Extension agents show how to grow, prepare summer produce

June 11, 2026

by Tracy Courage University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture

Fast Facts:

Free online sessions explain how to grow and prepare produce

Upcoming topics: sweet corn, Brussels sprouts, peaches, plums, nectarines

LITTLE ROCK — The Cooperative Extension Service’s Grow Your Own Groceries Series has

three new online sessions for summer — each focused on how to grow and prepare a

healthy, nutritious food.

Each hour-long presentation begins at noon. Upcoming sessions include the following:

June 16 — Sweet corn

July 16 — Brussels sprouts

Aug. 4 — Peaches, plums and nectarines

Registration for the free sessions is available online at https://uaex.uada.edu/grow-groceries.

In each session, experts with the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture will discuss

variety selection, growing methods, soil health and how to deal with common pests or problems.

Extension family and consumer sciences agents will also share information on how to store and

prepare homegrown produce and demonstrate healthy recipes.

The timing of the presentations coincides with the growing seasons for each of the fruits and

vegetables featured. Earlier this year, experts highlighted onions, green beans, edamame and

strawberries.

“Attendance was good for the spring programs,” said Faulkner County extension horticulture

agent Krista Quinn, who hosts the series. “We tend to have 400-500 people register, and a little

over 100 attend the live programs. A lot of people watch the recorded programs.”

On June 16, Johnson County extension agent Jesse Taylor will share information on growing

sweet corn, and Faulkner County family and consumer sciences agent Mary Beth Groce will

show attendees how to prepare several recipes using this summer staple.

In July, Hempstead County extension agents Kim Rowe and Terrie James will teach growing

and cooking methods for Brussels sprouts.

In August, White County extension agent Sherri Sanders will share her expertise about growing

peaches, plums, and nectarines, while Pulaski County family and consumer sciences agent

Alicia Boatwright shares recipes featuring stone fruits.

The Grow Your Own Groceries series is just one way the Division of Agriculture works to

improve the health of Arkansas through food, nutrition, and health research, education and

extension programs. To learn about future presentations, visit the Grow Your Own Groceries

webpage on the extension website.

To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension

Service agent or visit uaex.uada.edu. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. To learn more

about the Division of Agriculture, visit uada.edu. To learn more about ag and food research in

Arkansas, visit the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station at aaes.uada.edu.

Extension agents show how to grow, prepare summer produce