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How-to and Informational

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Choosing the Right Material for Raised Beds

Raised beds can be built from many different materials, ranging from inexpensive and practical to decorative and more expensive. The best choice depends on the garden’s appearance, budget, durability and how permanent the bed needs to be.

Related Videos:
​How to Mix Soil for a Raised Bed: A Simple Guide to the Right Ingredients
Choosing the Right Soil for a Raised Bed Garden
Building Raised Bed
Replacing a Wooden Raised Bed with Concrete Block
A Season-Long Look at Five Mulches: What Worked, What Didn’t

Related Resources:
Soil Health in Raised Beds
Raised bed gardens

Top Trees for Fall Foliage 

Choosing a tree with attractive autumn foliage can add seasonal interest to the landscape, and there are a wide range of trees with yellow, orange, red, purple, and russet foliage. Planning ahead and visiting a local nursery in the fall can help homeowners identify trees with the color they want and select a species suited to their yard.

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Fall Gardening To-Do List
Fall and Winter Flowers
Seven Great Landscape Trees
Five Lesser-Known Trees to Consider for the Home Landscape

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Fall Foliage Tree List
Changing Colors of Leaves
Top Fall Trees in United States

Raised Bed Soil Experiment: Early Results After Five Months

How much does the type of soil in a raised bed affect plant growth? That is the question behind a three-year experiment comparing eight different growing media. The first season is only about halfway complete, but after roughly five months, some clear differences are already appearing.

The experiment includes eight raised beds, each filled with a different soil or soil mix. Each bed contains the same types of plants—tomatoes, peppers, zinnias, salvia, marigolds and petunias—and all of the beds are irrigated and managed as consistently as possible. When fertilizer or water is applied, every bed receives the same treatment.

Related Videos:
​How to Mix Soil for a Raised Bed: A Simple Guide to the Right Ingredients
Choosing the Right Soil for a Raised Bed Garden
A Season-Long Look at Five Mulches: What Worked, What Didn’t

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Soil Health in Raised Beds
Raised bed gardens

Fungicides

Retired UT Extension Agent talks about fungicides, how they work and demonstrates how to apply them. Common fungal diseases include rots on fruit, blights on tomatoes, and leaf spots on ornamental plants. Most fungal diseases on plants are spread by wind moving spores from one plant to another. Fungicides are applied to leaves of a plant preventatively. Then a spore lands on the protected leaf the fungicide kills the spore. Once the fungus is established on a leaf it can’t be cured with fungicide. Rain or irrigation can easily wash the fungicide off. This requires re-treatment to maintain the protection. Fungicides should be applied to both the top and bottom of the leaves. Try to apply the fungicide before you have the problem. You should try to get good coverage on the plant.

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Mixing and Applying Fungicide
Spraying Fungicide

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What are Fungicides?
Ornamental Fungicide Efficacy Table
Using Organic Fungicides

Best Trees for Fall Color

Horticulturalist Joellen Dimond gives a list of trees she thinks have the best fall color. Her picks include the standbys like oaks and maples, but also more exotic selections like the Persian ironwood and Japanese Katsura. She also talks about some desirable characteristics of each outside of fall.

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Fall Gardening To-Do List
Fall and Winter Flowers

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Changing Colors of Leaves
Top Fall Trees in United States

Five Lesser-Known Trees to Consider for the Home Landscape

Selecting the right tree can add beauty, seasonal interest and wildlife value to a home landscape. Several uncommon species worth considering include ginkgo, American yellowwood, black gum, Osage orange and sourwood.

These often-overlooked trees offer a variety of benefits, from colorful foliage and flowers to wildlife habitat and durability. When choosing one for a home landscape, consider mature size, growth habit, maintenance needs and any special characteristics—such as thorns or messy fruit—to ensure the tree is planted in an appropriate location.

