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UGA Cooperative Extension

Bibb County Extension Office:
Agriculture & Natural Resources

Other Programs

Upcoming Classes

For all workshops, please contact Beth Horne at 770-228-7214 or by e-mail bhorne@uga.edu. Online registration is available for all workshops.

Friday, March 15 -Small Vegetable Growers Workshop
This workshop is designed for anyone who is considered starting a small vegetable farm or any type of produce as well as gardeners wanting to learn more about how to market their vegetables. The program will cover the basics of how to begin the process of earning extra income through growing and selling vegetables. Topics will include what vegetables to grow, how to grow them, developing a plan, how to market, as well as selection of equipment. This workshop is designed for the beginning grower or homeowner that has ever considered selling their produce at a farmers market, roadside stand or by word of mouth.Bob Westerfield, Extension Vegetable Horticulturist, will be coordinating the program.Workshop will be held in the Garden Education Building atthe UGA Griffin Research & Education Garden. Cost is $45.00 and includes all materials, lunch and breaks.

Friday March 22 -Landscape Update
This program is designed for the commercial landscaper or ground maintenance personnel and will cover a number of landscape management issues. Topics will include site analysis, planting and fertilizing as well as how to select the best trees and ornamentals. We will also have a section on how to manage turf as well as how to troubleshoot problems in the landscape. CEU and pesticide license credits have been applied for. Dr. Bodie Pennisi and Bob Westerfield, Extension University of Georgia Horticulturists will be coordinating the program. Workshop is scheduled for Friday, March 22 from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. in the Garden Education Building at the UGA Griffin Research & Education Garden. Cost is $59 and includes lunch, breaks and all handouts.

Thursday, April 4 -Small Engine Maintenance Workshop
This program is being conducted by the University of Georgia Horticulture Department and will cover the basics of how to properly maintain and troubleshoot small garden and landscape engines. Proper equipment selection, sharpening of hand tools, tuning up motors and properly preparing engines for long term storage are a few of the topics that will be discussed. Many of the repairs that are required on our garden equipment are simple to do and can save you hundreds of dollars in repair bills from a shop. We will also explore the most important tools to have on hand to help maintain and repair your equipment. Bob Westerfield, UGA Extension Horticulturist, will be the program speaker. Workshop is scheduled for Thursday, April 4 from 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. in room 115 in the Student Learning Center on the UGA Griffin Campus. Cost is $39 and includes refreshments and handouts.

Tuesday, April 9 -Growing Your Own Home Vegetables
This program will cover the basics of how to start your own vegetable garden. Growing your own vegetable is not only simple to do but will save you money and assure you the safest and freshest produce you have ever eaten. Some of the topics to be included in this program will be how to select a garden site, raised bed gardening, variety selection, growing your own transplants, planting, fertilization and irrigation. We will also discuss the different types of equipment that are available to make your vegetable garden easier. Bob Westerfield, University of Georgia Horticulturist will be the program speaker. Workshop is scheduled for Tuesday, April 9 from 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. in room 105 in the Student Learning Center on the UGA Griffin Campus. Cost is $30 and includes refreshments and handouts.

Friday, April 12 -Plant Propagation & Hobby Greenhouses
This workshop is entirely hands-on plant propagation, from seed and cuttings, to dividing and grafting. You will get your hands in the dirt and pick up some do-it-yourself tips. Workshop sponsored by the Cooperative Extension Service, The Center for Urban Agriculture, and the Horticulture Department on the Griffin Campus. This workshop is scheduled for Friday, April 12 from 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. in the Garden Education Building at the UGA Griffin Research & Education Garden. Cost is $49 and includes refreshments and workshop supplies.

Commercial Pesticide Applicator Licenses

Private Pesticide Applicator License - This category includes any individual who wants to purchase, use or supervise the use of any restricted use pesticide or State restricted pesticide use in the production of an agricultural or forestry commodity on property owned, rented or otherwise under the control of him or his employer. Examples include: farmers, ranchers, vineyardists, plant propagators, Christmas tree growers, aquaculturists, floraculturists, orchardists, foresters and other comparable persons. The review and exam for the Private Pesticide Licenses is administered by your local County Extension office.

