Hillsborough County, Fla. (Nov. 24, 2025) - Hillsborough County Extension Service is closing out the year with a lineup of hands-on workshops, home-garden training, financial education opportunities, and programs for the whole family. From building healthier soil to attracting pollinators and managing water use, December's classes offer both new and experienced learners a chance to dig into fresh skills before the new year.
The month kicks off with the Homegrown Hillsborough Annual Conference on Dec. 3-4, the first gathering of its kind bringing together local food system stakeholders to collaborate and exchange ideas. Other early-month offerings include several Vermicomposting Workshops on Dec. 3, 10, and 17, where residents learn how to turn kitchen scraps into nutrient-rich soil using worms.
Gardeners can also take part in a Vegetable Microirrigation Workshop on Dec. 3, providing tools and techniques to conserve water while growing backyard produce. Residents interested in attracting wildlife can attend Pollinator Gardening on Dec. 5 at the Carrollwood Cultural Center to explore plant selection and design for creating a pollinator-friendly landscape.
Online options also are strong this month, including the Afternoon Arborist webinar on Dec. 4, a Water Use Restrictions Workshop on Dec. 9, and several virtual gardening and financial sessions such as Container Gardening for Every Space (Dec. 11) and the Student Loan Strategies webinar (Dec. 10). Self-paced and appointment-based Financial Building Blocks and 1-1 Financial Education programs are also available throughout the month.
Youth and family programs return as well with the 4-H Family Night at Astro Skate on Dec. 3, offering families a fun evening of skating, games, and community.
Hillsborough County Extension Service, in partnership with the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, offers a wide variety of additional educational classes in December listed below. For more information, visit the Local Events Calendar or call (813) 744-5519.
Gardening and Landscaping
- Vermicomposting Workshops, in person Dec. 3, 10, 17
- Vegetable Microirrigation Workshop, in person Dec. 3
- Pollinator Gardening, in person Dec. 5
- Climate-Smart Gardening, in person Dec. 9
- Container Gardening for Every Space, virtual Dec. 11
Water Conservation & Environmental Education
- Hillsborough County Water Use Restrictions Workshop, virtual Dec. 9
Tree Care
- Afternoon Arborist: Florida Grades and Standards, virtual Dec. 4
Youth Programs
- 4-H Family Night - Astro Skate, in person Dec. 3
Financial Education
- Student Loan Strategies, virtual Dec. 10
- Financial Building Blocks, virtual and self-paced throughout December
- 1-1 Financial Education, virtual and in person throughout December
Professional Development
- Homegrown Hillsborough Annual Conference, in person Dec. 3-4