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Black Gum: Nyssa biflora
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Fungicides

Retired UT Extension Agent talks about fungicides, how they work and demonstrates how to apply them. Common fungal diseases include rots on fruit, blights on tomatoes, and leaf spots on ornamental plants. Most fungal diseases on plants are spread by wind moving spores from one plant to another. Fungicides are applied to leaves of a plant preventatively. Then a spore lands on the protected leaf the fungicide kills the spore. Once the fungus is established on a leaf it can’t be cured with fungicide. Rain or irrigation can easily wash the fungicide off. This requires re-treatment to maintain the protection. Fungicides should be applied to both the top and bottom of the leaves. Try to apply the fungicide before you have the problem. You should try to get good coverage on the plant.

Related Videos:
Mixing and Applying Fungicide
Spraying Fungicide

Related Resources:
What are Fungicides?
Ornamental Fungicide Efficacy Table
Using Organic Fungicides

Glyphosate

Retired UT Extension Agent talks about glyphosate. Glyphosate is a non-selective herbicide which means it will kill almost any plant it gets on. Glyphosate is the active ingredient in Round-Up but it is also available in many other generic brands. Glyphosate is absorbed by the green tissue of the plant and moves through the plant and will kill the entire plant. It works best on plants that are actively growing so it may be a good idea to water and fertilize a plant you want to kill to make it grow.  When applying glyphosate you should wear rubber gloves and make sure to shake the solution to make sure it is evenly mixed. Direct the spray towards the plant you want to kill. Be sure to keep the glyphosate from getting on any desirable plants.

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Understanding Glyphosate To Increase Performance

Common Warm Season Lawn Diseases

Lawns can get diseases that will create dead spots or other unsightly problems. UT Extension Agent Booker T. Leigh talks about the most common diseases on warm season grasses: brown patch, rust, fairy ring, and spring dead spot. These diseases are fungal, and many are a result of poor drainage or standing water both in summer and in winter. Booker talks about each one, what it looks like with pictures, what causes it, and how to treat it.

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Dividing and Potting Hostas 

Chris learns how to divide Hostas with the help of master gardener Cheryl Lockhart. Be sure to check your Hostas for any and all diseases before dividing and remember to water, water, WATER!

Dividing your Hostas can be a great way to proliferate these beautiful plants all around your lawn and garden. Doing this in the winter can help make sure that by spring you've got a whole family of Hostas to admire.

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Panicle Hydrangeas: Sun-Loving Shrubs for Large Summer Blooms

For gardeners who love hydrangeas but struggle to find varieties that thrive in full sun, panicle hydrangeas (Hydrangea paniculata) are an excellent choice. Unlike many hydrangeas that prefer shade, panicle hydrangeas perform well in full-sun locations, producing large, showy flower clusters throughout the summer when many other hydrangea species have already finished blooming. They also possess excellent resistance to insects and diseases, allowing them to thrive with minimal care.

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Tall, Slender Trees 

Tall, slender trees can make a statement in the landscape and fit where other trees would be too wide. UT Gardens - Jackson Horticulturist Jason Reeves shows several varieties growing at the gardens and talks about each one. He shows an oak, sweet gum, tulip poplar, zelkova, and elm. Each tree has a slightly different shape and growth habit. Jason explains that these trees are growing naturally, without irrigation or fertilizer.

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Crape Myrtles

Crape myrtles bloom in the heat of summer with large showy blooms. University of Memphis Director of Landscape Joellen Dimond talks about the different kinds of crape myrtle along with their common insect pests and disease problems. Crape myrtles can be divided into several categories based on their size. The smallest grow to 8 inches, while the tallest can be over 30 feet tall. Selecting the correct size for your application is critical. Many people choose plants that are too large and then have to severely prune them to keep them under control. Joellen also talks about pests including crape myrtle bark scale and aphids. She also talks about powdery mildew.

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Apple Tree Diseases

Here are the six most common diseases in apples. Retired UT Extension Agent Mike Dennison talks about symptoms, damage, and control of fire blight, cedar apple rust, sooty blotch, fly speck, bitter rot, black rot, apple scab, and white rot. For each disease Mike gives the symptoms and the basics on how to prevent and treat them.

Get the University of Georgia publication Mike was using here.
For an apple spray guide and schedule see this University of Tennessee Publication.