Commercial Pesticide Applicator License - Commercial pesticide licenses are administered by the Georgia Department of Agriculture. These licenses are required in order to purchase, use, or supervise the use of a Restricted Use Pesticides (RUP), or any general use or restricted use pesticide when providing pesticide applications for a fee.  Click here for a complete list of categories.

  • Study Materials - Anyone desiring a commercial pesticide license must pass both the General Standards test and a subject area test. Click here to order study materials.
  • Testing Centers - Commercial pesticide exams are administered by technical colleges throughout the state. In Macon, exams are offered each Tuesday at 2pm at Central Georgia Technical College. Click here for a complete listing.
  • Click here to register for the exam.
  • View GDA's list of frequently asked questions.

Pesticide Applicator License Recertification - After receiving a commercial pesticide license, continuing education hours must be kept up in order to keep your license current. The number of required credits varies per category. For example, category 24 (ornamental & turf) license holders must receive 10 credits with-in five years of getting a license.

  • Listing of commercial applicator recertification classes.
  • Listing of web-based recertification classes.
  • Contact your local County Extension office for other possible options.

Groups that do not fall into the private or commercial applicator categories include individuals working for Parks & Recreation Departments, Public Works, school systems, colleges, and parks. These individuals must obtain the appropriate Commercial Pesticide applicator license if they are applying Restricted Use Pesticides (RUP). While this license isn't required for others, it is recommended that employees receive some type of training, such as the Georgia Competent Applicator of Pesticides Program (GCAPP), to demonstrate their competency with the safe use of pesticides.

 

Local Farmers' Markets facebook

  • Mulberry Street Market - Every Wednesday from 4:00 - 7:00 pm near the intersection of Mulberry Street and 2nd Street. Look for them in the greenspace in front of the Grand Opera House. For more information, contact Chris Kiker.

  • Wesleyan Market - 2nd Saturday 9am-1pm; Wesleyan College on Forsyth Rd. For more information, contact Kelly Page.

Testing Services

Soil Tests

Cost: $8.00 each

Samples are submitted to the UGA lab each Friday. Results take 7 to 14 days. Developing and maintaining productive soil begins with soil testing. Test results are used to determine the amount and kind of nutrients that should be added for the best growth of lawn, garden, and other types of plants. It is recommended that soil tests be taken every two years. Click here for more information.

Plant Disease Diagnostics

Cost: $12.00 each (No charge if determination made with Distance Diagnostics through Digital Imaging - DDDI)

To promote the sustainability of Georgia agriculture, county extension offices use the resources of the Commercial and Homeowner Plant Disease IPM Clinics. These labs, maintained by the extension plant pathology unit, provide diagnostic information to educate growers concerning environmentally sound and economically viable plant production programs. Click here to view UGA plant disease clinic reports.

Insect Identification

Cost: No charge

Identication of insects and closely related arthropods is also available through your county extension office. These labs, maintained by the extension entomology unit, provide identification of insects found in all plant and animal production systems, stored products pest, structural insects, and those associated with humans and companion animals. Click here for more information on insect identification and management.

Plant Identification

Cost: No charge

With the expertise of our Bibb County Master Gardeners and the University of Georgia specialists at our fingertips, we have the capability of answering your plant questions.

Water Testing

How and in what ways water is used often depends upon its quality. Agriculture is the number one water user, but many municipalities and industries are also heavy users. In addition to human needs, all plants and animals require fresh, safe water to survive. For these reasons, regular testing of water is important. Testing can also help you identify and solve any problems you might have with your water.

Should you have your water tested? Cost varies depending on test.

Other Services

Plant Tissue Analysis, Nematode Analysis, Feeds/Silages/Hay, Cotton Petioles, Artificial Greenhouse/Nursery Mixes, Agricultural Waste and By-Products, Pesticide Residue and Hazardous Waste, & Corn Aflatoxin Analysis

Additional University Links

Other Resources

Have a topic that you need more information about?

Check out the CAES Publications Search page.

For more information on issues related to agriculture or natural resources, please contact Karol Kelly at karolk@uga.edu or (478) 751-6338.

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