Extension agents show how to grow, prepare summer produce
June 1, 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
- Register online: https://uaex.uada.edu/grow-groceries
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Photo of summer fruits and vegetables
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.
About the Division of Agriculture
The University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture’s mission is to strengthen agriculture, communities, and families by connecting trusted research to the adoption of best practices. Through the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Cooperative Extension Service, the Division of Agriculture conducts research and extension work within the nation’s historic land grant education system.
The Division of Agriculture is one of 20 entities within the University of Arkansas System. It has offices in all 75 counties in Arkansas and faculty on five system campuses.
The University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs to all eligible persons without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.
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Media Contact: Tracy Courage
Director of Communications-Extension
University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture
501-658-2044