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While citrus trees have long been a popular choice for home gardeners, let me introduce you to the delightful world of muscadine grapes—a refreshing alternative that may just make you reconsider your planting preferences. Muscadine grapes offer a range of advantages over citrus trees, starting with their remarkable resilience. These robust vines thrive in a [&#8230;]

<figure id="attachment_3997" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-3997" style="width: 300px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img decoding="async" fetchpriority="high" class="wp-image-3997 size-medium lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="Growing Muscadine Grapes" width="300" height="200" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/flaglerco/files/2023/07/014712-300x200.jpg"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-3997" class="wp-caption-text">Immature grape clusters growing on a vine.</figcaption></figure>
While citrus trees have long been a popular choice for home gardeners, let me introduce you to the delightful world of muscadine grapes—a refreshing alternative that may just make you reconsider your planting preferences. Muscadine grapes offer a range of advantages over citrus trees, starting with their remarkable resilience. These robust vines thrive in a variety of climates, from humid summers to chilly winters, making them adaptable and suitable for many regions. Additionally, muscadine grapes boast exceptional disease resistance, reducing the need for extensive pest control measures and making them a low-maintenance option. Not to mention, these grapes are bursting with flavor! Their unique, sweet-tart taste and juicy texture make them perfect for snacking, jams, jellies, or even homemade wines. Lastly, muscadine grapes offer the added benefit of being a versatile landscaping feature, with their sprawling vines providing shade and privacy.
<figure id="attachment_3987" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-3987" style="width: 300px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img decoding="async" class="wp-image-3987 size-medium lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="Growing Muscadine Grapes" width="300" height="200" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/flaglerco/files/2023/07/024275-300x200.jpg"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-3987" class="wp-caption-text">Muscadine grapes growing on a vine. Photo taken 09-25-20.</figcaption></figure>
Now, in the sunny state of Florida, where gardening enthusiasts often gravitate towards citrus trees, it&#8217;s time to consider the incredible potential of growing muscadine grapes in your home garden. Florida&#8217;s warm and sunny climate provides an excellent environment for cultivating a wide variety of fruits, and muscadine grapes are no exception. With their unique characteristics and abundant benefits, muscadine grapes can bring a fresh and flavorful twist to your garden. 
In this article, we will explore the essential steps and considerations to help you successfully grow muscadine grapes in your Florida home garden. Whether you&#8217;re an avid gardener or a novice looking to embark on a fruitful endeavor, the journey of growing muscadine grapes is sure to be a rewarding one. So, if you&#8217;re seeking a fruitful and hassle-free gardening experience with a touch of sweetness, consider planting muscadine grapes as a delicious alternative to citrus trees. 
<h2>Growing Muscadine Grapes</h2>
<h3>Right Plant </h3>
Before you begin, it&#8217;s crucial to select the right muscadine grape cultivar that is well-suited for your garden. UF/IFAS Extension places muscadine grapes in 2 categories: recommended cultivars and suggested for trial plantings. In this article, we will only cover recommended cultivars that are relatively easy to acquire and group them by usage. 
<ul>
<li>Cultivars for Fresh Market: Black Beauty, Fry, Southern Home, Summit, and Triumph </li>
<li>Cultivars for Wine, Jellies, and Juices: Alachua, Carlos, Noble, and Welder </li>
</ul>
These cultivars are known for their disease resistance, productivity, and excellent flavor. 
<figure id="attachment_3995" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-3995" style="width: 300px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img decoding="async" class="wp-image-3995 size-medium lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="Growing Muscadine Grapes" width="300" height="200" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/flaglerco/files/2023/07/014066-300x200.jpg"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-3995" class="wp-caption-text">Muscadine Grape orchard at the NFREC in Live Oak. Grapes, fruits, wine. UF/IFAS Photo by Tyler Jones.</figcaption></figure>
