How-to and Informational
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Common Tree Diseases
Trees can look awful when they have a disease, even if that disease doesn’t cause long-term harm. University of Memphis Director of Landscape Joellen Dimond talks about some of the most common tree diseases, what the symptoms look like and the appropriate treatment. She talks about anthracnose, bacterial scorch, oak leaf blister, shot hole disease, and powdery mildew.
Related Videos: Bacterial Leaf Scorch Powdery Mildew on Zinnias Related Resources: Diseases of Shade and Ornamental Trees Disease Control for Trees, Shrubs and Flowers |
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Preserving Herbs - Herb Vinegars
Sherri McCalla, Herb Curator for Memphis Botanic Garden talks about different ways to preserve herbs. The way most people think about is hanging the herbs to dry. This is a good way but has some draw-backs. Drying herbs reduces their flavor and some herbs can drop leaves or seeds as they dry. The dropping leaves can be caught by a screen or paper bag. Another option for preservation that keeps the taste is to make a paste by combining the herb with oil in a food processor then freezing the result (see below for Sheri's Herb Pesto Recipe). Another option is to make herb vinegars where the flavor is infused into the vinegar. The vinegar then can be used for dipping bread. Dried herbs can be ground and combined with salt to use to dip tomatoes or other vegetables. Another option is to put some herb sprigs into wine to add the herbs flavor.
Related Videos: Planting an Herb and Flower Container Garden Easy to Grow Herbs Related Resources: Herbs: Preserving and Using Harvesting, Drying and Storing Herbs Drying Herbs Sherri's Herb Pesto Recipe: Ingredients: 2 cups packed herb leaves 2 – 4 cloves garlic (to taste) 1/4 –1/2 cup nuts 2/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil, divided Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese Directions: Choose whichever herbs you like: basil (basil, mints, tarragon, nettles, sage, etc. – experiment and try new pesto combinations. Sage can be a very strong flavor – use parsley in place of some of the sage to help tone it down a bit. Use your favorite nuts: pine nuts are traditional, but try pecans and walnuts, etc. Try toasting the nuts first for different flavor.) Make a paste by placing the herb leaves in a food processor - pulse until coarsely chopped, then add 1/3 cup of the oil and process until smooth. If freezing: transfer herb and oil mixture to an air tight container, drizzle the remaining oil over the processed paste and freeze. Thaw when desired, add cheese and nuts, serve. If using immediately, add the remaining 1/3 cup oil, and nuts and pulse until smooth. Transfer the blended nuts, oil, and herbs to a large serving bowl and mix in the cheese. Add the salt and pepper to taste. Serve with crackers or bread. |
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A Guide to Understanding
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Enhancing Your Landscape with Plant Screens
Plant screens serve multiple practical and aesthetic purposes, transforming outdoor spaces into private retreats and visually appealing environments.