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Understanding Why Hydrangeas Fail to Bloom

The biggest reason hydrangeas fail to bloom often comes down to one simple mistake: pruning at the wrong time. However, the answer isn't always that straightforward. Different hydrangea species develop flower buds in different ways, and weather conditions can also play a major role. Understanding which type of hydrangea is growing in the landscape is the first step toward enjoying reliable blooms year after year. Continue reading the full article here.

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Why is my hydrangea not blooming?
When should I prune my Hydrangea Paniculata?

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Summer Tomato Tips 

Summertime heat can be hard on tomato plants. Alainia Hagerty from tomatobaby.com gives some pointers on how to keep your tomatoes going all summer long. The heat makes it hard for tomatoes to be pollinated. She shows a way to help pollinate the flowers. She also talks about fungicide sprays. Also, hornworms are a problem because they have a voracious appetite for tomato leaves. She also talks about fertilization, blossom end rot, and tomato cracking.

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How a Tree Works

Certified Arborist Wes Hopper explains the basics of how trees work. Trees use photosynthesis to convert nutrients into sugars for the tree to use. Wes also explains how the vascular system in the tree transports water and nutrients from the roots up to the leaves, and the sugars from photosynthesis from the leaves to the other parts of the tree. Wes shows the different layers of a tree trunk and talks about what each layer does. He talks about the different kinds of roots and what they do. Wes also talks about how trees react to high summer heat.

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The Worst Weeds

What are the worst weeds in your garden? Retired UT Extension Agent Mike Dennison goes over several lists of the worst weeds and throws in some weeds of his own.

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How to Prune Boxwood for a Natural, Healthy Shape

Boxwood is one of the most popular landscape shrubs because of their dense evergreen foliage and versatility. While many boxwood are regularly sheared into formal shapes, selective pruning can create a healthier plant with a more natural appearance.

The goal of selective pruning is to reduce the size of the shrub while maintaining its natural rounded form. Instead of trimming all the outer growth evenly with hedge shears, individual branches are cut back to a point where smaller branches are already growing. This allows the shrub to maintain its shape without looking heavily pruned. 

Continue reading the full article here.

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Watering Wands and Hose Sprinklers: Tips and Tricks

Plants need water and Horticulturist Jason Reeves shows how he waters the plants at UT Gardens in Jackson, TN. For potted plants he uses a watering wand. He shows several different kinds of wands and tells what features he likes. He also talks about impact and oscillating sprinklers. He shows how to adjust each one and talks about what situations are best for each.

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Planting Shrubs in Wet Heavy Soils

UT Extension Agent Joellen Dimond and Chris Cooper plant a bed in front of WKNO’s studios. Joellen finds the soil is heavy and wet. Using this information, Joellen designed an attractive layout using plants that can tolerate living in a wet area (her design below). She chose to use Florida Anise, Dwarf Yaupon Holly, Anthony Waterer Spirea, Stella de Oro Daylily, Plumbago, Ogon Sweet Flag, and Canna. She also chose these plants because they should be easy to find in the nursery.  Because of poor percolation Joellen chose to plant the plants with only two thirds of the existing roots under the soil. Read about each plant, as well as the full article, here.

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How to Create a Beautiful Container Garden

Container gardens are one of the easiest ways to add color and texture to a porch, patio, or sunny corner of the yard. The good news is that you do not need expensive materials or complicated techniques to make an enjoyable planter. With the right preparation, plant selection, and watering routine, you can create a container that looks great all season long.  Continue reading the full article here.

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Tomato Spray Schedule

Tomatoes in warm humid environments will get fungal blights. Retired UT Extension Agent Mike Dennison talks about how regular fungicide application will prevent blights. Fungicides are preventative in nature, they kill fungus spores that land on a treated area. They do not cure the problem they only prevent it. Once you see some fungus damage on a leaf it will always have that damage, but applying fungicide to the plant will prevent it from spreading. Mike talks about how often to spray in wet and dry conditions and what to spray. Mike then talks about how to spray plants.