<h3>Right Place </h3>
Choosing the ideal site for your muscadine grape vines is key to their successful growth. Muscadines require full sun exposure (at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day) to flourish. Look for a location in your garden that receives ample sunlight and has well-drained soil. Muscadines are tolerant of a wide range of soil types, but the soils are loamy sands and sandy loams.  
<h3>Water Efficiently  </h3>
Regular and consistent watering is essential for young muscadine grape plants. Provide enough water to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Once the vines are established, they are more drought-tolerant but still benefit from regular watering during dry spells. 
<h3>Pruning</h3>
Pruning is crucial for maintaining the health and productivity of muscadine grape vines. Prune during the dormant season, typically in late winter or early spring, to remove dead or weak wood and to shape the vines. Pruning helps improve airflow, sunlight penetration, and fruit quality. 
<h3>Fertilize Appropriately  </h3>
Muscadine grapes generally have moderate fertility requirements. Nevertheless, it is important to first find out soil pH and soil nutrients status prior to applying fertilizer.  Apply a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 formula, in early spring before new growth appears. Follow the recommended application rates on the fertilizer package. THE LABEL IS THE LAW.
<figure id="attachment_3991" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-3991" style="width: 300px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-3991 size-medium lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="Growing Muscadine Grapes" width="300" height="200" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/flaglerco/files/2023/07/014711-300x200.jpg"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-3991" class="wp-caption-text">Immature grape clusters growing on a vine.</figcaption></figure>
<h3>Manage Yard Pests Responsibility </h3>
Muscadine grapes are relatively resistant to many pests and diseases. However, some common pests to watch out for include aphids, grape root borers, and grape berry moths. Regular inspection of the vines and prompt action can help prevent infestations. 
Diseases such as downy mildew, powdery mildew, and black rot can affect muscadine grapes. To minimize the risk of disease, provide good airflow around the vines, avoid overhead watering, and promptly remove any infected plant material. 
<figure id="attachment_3989" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-3989" style="width: 300px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-3989 size-medium lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="Growing Muscadine Grapes" width="300" height="180" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/flaglerco/files/2023/07/007036-300x180.jpg"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-3989" class="wp-caption-text">Grape vine with grapes.</figcaption></figure>
<h3>Harvesting and Enjoying Muscadine Grapes </h3>
Muscadine grapes typically ripen in late summer to early fall. They have a unique and robust flavor, often described as &#8220;wild&#8221; or &#8220;spicy.&#8221; Harvest the grapes when they reach their full color and can be easily plucked from the vine. Enjoy them fresh, make delicious preserves, or use them in various culinary creations. 
Growing muscadine grapes in your Florida home garden can be a delightful and rewarding experience. By selecting the right varieties, providing proper care, and managing pests and diseases, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of these unique and flavorful grapes. Embrace the opportunity to cultivate your own vineyard and savor the taste of these delicious fruits right in your backyard. 
For more information on Muscadine Grapes click, <a href="https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/HS100">https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/HS100</a>
<h3>Interested in growing Muscadine Grapes in your home garden?</h3>
Join us for an unforgettable experience where you&#8217;ll not only learn the art of growing these delectable fruits, but also get a chance to handpick succulent grapes straight from the vine. Secure your spot now by clicking <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/gardening-with-muscadine-grapes-tickets-671675779337?aff=ebdssbehomepeforyou">HERE</a> and embark on a journey of fruitful delight! Click <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/gardening-with-muscadine-grapes-tickets-671675779337?aff=ebdssbehomepeforyou">HERE! </a>
&nbsp;