Reasons to Use Plant Screens Privacy. One of the primary reasons people have plant screens is to create privacy. Screens can block the view of neighbors, allowing you to enjoy your outdoor space in private. Aesthetic Value Screens can also conceal less attractive features of your property, such as storage sheds or work areas, allowing you to relax without having to look at them. Wildlife Habitat. Plant screens can provide shelter and food for birds and other wildlife. A varied selection of plant heights and types can attract a diverse range of species. Choosing the Right Plants When selecting plants for your screen, you should use a mix of species rather than relying on a single type. This not only adds visual interest but also reduces the risk of a pest or disease damaging or killing your entire screen. Here are some plant options to consider: 1. Arborvitae Varieties - American Pillar (Thuja occidentalis 'American Pillar'): Known for its medium to fast growth rate, this arborvitae forms a dense, upright screen, ideal for creating a solid backdrop. It reaches a mature width of about 6-8 feet and a height of about 30 feet. - Thin Man (Thuja occidentalis 'Thin Man'): With a narrower profile – about 2-3 feet – this cultivar is perfect for tight spaces. Its columnar form makes it a great option for restricted areas. - Skywalker (Thuja occidentalis 'Skywalker'): This variety offers a medium width of 4-6 feet and reaches heights of about 15 feet, fitting nicely between the broader American Pillar and the slimmer Thin Man. 2. Broadleaf Evergreens - Foster Holly (Ilex x attenuata 'Fosteri'): A native hybrid known for its impressive size, reaching up to 30 feet tall. It is evergreen so it provides year-round privacy and features attractive berries in fall that benefit local wildlife. - Hardy Anise Tree (Illicium parviflorum): This versatile plant thrives in both sunny and shaded areas. It grows to about 15 feet high and wide. It has dense foliage that when crushed has a unique licorice scent. 3. Deciduous Shrubs -Sweetshrub (Calycanthus): A native shrub offering early spring and summer blooms with large, attractive leaves that come in multiple shapes on the same plant. - Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus): Known for its long summer bloom period, it provides color and visual interest for most of the summer. - Paniculata Hydrangea: These hydrangeas can grow quite large and are effective in creating a lush, flowering screen. Creating a Balanced Screen Incorporating a mix of evergreen and deciduous plants allows for year-round interest, seasonal variation, and summer flowers. Evergreens can form the backbone of your screen, providing consistent, dense coverage throughout the year. Deciduous shrubs add dynamic elements with their changing colors and blooms. When planning your plant screen, consider spacing plants appropriately to fill gaps and ensure your screen develops fully over time. A well-thought-out combination of plant types will not only enhance the privacy and beauty of your landscape but also support local wildlife and add long-term value to your outdoor space. Related Videos: Seven Great Landscape Trees Eleven Common Landscape Mistakes Landscape Planning Related Resources: Plants for Mixed Privacy Screens Mixed Screens |
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Summer Rose Care: Tips to Get Your Rose Plant Ready for Prolific
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The Secret to Houseplants:
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Killing and Replacing Grass
Before you install new grass, a garden or even a playground you need to make sure your existing grass is really and truly dead. UT Extension Agent Joseph Seago explains the steps for killing the old grass and installing the sod.
Related Videos: How To Lay Sod Do I need to kill my existing grass before I lay sod? Related Resources: Lawn (Turfgrass) Removal Methods Sod Installation and Maintenance |
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Catch That Critter - How to Set Up a Havahart Live Animal Trap
When dealing with unwanted wildlife, a live animal – or Havahart – trap can be an effective solution. Retired UT Extension Agent Mike Dennison shows how to bate and set the trap and gives tips and tricks to make sure you catch that nuisance animal. He also talks about some laws and regulations around handling trapped animals.
Related Videos: How do you get rid of moles without using traps? Fences to Keep the Critters Out of the Garden Common Garden Pests Related Resources: Managing Nuisance Animals and Associated Damage Around the Home Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency FAQ on Animal Damage Control Nuisance Wildlife Control: A Training Manual: Tools and Techniques |
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Long-Term Losers in Southeastern Landscapes
Long-Term Losers in Southeastern Landscapes: What to Avoid and What to Plant Instead
