Saturday, March 14, is a busy day for those who love the outdoors—with food, farm, and plants galore! ECHO’s Global Food & Farm Festival (GF3) in North Fort Myers returns Saturday, March 14, from 9 am to 3 pm.  

“We welcome the Southwest Florida community to our campus for this family-friendly event that is perfect for all ages, allowing visitors to experience sustainable agriculture in action while stepping into the daily realities of smallholder farmers around the world,” explains Media Coordinator Laurana Gonzalez. 

The festival is both immersive and engaging. “Guests can explore the 57-acre Global Farm, participate in hands-on demonstrations, enjoy cooking shows, browse a nursery plant sale, and experience global foods, all while learning how agriculture connects cultures, communities, and livelihoods across the globe,” adds Gonzalez. 

Some of the festival highlights include demonstrations on sustainable farming practices, seed saving, appropriate technology, and composting, as well as opportunities for children and adults to engage directly with the land. There will be a chance to see livestock and crops, and review interactive displays help bring the global story of agriculture to life in a tangible way, making it educational and fun. ECHO North America also offers GF3 workshops through April 11, 2026, including on Wednesday, March 18, “How to Grow and Use Moringa,” Thursday, March 19, “Getting Started Raising Goats,” and Saturday, April 11, 2026, “Mini Food Forests for SWFL”. Plus, there’s plenty more. “After each workshop, attendees are invited to enjoy tropical garden lunches, a perfect opportunity to sample fresh flavors and learn more about plants around the world,” adds Gonzalez. Find out more and purchase tickets online. The workshops offer hands-on training and time for discussion.  Tickets, starting at $7, can be purchased online. A bookstore and nursery are also on-site. Year-round tours and workshops are also available.

Plan Your Visit: ECHO North America,  17391 Durrance Road, North Fort Myers, 239-543-3246.

Now that it’s nearly spring and time to think about spring gardening, here are a few great places to check out. One is the 18th Annual March in the Park plant sale on Saturday, March 14, 2026, from 9 am to 3 pm at the Rotary Park Environmental Center. There will be over 1,000 plants for sale, with the proceeds supporting local non-profit organizations. The affordable plants are grown by garden club members and are disease-free and perfect for local gardening. The plants are conveniently labeled with their names and their ideal growing conditions. To assist, Master Gardeners will be on hand to provide advice. Parking is free.  

Plan Your Visit: Rotary Park Environmental Center, 5505 Rose Garden Road, Cape Coral

Another great place to check out is The Garden Place in Estero, open since 1998. They have recently rebranded with a new identity representing a natural evolution for the nursery, symbolizing growth, environmental stewardship, and deep roots in the Southwest Florida community. 

“We are excited to start this new chapter in our story as The Garden Place,” said Brad Hazelett, President. “Although our name and look have changed, our passion hasn’t, and neither has our knowledgeable team. Customers will still see the same friendly faces, ready to help guide and support their plant and gardening needs.”

Their dedicated staff can help you find the best plants, flowers, tools, and supplies, including fertilizers, soils, seeds, and repellants, to make gardening easy and fun. There are also hand-picked pottery, planters, and décor, such as fountains, birdbaths, and benches. Plus, there are hands-on workshops offered throughout the year, such as those focused on orchids or pollinators and butterflies, some of which are free. 

Plan Your Visit: For more information, visit www.TheGardenPlace.com, call 239-947-9676, or visit the nursery at 20071 South Tamiami Trail in Estero.

If you’re wondering what can be planted and tended to in March, UF offers helpful monthly tips on gardening, from what to plant to what to trim to when to fertilize. Check out Askifas.

Gardening offers a chance to enjoy a physical activity and a way to connect to nature, which can lower stress and increase happiness. So, get out your gloves and get into gardening!

Ann Marie O’Phelan is a SW Florida resident and a regular contributor to TOTI Media.