌹 Flowers. Gardening. Creativity. Inspiration. 🌹

Join us on October 8 for a day celebrating flowers, gardens, and the talented people growing beauty right here in White County.

We're excited to welcome nationally recognized floral designer Chris Norwood, along with three featured White County flower farmers:

🌹 Lauren DeSisso – Rose Ridge Farm
🌹 Kathy Algood – Dripping Springs Farm
🌹 Anna Brumfield – Flower & Fiddle

You'll also enjoy:

🪴 Fall & Winter Container Gardening Ideas with Sherri Sanders

🎨 Creative Garden Art Demonstration with Rose Ann Houston

🌮 Lunch from Burrito Day

🍰 Homemade Desserts by Master Gardener Volunteers

Whether you're a gardener, flower enthusiast, Master Gardener, or simply looking for a fun and inspiring day, we hope you'll join us!

📅 October 8, 2026
⏰ 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
📍 White County Extension Office
💲 $40 per person

Register online:
https://uada.formstack.com/forms/floral_inspirations

Come celebrate local flowers, local growers, and local inspiration! 🌸

Tomato Tip Tuesday: Blossom-End RotSeeing black, sunken spots on the bottom of your tomatoes?You may be dealing with blo...
06/16/2026

Tomato Tip Tuesday: Blossom-End Rot

Seeing black, sunken spots on the bottom of your tomatoes?

You may be dealing with blossom-end rot, one of the most common tomato problems in Arkansas.

While many gardeners assume it's a disease, blossom-end rot is actually caused by a calcium deficiency in the developing fruit. Often the real culprit is inconsistent watering that prevents the plant from taking up calcium properly. Overfertilizing with nitrogen can make the problem worse.

✅ Water consistently
✅ Mulch around plants
✅ Avoid excessive fertilizer
✅ Remove affected fruit to encourage new healthy tomatoes

Tomatoes need about 1–2 inches of water per week during the summer.

Photo: Cornell University

Why Are My Tomatoes Cracking?After all the rain we've received, you may notice tomatoes splitting or cracking.Fruit crac...
06/15/2026

Why Are My Tomatoes Cracking?

After all the rain we've received, you may notice tomatoes splitting or cracking.

Fruit cracking is usually caused by rapid fruit growth following a period of dry weather, excessive watering, or overfertilization. Some sweet tomato varieties are naturally more prone to cracking than others.

To reduce cracking:
✔ Water consistently
✔ Avoid large swings between dry and wet soil conditions
✔ Don't overfertilize

Cracked tomatoes are usually still safe to eat if insects and decay haven't moved in.

Photo: Missouri Extension

06/15/2026

See another episode featuring Magen Allen.

I took a quick walk through our White County Extension demonstrations this morning before the rain moves in, and there i...
06/12/2026

I took a quick walk through our White County Extension demonstrations this morning before the rain moves in, and there is plenty to be excited about! 🌻🍠

Our cut flower demonstration is beginning to come to life with the first two ProCut Gold sunflowers opening their blooms. It won't be long before the entire planting is putting on a show.

I was also excited to see blooms appearing in some of our sweet potato demonstration plots. While we grow sweet potatoes for the roots, their flowers are a beautiful bonus and often catch people by surprise.

These demonstrations are helping us evaluate varieties, showcase crops that can be grown in Arkansas, and provide hands-on learning opportunities for youth, Master Gardeners, and our Extension clientele.

Now we'll let this afternoon's rain do its job and look forward to seeing what changes over the next few weeks!

🌱 Attention fruit and vegetable growers! 🌱The Arkansas Produce Safety Program is offering a FREE in-person Produce Safet...
06/10/2026

🌱 Attention fruit and vegetable growers! 🌱

The Arkansas Produce Safety Program is offering a FREE in-person Produce Safety Grower Training on June 18 in Forrest City, Arkansas.

This training is designed for growers who want to learn more about:
✅ Produce safety best practices
✅ FSMA Produce Safety Rule requirements
✅ Worker hygiene and sanitation
✅ Agricultural water management
✅ Postharvest handling
✅ Developing a farm food safety plan

📍 Woodruff Electric Cooperative Building
3201 Highway 1 North, Forrest City, AR
🕗 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
🍽 Lunch and snacks provided
🎟 Only 20 seats available

If you grow fruits or vegetables, this is an excellent opportunity to gain valuable information on reducing food safety risks and staying informed on current regulations.

📞 For more information contact Dr. Amanda Philyaw Perez at [email protected] or (501) 671-2228.

Address

2400 Old Searcy Landing Road
Searcy, AR
72143

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8am - 4:30pm
Friday 8am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+15012685394

Website

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