Immature grape clusters growing on a vine.
While citrus trees have long been a popular choice for home gardeners, let me introduce you to the delightful world of muscadine grapes—a refreshing alternative that may just make you reconsider your planting preferences. Muscadine grapes offer a range of advantages over citrus trees, starting with their remarkable resilience. These robust vines thrive in a variety of climates, from humid summers to chilly winters, making them adaptable and suitable for many regions. Additionally, muscadine grapes boast exceptional disease resistance, reducing the need for extensive pest control measures and making them a low-maintenance option. Not to mention, these grapes are bursting with flavor! Their unique, sweet-tart taste and juicy texture make them perfect for snacking, jams, jellies, or even homemade wines. Lastly, muscadine grapes offer the added benefit of being a versatile landscaping feature, with their sprawling vines providing shade and privacy.
Muscadine grapes growing on a vine. Photo taken 09-25-20.
Now, in the sunny state of Florida, where gardening enthusiasts often gravitate towards citrus trees, it’s time to consider the incredible potential of growing muscadine grapes in your home garden. Florida’s warm and sunny climate provides an excellent environment for cultivating a wide variety of fruits, and muscadine grapes are no exception. With their unique characteristics and abundant benefits, muscadine grapes can bring a fresh and flavorful twist to your garden. 
In this article, we will explore the essential steps and considerations to help you successfully grow muscadine grapes in your Florida home garden. Whether you’re an avid gardener or a novice looking to embark on a fruitful endeavor, the journey of growing muscadine grapes is sure to be a rewarding one. So, if you’re seeking a fruitful and hassle-free gardening experience with a touch of sweetness, consider planting muscadine grapes as a delicious alternative to citrus trees. 
Growing Muscadine Grapes
Right Plant 
Before you begin, it’s crucial to select the right muscadine grape cultivar that is well-suited for your garden. UF/IFAS Extension places muscadine grapes in 2 categories: recommended cultivars and suggested for trial plantings. In this article, we will only cover recommended cultivars that are relatively easy to acquire and group them by usage. 
Cultivars for Fresh Market: Black Beauty, Fry, Southern Home, Summit, and Triumph 
Cultivars for Wine, Jellies, and Juices: Alachua, Carlos, Noble, and Welder 
These cultivars are known for their disease resistance, productivity, and excellent flavor. 
Muscadine Grape orchard at the NFREC in Live Oak. Grapes, fruits, wine. UF/IFAS Photo by Tyler Jones.
Right Place 
Choosing the ideal site for your muscadine grape vines is key to their successful growth. Muscadines require full sun exposure (at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day) to flourish. Look for a location in your garden that receives ample sunlight and has well-drained soil. Muscadines are tolerant of a wide range of soil types, but the soils are loamy sands and sandy loams.  
Water Efficiently  
Regular and consistent watering is essential for young muscadine grape plants. Provide enough water to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Once the vines are established, they are more drought-tolerant but still benefit from regular watering during dry spells. 
Pruning
Pruning is crucial for maintaining the health and productivity of muscadine grape vines. Prune during the dormant season, typically in late winter or early spring, to remove dead or weak wood and to shape the vines. Pruning helps improve airflow, sunlight penetration, and fruit quality. 
Fertilize Appropriately  
Muscadine grapes generally have moderate fertility requirements. Nevertheless, it is important to first find out soil pH and soil nutrients status prior to applying fertilizer.  Apply a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 formula, in early spring before new growth appears. Follow the recommended application rates on the fertilizer package. THE LABEL IS THE LAW.
Immature grape clusters growing on a vine.
Manage Yard Pests Responsibility 
Muscadine grapes are relatively resistant to many pests and diseases. However, some common pests to watch out for include aphids, grape root borers, and grape berry moths. Regular inspection of the vines and prompt action can help prevent infestations. 
Diseases such as downy mildew, powdery mildew, and black rot can affect muscadine grapes. To minimize the risk of disease, provide good airflow around the vines, avoid overhead watering, and promptly remove any infected plant material. 
Grape vine with grapes.
Harvesting and Enjoying Muscadine Grapes 
Muscadine grapes typically ripen in late summer to early fall. They have a unique and robust flavor, often described as “wild” or “spicy.” Harvest the grapes when they reach their full color and can be easily plucked from the vine. Enjoy them fresh, make delicious preserves, or use them in various culinary creations. 
Growing muscadine grapes in your Florida home garden can be a delightful and rewarding experience. By selecting the right varieties, providing proper care, and managing pests and diseases, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of these unique and flavorful grapes. Embrace the opportunity to cultivate your own vineyard and savor the taste of these delicious fruits right in your backyard. 
For more information on Muscadine Grapes click, https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/HS100
Interested in growing Muscadine Grapes in your home garden?
Join us for an unforgettable experience where you’ll not only learn the art of growing these delectable fruits, but also get a chance to handpick succulent grapes straight from the vine. Secure your spot now by clicking HERE and embark on a journey of fruitful delight! Click HERE!