Related Video:
Mixing and Applying Fungicides

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Understanding Late Blight of Tomatoes

How to Properly Prune Azaleas for Healthier Growth and More Blooms

​Pruning azaleas may seem intimidating, especially when shrubs become overgrown, thin, or uneven. But with the right approach, pruning can improve airflow, encourage fuller growth, and increase blooms the following season. One of the most important things to remember is that azaleas should be pruned shortly after they finish blooming, ideally in late spring or early summer. Pruning later will cut off next year’s flower buds.  Keep reading the full article here.

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Tree Borers

Wood boring insects can cause the decline or death of a tree. UT Extension Entomologist Frank Hale says the borers tunnel into the tree and feed beneath the bark cutting off the flow of nutrients from the roots to the canopy. Usually they attack weakened or declining trees, but they can also attack healthy trees.  Continue reading the full article here.

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Best Vegetables for Raised Bed Gardens

Raised bed gardening continues to grow in popularity, and for good reasons. Raised beds offer better drainage, improved soil control, easier maintenance, and a more organized growing space. However, not every vegetable is a good fit for these smaller garden areas. Choosing compact, productive varieties is the key to success. Read the full article and get in-depth information on suggested plants, here.

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Gardening in 5-Gallon Buckets

If you don’t have the space or time for an in-ground garden, planting vegetables in five-gallon buckets is a great option. UT Extension County Director Walter Battle shows how to plant a tomato in a five-gallon bucket. Make sure your bucket is safe to use. Don’t use a bucket that has been used for chemicals or oil-based substances. Walter recommends using a new bucket. Walter drills holes in the bottom of the bucket and places a piece of landscape fabric in the bottom to keep the soil from running out. He adds some rock to the bottom for drainage and then soil. He also adds some manure for nutrients and plants a tomato plant. Tomatoes like to be planted deep, so he adds more soil around the plant. He also talks about how to water the plant and take care of it. Walter talks briefly about growing other vegetables like peppers and squash in buckets.

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Planting Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are a great addition to the southern garden. UT Extension County Director Walter Battle shows how to plant them. First, he makes a ridge of soil about ten inches tall and twelve inches wide. Then he makes a hole and plants the sweet potato plants. He talks about what to use to fertilize and when to do it. He also talks about the insect pests that affect sweet potatoes and how best to deal with them. Walter tells when and how to harvest and cure the sweet potatoes.

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Gardening Ergonomics,
How to Not Throw Out Your Back in the Garden

Gardening is great exercise and involves a lot of lifting, twisting and bending, which if not done correctly can cause back problems. UT Extension Agent Andrea Jacobo shows correct ways to lift and bend while gardening. She also shows how to work on your knees. Stretching after gardening can help loosen up and relax muscles that you used, and Andrea shows some easy stretches. 

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Raised Bed Gardening Basics: Soil, Drainage and Design

Raised bed gardening offers a flexible way to grow vegetables, herbs, and flowers, especially for gardeners dealing with limited space, poor soil, or mobility concerns. With proper planning, raised beds and containers can support healthy plant growth in a wide range of settings.  Continue reading the full article here.

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Getting Garden Beds Ready for Spring and Summer Planting

Preparing a garden bed for a new planting season begins with building a healthy soil foundation. Before introducing new plants, preparing the soil helps ensure they perform at their best. Organic matter, such as compost, can be added to improve soil structure, encourage earthworms, and provide nutrients. While compost is beneficial, it should make up no more than about 20 percent of the total soil volume. This balance allows plants to access nutrients from the native soil while still gaining the benefits of added organic matter.  Continue reading the article, and find a list of all the annuals planted in this bed over the years, here.

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Setting Up a Bird Feeder

Debbie Bruce from Wild Birds Unlimited shows how to set up a bird feeder on a pole. The pole system she is using allows for two feeders to be hung at the same time. One feeder she loads with bird seed and the other feeder with suet. This selection will attract a range of birds to the feeders. There are squirrels and raccoons that live in the area so Debbie installs a baffle to keep them from climbing the pole and also sites the feeder at least 12 feet away from trees so squirrels cannot jump to the feeder.

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Refilling and Replanting a Raised Garden Bed

Over time, raised garden beds can lose soil due to settling, erosion, and regular plant turnover. As the soil level drops, plant performance may decline because roots have less space to grow and access nutrients. Refilling a raised bed restores proper soil depth and creates better growing conditions.