Gardening in the southeast United States comes with its own set of challenges because of the region’s unique climate and soil conditions. Certain popular plant species have proven to be poor performers in this environment. UT Extension Horticulture Specialist Celleste Scott looks at some of the "long-term losers" in southeastern gardening and recommends some better alternatives. Leyland Cypress: A Cautionary Tale Leyland cypress was once a popular choice for large-scale plantings, It features rapid growth and dense foliage. However, this tree has increasingly struggled in the Southeast due to a disease called Seiridium Canker, which is exacerbated by the region’s humidity and summer droughts. The disease causes the tree to develop unsightly brown branches and decline in health over time. Steer clear of Leyland cypress and consider alternatives like the Eastern Redcedar or Arborvitae. Eastern Redcedar, a native species, is resilient, adaptable to various soil types, and offers attractive form and color. Arborvitae, provides similar evergreen qualities with diverse options in size and appearance. Bradford Pear: A Plant to Avoid Bradford Pear, a cultivar of Callery Pear, is infamous for its invasiveness and structural weaknesses. It suffers from weak branch unions that can easily break under stress resulting in a short-lived tree. It is highly recommended to avoid planting Bradford Pear in favor of more reliable options. Birds disperse the seeds which produce thickets of thorny growth. The Eastern Redbud is an excellent alternative, offering vibrant purple blooms in early spring and a variety of leaf colors. Another option is the American Fringetree, which produces striking white, billowy blooms in late spring and features lush, dark green foliage. Flowering Shrubs: What Works and What Doesn’t When it comes to flowering shrubs, roses and azaleas can be problematic in the Southeast. Roses are prone to Rose Rosette disease, spread by mites and currently without a cure. Azaleas, while beloved for their vibrant blooms, require specific conditions to thrive: Proper light, low pH soil, and consistent irrigation. Without proper care, they are susceptible to pests like the Azalea Lace Bug. For those seeking alternatives, the Red Twig Dogwood (technically Silky Dogwood, Cornus amomum) stands out. Celeste especially likes the cultivar 'Cayenne.' This shrub offers year-round interest with bright red stems in winter, white blooms in spring, and vibrant foliage that transitions to purple in fall. Hydrangeas are another good choice, with species that adapt well to varying light and soil conditions. Viburnums, also provide a range of options, including the popular Spring Lace variety, which resembles hydrangeas in bloom and is well-suited to southeastern landscapes. While no plant can be guaranteed to thrive perfectly in every garden, selecting species suited to the southeastern climate can significantly enhance gardening success. Avoiding known problem plants like Leyland cypress and Bradford Pear, and choose resilient alternatives like Eastern Redcedar, Arborvitae, Eastern Redbud, and Viburnum, These plants will help you build a more sustainable and beautiful garden. Related Videos: Seven Great Landscape Trees Viburnum Related Resources: Trees in the Home Landscape Small Deciduous Trees Search for the best tree based on site characteristics |
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Common Summer Vegetable Garden Problems
There are certain problems that seem to affect every vegetable garden. UT Assistant Professor of Residential and Consumer Horticulture Natalie Bumgarner points out five of the most common problem and talks about how to prevent or fix them. Three of the five are problems of tomatoes: early blight, tomato horn worm, and blossom end rot. Blossom end rot also affects many other garden vegetables. She also talks about bacterial spot on peppers and powdery mildew on squash.
Related Videos: Tomato Early Blight Blossom End Rot Tomato Hornworms Related Resources: Early Blight of Tomatoes Blossom-End Rot of Tomato, Pepper, and Watermelon Tomato hornworms in home gardens |
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Changing Garden Soil pH
The correct pH is critical for garden success. Retired UT Extension Agent Mike Dennison explains that most plants like a soil pH between 5.8 and 6.2. If you are outside this range, you will need to correct the soil pH to allow plants to absorb the nutrients they need. Mike talks about the different products to raise and lower pH. To raise pH lime is used. To lower pH sulfur is used. Mike has a few blueberry plants that require very acid soils so he shows how to use a soil test to calculate the amount of sulfur to use. He then applies the sulfur.
Related Videos: Taking a Soil Sample Liming a Lawn Related Resources: Changing the pH of Your Soil How To Change Your Soil's pH |
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IPM (Integrated Pest Management)
The goal of IPM is to focus on the non-chemical control methods of pests. TSU Extension Agent Amy Dismukes explains that often the chemical control method may not be needed. First you need to determine what is going on and recognize and correctly identify the insect or disease damage. Just because you see a problem does not mean it needs to be treated.