While citrus trees have long been a popular choice for home gardeners, let me introduce you to the delightful world of muscadine grapes—a refreshing alternative that may just make you reconsider your planting preferences. Muscadine grapes offer a range of advantages over citrus trees, starting with their remarkable resilience. These robust vines thrive in a […]

Grape Expectations: Growing Muscadine Grapes

Hey there, gardening enthusiasts! Let&#8217;s dive into the wonderful world of Master Gardener Volunteers and their amazing contributions to our community. But first, let&#8217;s unravel what it takes to become one! Gardening is a universal joy, no matter your age, gender, race, or abilities. It&#8217;s like a magic potion for our bodies and minds. Now, [&#8230;]

Hey there, gardening enthusiasts! Let&#8217;s dive into the wonderful world of Master Gardener Volunteers and their amazing contributions to our community. But first, let&#8217;s unravel what it takes to become one!
Gardening is a universal joy, no matter your age, gender, race, or abilities. It&#8217;s like a magic potion for our bodies and minds. Now, imagine dedicating weeks of training to learn gardening from the best—University Extension specialists, extension agents, and scientists. Talk about commitment! But trust me, it&#8217;s totally worth it. With each class and volunteer experience, Master Gardeners uncover new secrets of the green kingdom. They truly live the saying &#8220;learning something new every day!&#8221;
In beautiful Flagler County, we&#8217;re blessed with an incredible squad of Master Gardener Volunteers. These folks are on a mission to bring accessible and practical horticultural education to everyone. You might spot them at our Palm Coast Library plant clinic booth or rocking workshops at the Palm Coast Community Center. They&#8217;re the superheroes behind our Facebook page (@FlaglerCountyMasterGardeners), Demonstration Gardens, newsletters, and soil testing. These passionate educators are simply outstanding!
<figure id="attachment_3847" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-3847" style="width: 300px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-3847 size-medium lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="300" height="200" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/flaglerco/files/2023/05/untitled-13-300x200.jpg"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-3847" class="wp-caption-text">Flagler County Master Gardener Volunteers at Central Park in Town Center Arbor Day Event. Photo Credit: George J. Carfagno (MGV)</figcaption></figure>
<figure id="attachment_3849" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-3849" style="width: 300px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-3849 size-medium lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="300" height="211" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/flaglerco/files/2023/05/untitled-36-300x211.jpg"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-3849" class="wp-caption-text">Flagler County Master Gardener Volunteers engaging with residents at the Family Farm Festival located at Florida Ag Museum. Photo Credit: George J. Carfagno (MGV)</figcaption></figure>
Their main gig? Spreading gardening wisdom far and wide! They organize fun workshops, seminars, and classes on various topics like picking the perfect plants, preparing your soil, composting like a champ, and handling garden pests like a pro. Oh, and they often team up with local schools, organizations, and community centers to make learning even more exciting.
But wait, there&#8217;s more! Our Master Gardener Volunteers are champions of community gardens. These vibrant spaces bring people together to grow their own fruits and veggies, connect with nature, and make lifelong friends. Our volunteers work their magic with local schools, organizations, and government agencies to make these gardens bloom.
And let&#8217;s not forget about environmental conservation. Our volunteers are nature&#8217;s defenders! They create beautiful native plant gardens, promoting biodiversity and protecting our precious ecosystem. They encourage sustainable landscaping practices, like reducing the use of chemicals and setting up rain gardens to save the planet one drop at a time.
In a nutshell, these Master Gardener Volunteers are the heart and soul of our gardening community. They bring us together, nurture our love for nature, and make our environment healthier and happier. So, let&#8217;s give them a big cheer!
Mark your calendars, folks! On June 17th from 9am to 12pm, join us for a special Father&#8217;s Day Plant Sale at the Flagler County Fairgrounds in the Cattlemen&#8217;s Hall Building. Rain or shine, we&#8217;ll be there at 150 Sawgrass Road in Bunnell. You&#8217;ll find amazing sections with plants for butterflies and pollinators, fruit trees and
<figure id="attachment_3843" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-3843" style="width: 300px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-3843 size-medium lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="300" height="194" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/flaglerco/files/2023/05/untitled-1-300x194.jpg"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-3843" class="wp-caption-text">Flagler County Master Gardener Volunteer booth at Washington Oaks State Park Earth Day Event. Photo Credit: George J. Carfagno (MGV)</figcaption></figure>
shrubs, Florida-friendly wonders, native plants and grasses, herbs and seeds, and even gently used tools and planters. Oh, and don&#8217;t miss the plant clinic booth where you can get all your burning gardening questions answered. We even have a limited number of special Sugar Belle Mandarin trees—rare and resilient! Every single penny of the proceeds from this event will be directed towards supporting the Flagler County Master Gardener Volunteer Program.
We can&#8217;t wait to see you there, ready to celebrate the joy of gardening and support our amazing Master Gardener Volunteers. It&#8217;s going to be a blooming good time!