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Planting Strawberries

Master Gardener Tom Mashour shows how to plant strawberries in the garden. Tom uses white plastic over the soil. This is to keep the strawberries off the ground, retain moisture, and reflect the heat from the hot summer sun.  Tom uses a shower curtain liner from a dollar store. He plants two rows of strawberries. The rows are 12 inches apart with the plants 12 inches apart in the rows. The rows are offset 6 inches from each other. Tom cuts an X in the plastic where he wants to plant the plant. Then he digs a small hole in the soil under the X and plants the strawberry plant. The plastic he put down is in two pieces. When the plants need watered he can open up the plastic between the two pieces, then close it back up when done.

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How to Mix Soil for a Raised Bed: A Simple Guide to the Right Ingredients 

Creating a good raised bed soil mix starts with combining a few primary ingredients that support plant growth through structure, drainage, and nutrient availability. A balanced mix typically includes a mineral base, materials that improve soil structure, and organic matter that supports biological activity.  Keep reading and find Kyle's Soil Recipe here.

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Groundcovers

There are many options for ground covers in the garden and UT Extension Horticulture Specialist Carol Reese talks about some of her favorite options.  Groundcovers are often used to cover areas where grass won’t grow but there are also design reasons to use groundcovers. Carol warns against fast-growing groundcovers. They will quickly outgrow their spot and spread into your lawn and other areas. Carol prefers clumping groundcovers that stay put and spread slowly. Carol talks about some of her favorites like sweet flag, vinca, ajuga, and phlox. She also talks about the two kinds of monkeygrass: Liriope muscari and Liriope spicata, and the different kinds of mondo grass including some slow spreading types. Carol talks a lot about sedums. There are many kinds and not all make good groundcovers. She names some sedums that will do well in hot southern summers. She also talks about creeping raspberry.

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Choosing the Right Soil for a Raised Bed Garden

One of the most commonly asked garden questions is what type of soil should be used in a raised bed. A successful raised bed begins with understanding the role of true soil versus amendments, and how the two work together to support plant growth over time.

A reliable starting point is to include a significant portion of mineral soil, or soil from the ground—often around 50 percent. This soil will be a mix of clay, sand, and silt, the three components of soil. These soils provide structure and hold essential minerals that plants rely on. Without this base, raised beds made primarily of organic materials may lack stability and nutrient retention. Over time, organic materials break down and settle, requiring frequent replacement.  Keep reading the full article here.

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Cactus Care 101: A Beginner’s Guide to Light, Water, and Soil

Cacti are well known for their ability to thrive in dry environments, making them a practical choice for a low-maintenance indoor plant. Understanding a few basic principles can make growing cacti straightforward, even for beginners.

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Perennials for Blooms all Summer

Perennials typically bloom for a short time each year, but with the right selection, your garden can have blooming perennials all season. University of Memphis Director of Landscape Joellen Dimond gives a list of perennials that together bloom from spring through fall. All the plants Joellen describes thrive in similar soil conditions in full sun and they require minimal maintenance.

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Planting a Container Flower Garden

Even if you don’t have any place to grow plants in the ground you can still have a beautiful container garden. Tonya Ashworth shows how to plant a container flower garden in a barrel. She shows how to arrange the plants for visual appeal using a tall central thriller plant, filler plants and spiller plants that hang over the side to break up the edge of the barrel.

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Houseplant 101: How to Water, Repot, and Grow Healthy Plants

Houseplants bring the greenery of nature indoors. Successful care begins with proper identification. Knowing the plant’s name allows growers to research its specific light, water, and growth requirements. If a plant does not include a tag, you can often ID the plant using reputable gardening resources or plant identification tools.  Continue reading the full article here.

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Planting Bare Root Roses

Bare root roses can provide an economical rose option. Rose expert Bill Dickerson shows how to plant a bare root rose. He talks about how to prepare the plant for planting and then removes the packing to show the root of the rose. Ideally the roots will be about as large as the top of the bush. He then plants the rose using native soil, amendments, Epsom salts and fertilizer. He talks about the flowering process and care of rose bushes.

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