IPM includes cultural control like keeping weeds pulled to deny a hiding place for insects. It also includes mechanical solutions like proper pruning or removing fallen plant material. IPM also includes biological controls like beneficial insects. If an insect infestation is minimal and some beneficials are present, the beneficials will likely take care of the problem. The last approach is the chemical approach when the problem has reached a point where immediate control is necessary. When using chemicals use the most targeted, lowest power insecticide you can. After talking about IPM, Amy shows some examples of insect damage that does not require control in the normal way. Related Videos: Horticultural Oils Organic Gardening Cultural Lawn Weed Control Related Resources: IPM: Smart pest management for the vegetable garden Integrated Pest Management (IPM)for Home Gardeners Integrated Pest Management Ideas for Vegetable Gardens |
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Tomato Support: The Florida Weave
Tomatoes need to be supported as they grow to prevent disease and fungus. UT Assistant Professor of Residential and Consumer Horticulture, Natalie Bumgarner, shows how to use the Florida weave method to hold up tomato plants. The Florida weave – also called the California weave or basket weave – uses twine strung between stakes to hold up the tomato plants. Natalie talks about different post and twine options. She shows how to tie the twine to support the tomatoes and gives pointers on tying the tomatoes up.
Related Videos: Tying up Tomato Plants Tying Up Tomatoes Related Resources: Growing Tomatoes Tomatoes - Staking |
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Easy Drip Irrigation System
Installing a drip irrigation system makes it so your plants get the water you need without you having to stand in the sweltering heat of summer every day. Master Gardner Melisa Nowag talks about all the equipment and steps to install a drip irrigation system for your garden. She talks about timers, pipes, couplings, and risers (sprinkler heads).
Melisa then puts together a simple system to water a vegetable raised bed. She starts with a main half inch pipe and shows how to connect it to a hose. Then she attaches smaller tubing that runs to an emitter (sprinkler head) for each plant. Related Resources: Drip Irrigation for Home Gardens Building and Operating a Home Fruit and Vegetable Garden Irrigation System Drip Irrigation for the Yard and Garden |
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Types of Lilies and How to
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Lawn Aeration
UT Extension Agent Booker T. Leigh shows how to aerate your lawn. Aeration is important to loosen compact soil and allow water, air, and fertilizer to reach the roots of the grass. Aeration does not have to be done frequently in a home lawn, every five years is enough. Aeration should be done when the grass is breaking dormancy: April-May for warm season grasses like Bermuda, September for cool season grasses like fescue. Aeration is done a lot like mowing. The aerator travels back and forth across the grass covering the whole lawn. To make sure you covered the lawn you can also aerate it going the other way too. Leave the plugs the aerator pulls out on the lawn. They will break down after a few rain storms.
Related Videos: Cultural Lawn Weed Control How to Calibrate Your Fertilizer Spreader Related Resources: Aerating Lawns Aerating Your Lawn |
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Deadheading Knockout RosesDeadheading, the practice of removing spent blooms, improves the look of your plants and encourages additional flowering.
Understanding Deadheading Knock Out roses, known for their prolific blooming throughout the season, benefit from deadheading. As blooms age and wither, the plant puts energy into creating seeds not flowers. Removing these spent blooms encourages the plant to put more energy into new flowers. When to Deadhead The best time to deadhead Knock Out roses is when the blooms have faded or started to wilt. This is typically after a flush of flowering, which could last for a couple of months. Look for blooms that have turned papery or discolored. Tools and Techniques Before starting, you need to prepare your tools. Use sharp pruners or scissors and sterilize them with rubbing alcohol to prevent the spread of diseases among plants, as roses are particularly susceptible. A clean cut, just above a healthy leaf node encouraged new growth at that node. Related Videos: Deadheading Roses Deadheading Butterfly Bush Related Resources: Cutting or "Deadheading" Roses Rose Rosette Disease |
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Deadheading Butterfly Bush
Fading blooms on a butterfly bush can make the plant look messy. Removing those spent blooms improves the look of the bush and encourages more blooms. Landscape Specialist Rosa Garcia shows how to deadhead butterfly bushes.