Hey there, gardening enthusiasts! Let’s dive into the wonderful world of Master Gardener Volunteers and their amazing contributions to our community. But first, let’s unravel what it takes to become one!
Gardening is a universal joy, no matter your age, gender, race, or abilities. It’s like a magic potion for our bodies and minds. Now, imagine dedicating weeks of training to learn gardening from the best—University Extension specialists, extension agents, and scientists. Talk about commitment! But trust me, it’s totally worth it. With each class and volunteer experience, Master Gardeners uncover new secrets of the green kingdom. They truly live the saying “learning something new every day!”
In beautiful Flagler County, we’re blessed with an incredible squad of Master Gardener Volunteers. These folks are on a mission to bring accessible and practical horticultural education to everyone. You might spot them at our Palm Coast Library plant clinic booth or rocking workshops at the Palm Coast Community Center. They’re the superheroes behind our Facebook page (@FlaglerCountyMasterGardeners), Demonstration Gardens, newsletters, and soil testing. These passionate educators are simply outstanding!
Flagler County Master Gardener Volunteers at Central Park in Town Center Arbor Day Event. Photo Credit: George J. Carfagno (MGV)
Flagler County Master Gardener Volunteers engaging with residents at the Family Farm Festival located at Florida Ag Museum. Photo Credit: George J. Carfagno (MGV)
Their main gig? Spreading gardening wisdom far and wide! They organize fun workshops, seminars, and classes on various topics like picking the perfect plants, preparing your soil, composting like a champ, and handling garden pests like a pro. Oh, and they often team up with local schools, organizations, and community centers to make learning even more exciting.
But wait, there’s more! Our Master Gardener Volunteers are champions of community gardens. These vibrant spaces bring people together to grow their own fruits and veggies, connect with nature, and make lifelong friends. Our volunteers work their magic with local schools, organizations, and government agencies to make these gardens bloom.
And let’s not forget about environmental conservation. Our volunteers are nature’s defenders! They create beautiful native plant gardens, promoting biodiversity and protecting our precious ecosystem. They encourage sustainable landscaping practices, like reducing the use of chemicals and setting up rain gardens to save the planet one drop at a time.
In a nutshell, these Master Gardener Volunteers are the heart and soul of our gardening community. They bring us together, nurture our love for nature, and make our environment healthier and happier. So, let’s give them a big cheer!
Mark your calendars, folks! On June 17th from 9am to 12pm, join us for a special Father’s Day Plant Sale at the Flagler County Fairgrounds in the Cattlemen’s Hall Building. Rain or shine, we’ll be there at 150 Sawgrass Road in Bunnell. You’ll find amazing sections with plants for butterflies and pollinators, fruit trees and
Flagler County Master Gardener Volunteer booth at Washington Oaks State Park Earth Day Event. Photo Credit: George J. Carfagno (MGV)
shrubs, Florida-friendly wonders, native plants and grasses, herbs and seeds, and even gently used tools and planters. Oh, and don’t miss the plant clinic booth where you can get all your burning gardening questions answered. We even have a limited number of special Sugar Belle Mandarin trees—rare and resilient! Every single penny of the proceeds from this event will be directed towards supporting the Flagler County Master Gardener Volunteer Program.
We can’t wait to see you there, ready to celebrate the joy of gardening and support our amazing Master Gardener Volunteers. It’s going to be a blooming good time!

