Community event offered by the Nassau County Extension/University of Florida

On August 7, Dave Hébert will be teaching about using cover crops to suppress weeds and build soil health by inviting community members to observe and learn about their test plot in Callahan, Florida, and how it was developed.

Dave is the agriculture and natural resources extension agent in Nassau County, benefiting individual gardeners, farmers, ranchers, producers, land managers, conservationists, and 4-H youth. He teaches environmental education, ecosystem biodiversity, increased farm sustainability, productivity, and related topics throughout the county.

Dave can help individuals strategize solutions to weed management problems, pest infestations, lack of pasture growth, poor row crop production including vegetables and blueberries, and composting setups and processes. During a personal visit on an individual’s property, he can prepare soil, water, and livestock feces for proper testing. In addition, Dave can help identify invasive plants, insects, and animals on the property and help brainstorm integrated pest management plans using UF/IFAS recommendations.

UF/IFAS Extension Nassau County Agriculture and Natural Resources is a partnership between IFAS at the University of Florida and Nassau County Government, serving community members by educating and supporting sustainable growing practices. If you would like to learn how to grow cover crops that boost your garden’s health and keep your soil happy and thriving, join UF/IFAS Extension Nassau County for a morning of activities on August 7.

A four-year demonstration garden in Callahan at the UF/IFAS Extension Nassau County office is showcasing how cover crops, compost, mulch, and pollinator-friendly plants can work together to improve soil health, increase biodiversity, and support sustainable food production. Established as an educational project, the 2,000-square-foot garden was designed to help residents, gardeners, and agricultural producers see the benefits of soil-building practices firsthand. The project evaluated a variety of cover crops, including cowpea, sun hemp, oats, rye, millet, clovers, chicory, and sunflowers, while incorporating compost and organic mulches into the growing system.

The garden has produced hundreds of pounds of vegetables, herbs, and other crops, including kale, collards, cowpeas, watermelons, rosemary, and bottle gourds. Cover crop residues were incorporated into the soil, and weeds were managed primarily through hand removal and mulching. In addition to crop production, the site demonstrated ecological benefits.

The upcoming event on August 7, will start with a guided tour of the cover crop garden to understand what it is and why it's important. Dave will talk about planting options, plant varieties, native and invasive plants, and insects (predators and pests). Then, participants will get to see how worm bins and compost piles use the cover crops to build soil health.

The goal is for participants to leave with a basic understanding of how to suppress weeds with cover crops, how a garden ecosystem functions, how to recycle your yard waste on site, and how soil is made.

Please note: This class will take place inside an air-conditioned conference room with brief moments where participants will walk outside to see plants, insects, etc.

For disability accommodations such as alternate formats of written material, please contact Dave Hébert one week in advance. The University of Florida is an equal opportunity institution.

For more information about gardening, soil health, cover crops, and pollinator conservation, contact UF/IFAS Extension Nassau County or come to the next class to learn about the demonstration garden.

Educational programs are offered monthly!

For more information, please email david.hebert@ufl.edu, or text 904-510-3955 or call 904-530-6356.

Visit Agriculture and Natural Resources for additional course offerings.