Related Videos: Planting a Butterfly Garden My butterfly bush dies every winter and I have to replace it. What can I do? Related Resources: Butterfly Bush Growing Butterfly Bushes in the Home Landscape |
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Invasive Plants
Non-native invasive plants are a major problem. University of Memphis Director of Landscape Joellen Dimond says invasive plants can cause extinction of native plants and animals and alter habitat. Not all non-native plants are invasive. Invasive plants tend to be vigorous growers that produce many seeds and easily adapt to different environmental conditions – in short, they have the characteristics gardeners want in their plants. Many were brought to this country on purpose as easy to grow garden plants. A good example of this is the Bradford pear which Joellen describes.
Joellen identifies the top 6 invasive plants in the United States: 1. Kudzu 2. Norway Maple 3. Japanese Honeysuckle 4. Purple Loosestrife 5. Japanese Barberry 6. English Ivy Joellen says each state has a list of plants that are invasive in that state. Gardeners should not purchase or plant plants that are on the list in their state. Related Videos: Are all barberry plants invasive and draw ticks? How do I remove Italian Arum successfully? Related Resources: Identification and Control of Non-Native Invasive Forest Plants in Tennessee Invasive Plants |
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Inviting Lizards into Your Garden: A Guide to Creating a Habitat
Lizards can be valuable helpers in the garden, and attracting them is easier than you might think. Mary Schmidt from Lichterman Nature Center in Memphis, Tennessee says creating a suitable habitat is key, focusing on elements like food, water, shelter, and space. Since most lizards are insectivores, incorporating native plants to attract insects is a great start. Because lizards are cold-blooded, providing spots for them to bask in the sun or seek shelter from its heat, such as rocks or hiding spots like snag piles, helps them regulate their body temperature. >>Read More
Related Videos: Frogs and Toads Bats Opossums Monarch Butterflies: Migration and Milkweed Related Resources: Green Anole Eastern Glass Lizard Beneficials in the Garden: Skink Lizards |
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Repotting Grocery Store Orchids
Repot your grocery store orchid to keep it alive and healthy. Orchid expert Randall Bayer shows how. Orchids live on trees in tropical areas. Their roots absorb water from the almost daily rains in those areas. The tree bark where they are growing then quickly dries out. The orchids store the water in special structures called pseudo bulbs or in their leaves. Orchids for sale in stores are usually potted in sphagnum peat moss. The peat moss holds water and does not let the orchid roots dry out between watering like they do in the wild. This means that without special attention, the roots will rot, and the plant will die in a short time. To keep the plant from dying the orchid must be repotted. Randall repots an orchid purchased in a grocery store and shows and explains all the steps.
Related Videos: Repotting Houseplants Spring Houseplant Care Related Resource: Orchids as Houseplants Repot orchids for encore bloom performance |
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Native Plants for Xeriscaping in the Southeast U.S.
When you think of Xeriscaping you usually think of cactuses and lots of rocks, but in the South-east United States selecting the right native plants for your landscape will eliminate the need to water even in the hottest summers.
Jessie Munson from Lichterman Nature Center in Memphis, Tennessee says our climate many have wet springs, but in the summer, we can go over a month without rain. This can stress many plants, but native plants are already used to it and can thrive in the heat without water. >>Read More Related Videos: Introduction to Rain Gardens Rain Gardens Building a Rain Barrel Related Resources: Xeriscaping: Creative Landscaping Creating a Water-Wise Landscape |
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Making Low-Sugar Strawberry
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Maximizing Your Garden with
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Daylily Basics
Daylilies are forgiving plants that add color to the garden. It is the favorite flower of UT Extension Agent Lucas Holman. There are over 60,000 hybrids of daylily, but there are two main distinct types: diploid and tetraploid – which refers to the number of chromosomes. Daylilies need full sun. They do well in many kinds of soil from heavy to loose. Lucas briefly talks about how to cross different plants and create new hybrids. He also talks about how to divide the plants, which is best done in the spring. If you are interested in growing daylilies Lucas recommends joining the American Hemerocallis Society which is the national daylily growing organization.