Hey there, gardening enthusiasts! Let’s dive into the wonderful world of Master Gardener Volunteers and their amazing contributions to our community. But first, let’s unravel what it takes to become one! Gardening is a universal joy, no matter your age, gender, race, or abilities. It’s like a magic potion for our bodies and minds. Now, […]

Celebrating Our Champions: An Inside Look at Flagler County Master Gardener Program

2023 Central District All Faculty Symposium &#8211; Family and Consumer Sciences W. Lynch, , UF/IFAS Extension, St. Johns County, St. Augustine, FL, A. Anderson, Orange County, Orlando, FL, R. Elliott, Marion County, Ocala, FL, L. Duncan, Sumter County, Bushnell, FL, L. Johnson, Lake County, Tavares, FL, M. Thomas, UF/IFAS Extension, Flagler County, Palm Coast, FL. [&#8230;]

<h3>2023 Central District All Faculty Symposium &#8211; Family and Consumer Sciences </h3>
W. Lynch, , UF/IFAS Extension, St. Johns County, St. Augustine, FL, A. Anderson, Orange County, Orlando, FL, R. Elliott, Marion County, Ocala, FL, L. Duncan, Sumter County, Bushnell, FL, L. Johnson, Lake County, Tavares, FL, M. Thomas, UF/IFAS Extension, Flagler County, Palm Coast, FL.
Situation: An unhealthy diet and physical inactivity are two of the “most important behavioral risk factors of heart disease” (<a href="https://www.who.int/health-topics/cardiovascular-diseases#tab=tab_1">WHO, 2023</a>). In the U.S., less than 10% of adults meet the recommended intake of non-starchy vegetables, whole fruit, and whole grains and 76% do not meet the physical activity recommendations (<a href="https://professional.heart.org/-/media/PHD-Files-2/Science-News/2/2023-Heart-and-Stroke-Stat-Update/2023-Heart-and-Stroke-Statistics-Infographics.pdf">AHA, 2023;</a> <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/exercise.htm">CDC, 2022</a>). Methods: Six Family and Consumer Sciences faculty collaborated to present a community-based health and well-being program to promote a heart healthy lifestyle. Workshops included Exercise within Reach, Eat a Rainbow: Colorful, Seasonal Fruits and Vegetables, Feed Your Potential, Developing Mindful Eating Habits, Save it Now, Savor it Later, and Herbs for all Seasons. The program was delivered in a hybrid format. Each county delivered an in-person workshop while providing a virtual opportunity for participants outside of the host county. Through the workshops, participants were taught the skills needed to prepare healthy foods, receive culturally relevant recipes, and increase their comfort level with healthy foods. Each workshop had a live recipe demonstration, exercise routine, or related activity. Results: The series had a total of 33 participants. 86% (25/29) increased knowledge to improve overall health including physical activity recommendations and adding vegetables, fruits, and whole grains to their diet. 65% (11/17) increased confidence in applying heart healthy strategies such as eating produce in season and removing barriers to physical activity. The 3-month follow-up survey results included 57% (4/7) self-reported taking steps to improve or maintain dietary intake and physical activity. Participant actions to support a healthy lifestyle included increasing intake of daily fruits and vegetables, using herbs in meal preparation to reduce sodium intake, purchasing healthier options when shopping, and increasing daily physical activity minutes. Conclusion: A hybrid approach to improving heart healthy lifestyle habits is an effective way to address two modifiable risk factors of heart disease.
<a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/extension/files/2023/04/2023_CDS_W_Lynch_St.-Johns-County_Family-and-Consumer-Sciences_Poster_reduced.png"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-8207 aligncenter lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="300" height="270" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/extension/files/2023/04/2023_CDS_W_Lynch_St.-Johns-County_Family-and-Consumer-Sciences_Poster_reduced-300x270.png"></a>

