Sumter County-Alabama Extension

10/16/2026

Build your gardening and landscaping knowledge with Urban Green: Back 2 Basics Wednesdays, a free webinar series from the Alabama Extension Home Horticulture team.

Designed for individuals living in urban areas with limited growing space, these live online sessions offer practical guidance on basic gardening, landscaping, and urban living.

Upcoming sessions include:
Oct. 21 at 10 a.m. CT
Twenty-Five Plants for Fall Flowers
Presented by Urban Home Horticulture Regional Agent, Hayes Jackson

Nov. 4 at 10 a.m. CT
Bagworms: How to Spot Them
Presented by Urban Home Horticulture Regional Agent, Marcus Garner

Individual registration is required for each session. Register at www.aces.edu/go/Back2Basics

10/15/2026

10/14/2026

Way Back Wednesday!

We’re still taking a trip through the Sumter County Extension Archives!

From 4-H activities and agricultural programs to cooking and nutrition classes, these photos capture the memories, milestones, and meaningful moments that have shaped our Extension history.

Each picture tells a story of learning, growing, and serving our community through the years. 📸

✨ Do you recognize any familiar faces or remember these activities? We’d love to hear your memories in the comments!

10/14/2026

Eligible non-industrial private forest landowners can now apply for the Southern Pine Beetle Assistance and Prevention Program. Applications will be open until Oct. 22 at 5 p.m.
The program is administered through the Alabama Forestry Commission with temporary grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service.
“Periodic southern pine beetle outbreaks in Alabama have resulted in millions of cubic feet of pine timber killed on thousands of acres,” said Drew Metzler, forestry program specialist with the AFC. “The goal of this program is to minimize the risk of southern pine beetle outbreaks by assisting landowners with proactive management practices to improve forest health and lessen the susceptibility of pine stands to southern pine beetle attacks.”
Funds offer a cost-share for commercial or non-commercial thinning of loblolly or shortleaf pine stands, as long as certain conditions are met. The program is intended for prevention practices only and does not include individual tree removal. The maximum reimbursement per landowner is $10,000.
The online application is the first step in determining eligibility for the program. AFC staff will review all applications and contact eligible landowners with further instructions.
Guidelines and eligibility details are available within the application portal. To apply, visit forestry.alabama.gov and click on the link for the Landowner Assistance Application Portal. Then, select 2026 Alabama Southern Pine Beetle Prevention Program. Applicants will be asked to login. To receive reimbursement, eligible applicants also must be enrolled as a vendor with the state of Alabama using the STAARS Vendor Self Service website.

10/13/2026

🪴Raised Bed Garden Workshop🪴

Build it. Fill it. Grow it! Join us for a hands-on experience in gardening. This is an opportunity to learn how to construct and fill raised beds and enjoy a farm tour. Lunch will be provided!

📅 Friday, October 30, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
📍 575 Federation Rd, Gainesville, AL 35464
📞 205-652-9676
📧 [email protected]

To register or for more information, contact Tia Parker at the Federation of Southern Cooperative.

10/13/2026

Plant now for homegrown flavor later!
October and November are the best months to plant garlic in Alabama. In south Alabama, the planting season can extend through February.

Ready to get growing?
Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil enriched with organic matter.
Separate the bulb into individual cloves.
Plant cloves pointed end up, about 1 inch deep and 4 to 6 inches apart.
Choose a spot where onions or other related plants haven’t previously grown.

Fall-planted garlic is usually ready to harvest in late May or early June. A little planting now gives you something delicious to look forward to!

Find more growing tips here: https://www.aces.edu/go/5532

10/13/2026

🐐🐓 Livingston Stockyard Small Animal Sale! 🐴🐄

Join us October 24th at 12 PM at livingston stockyard for a great day of buying and selling! We’ll have chickens, ducks, rabbits, turkeys, goats, sheep, cattle, ponies, donkeys, and more.

📍 Check-in and drop-off begin at 7:30 AM.
🚫 No pigs.
📞 For more information, contact Alex Caudle at 205-609-7182 or Ryder Ladner at 228-493-3081

Bring the family, spread the word, and come enjoy a great day at Livingston Stockyard!

10/12/2026

In the aftermath of Hurricane Isaias, Alabama farmers are encouraged to work with their county Extension office to share time- and date-stamped pictures of agricultural damages. Documentation can be submitted online at www.aces.edu/go/Isaias by 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16.

For more information, go to https://www.aces.edu/blog/topics/alabama-ready/hurricane-isaias-agricultural-damage-survey/.

Alabama Extension is working to document agricultural damages made to crops, livestock, buildings, and equipment from Hurricane Isaias.

10/11/2026