American Hemerocallis Society Website at daylilies.org Related Videos: Lily Dividing Daylilies Related Resources: Daylilies Daylily |
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Planting Potatoes
Planting potatoes can be a rewarding endeavor for gardeners, offering the satisfaction of harvesting your own crop. UT Extension Area Specialist Walter Battle walks through the steps involved in growing potatoes, from choosing the right time to harvest and storage considerations.
Choosing the Right Time to Plant Potatoes can be planted early in the spring when the days are warmer, but there is still the chance for a light frost. Potatoes can tolerate light frost, making them resilient to cooler temperatures. In the Mid-South region, March is typically considered an ideal time to plant potatoes. However, depending on the weather, planting can extend into late February or early April. For those aiming for a fall harvest, planting in late July, or about 3 months before frost, is also an option. Selecting Seed Potatoes When selecting potatoes for planting, avoid using store-bought varieties, as they are often treated to prevent sprouting. Instead, opt for seed potatoes, which can be found at farm supply stores. Look for potatoes with well-defined sprouts or "eyes." Planting Before planting, ensure the soil is well-tilled. Potatoes thrive in loose, well-draining soil. Begin by digging a trench approximately six inches deep. This depth allows for proper root development and facilitates hilling, a key step in potato cultivation. Plant them with the eyes facing upward, spaced approximately one foot apart within the trench. Once the seed potatoes are in place, cover them with soil, leaving them approximately six inches below the surface. As the potato plants grow, periodically mound soil around the stems to prevent greening and encourage large tuber development. This process, known as hilling, helps protect the developing potatoes from exposure to sunlight. Maintenance and Harvesting Potatoes require minimal maintenance beyond regular watering and hilling. After approximately 90 days, the potato plants will begin to yellow and wither, indicating that they are ready for harvest. Carefully dig up the potatoes, being cautious not to damage them. Allow the harvested potatoes to cure in a cool, dark location for two weeks before storage. Pest and Disease Management While potatoes are relatively low-maintenance, they are susceptible to certain pests and diseases. Common issues include potato beetles and scab. Potato beetles can be controlled – if desired – by insecticides. Selecting scab-resistant potato varieties can help mitigate the risk of disease. Additionally, planting potatoes previously uncultivated soil can increase the likelihood of infestation by wireworms. Also, proper crop rotation is important; don’t plant potatoes where potatoes or corn was grown the year before. Recommended Potato Varieties Several potato varieties are well-suited for home cultivation. Classic choices include Kennebec for white potatoes, Red Norland for red potatoes, and Yukon Gold for golden potatoes. For those looking to experiment, Adirondack Blue offers a unique twist with its vibrant blue flesh. Related Videos: Growing Potatoes Hilling Potatoes Related Resources: Potato Growing potatoes in home gardens Potatoes in the Home Garden |
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Frogs and Toads
Mary Schmidt from Lichterman Nature Center talks about frogs and toads and why you want them in your garden. They are amphibians that are tied to water. They lay their eggs in the water and have part of their life cycle there too. The bumps or warts on toads are a protection. The bumps contain glands that secrete a toxin. Toads are a kind of frog. Mary has several frogs and toads with her to demonstrate the differences. Frogs like the bullfrog have long back legs and leap. True toads have dry rough skin and shorter stubbier legs to hop. She also brought a tree frog and spadefoot toad.