2023 Central District All Faculty Symposium – Family and Consumer Sciences 
W. Lynch, , UF/IFAS Extension, St. Johns County, St. Augustine, FL, A. Anderson, Orange County, Orlando, FL, R. Elliott, Marion County, Ocala, FL, L. Duncan, Sumter County, Bushnell, FL, L. Johnson, Lake County, Tavares, FL, M. Thomas, UF/IFAS Extension, Flagler County, Palm Coast, FL.
Situation: An unhealthy diet and physical inactivity are two of the “most important behavioral risk factors of heart disease” (WHO, 2023). In the U.S., less than 10% of adults meet the recommended intake of non-starchy vegetables, whole fruit, and whole grains and 76% do not meet the physical activity recommendations (AHA, 2023; CDC, 2022). Methods: Six Family and Consumer Sciences faculty collaborated to present a community-based health and well-being program to promote a heart healthy lifestyle. Workshops included Exercise within Reach, Eat a Rainbow: Colorful, Seasonal Fruits and Vegetables, Feed Your Potential, Developing Mindful Eating Habits, Save it Now, Savor it Later, and Herbs for all Seasons. The program was delivered in a hybrid format. Each county delivered an in-person workshop while providing a virtual opportunity for participants outside of the host county. Through the workshops, participants were taught the skills needed to prepare healthy foods, receive culturally relevant recipes, and increase their comfort level with healthy foods. Each workshop had a live recipe demonstration, exercise routine, or related activity. Results: The series had a total of 33 participants. 86% (25/29) increased knowledge to improve overall health including physical activity recommendations and adding vegetables, fruits, and whole grains to their diet. 65% (11/17) increased confidence in applying heart healthy strategies such as eating produce in season and removing barriers to physical activity. The 3-month follow-up survey results included 57% (4/7) self-reported taking steps to improve or maintain dietary intake and physical activity. Participant actions to support a healthy lifestyle included increasing intake of daily fruits and vegetables, using herbs in meal preparation to reduce sodium intake, purchasing healthier options when shopping, and increasing daily physical activity minutes. Conclusion: A hybrid approach to improving heart healthy lifestyle habits is an effective way to address two modifiable risk factors of heart disease.

2023 Central District All Faculty Symposium – Family and Consumer Sciences W. Lynch, , UF/IFAS Extension, St. Johns County, St. Augustine, FL, A. Anderson, Orange County, Orlando, FL, R. Elliott, Marion County, Ocala, FL, L. Duncan, Sumter County, Bushnell, FL, L. Johnson, Lake County, Tavares, FL, M. Thomas, UF/IFAS Extension, Flagler County, Palm Coast, FL. […]

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Converting from seepage irrigation to plasticulture for vegetable production: A case study

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Grape Expectations: Growing Muscadine Grapes

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