Frogs and toads are beneficial in several ways. The most obvious is that they eat a lot of insects. Also, frogs and toads can absorb things through their skin, so they can be an indicator that you have problems in your yard or garden. To attract frogs and toads to your garden you need to provide habitat they like. They need water and moisture. You can also provide places for toads to hide. Mary shows how to make a toad abode with a flowerpot and a couple of rocks. Toads look for movement to find insects to eat. When they eat they pull their eyes into their head to help push the food down their throat. Bull frogs eat anything they can fit into their mouth including insects, other frogs, and even birds. Mary feeds some mealworms to the toads to show how they eat. Related Videos: My toad abodes only attract black widow spiders. How do I attract toads? Raptors Snakes in the Garden Related Resources: Frogs and Toads Frogs, Toads, and the Garden Frogs & Toads of Florida |
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Planting Spring Annuals: SunPatiens, Sweet Potato Vine, and Blue Ageratum
Spring is a time to plant flowers for the growing season. This year University of Memphis Director of Landscape Joellen Dimond is planting SunPatiens, Sweet Potato Vine, and Blue Ageratum. She chose these because they are the three primary colors red, yellow, and blue, which is pleasing to the eye. She shows how to clean out and prepare the bed and then how to arrange and plant each kind of plant.
This is the 17th time Joellen has planted in this bed. Follow the progress over the last 9 years: Planting Dusty Miller and Violas (2023): https://youtu.be/6XgmbkiuA44 Planting Coleus, Pentas and Vinca (2023): https://youtu.be/rX_JL5RVyT8 Planting Wave Pansies and Snapdragons (2022): https://youtu.be/-gKIexydoP0 Planting Salvia, Petunias and Marigolds (2022): https://youtu.be/spIR1RWWos8 Planting Wave Pansies and Snapdragons (2021): https://youtu.be/-gKIexydoP0 Planting Scaevola, Pentas and Vinca (2021): https://youtu.be/IXyvpwZdtpM Planting Pansies and Tulips for Winter and Spring Color (2020): https://youtu.be/q_KC5NImM3Q Planting Tropical Hibiscus and Begonias (2020): https://youtu.be/B1FPkBZGSE4 Planting Daffodils, Dianthus, and Pansies (2019): https://youtu.be/Uxkwe7bM3aA Planting Sunpatiens, Joseph's Coat, and Colocasia (2019): https://youtu.be/WF7yZmLVP8E Planting Fall Flowers (2018): https://youtu.be/rajzfx4CfcA Planting Summer Flowers (2018): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Hcq5QZBqGU Planting Dusty Miller and Pansies (2017): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=INCjtP7Nra8 Planting Petunias, Vinca, and Salvia (2017): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zU3nCIOao5g Planting Fall Flowers (2016): www.youtube.com/watch?v=KMe9SSz6sF4 Planting Summer Flowers (2016): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oh_kK0snShI Related Videos: Annual Flowers for Full Sun, Part-Shade, or Shade Pests and Diseases of Annual Flowers Annuals and Perennials for the Garden Related Resources: Growing Annual Flowers Growing Annual Flowers: Planning, starting and caring for a garden |
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Plant Societies and Garden Clubs
Former Memphis Horticultural Society President Suzy Askew talks about plant societies and garden clubs. The Memphis Horticultural Society is the umbrella organization over many different plant societies in the Mid-South. The Memphis Horticultural Society brings in monthly guest lecturers from around the country to talk on different topics. Under the Memphis Horticultural Society are many different plant societies that specialize in a specific plant.
Local garden clubs are usually affiliated with one of two large organizations: National Garden Clubs, or Garden Club of America. The large national organizations have programs concentrating on various areas like flower arranging, gardening, environmental and conservation, landscape design, and scholarship. If you would like to join a garden club, Suzy recommends that you visit several different clubs and see where your interest lies. You can attend many of the clubs without becoming a member for a small admission fee. Also, some clubs do not require more than annual dues. Don’t worry about not knowing enough to become a member. Suzy is a member of several plant societies and she does not consider herself an expert. She says she learns a little more every time she goes. Another option is to become a master gardener. This is a course offered by the Extension Service. There is a fee and required service hours, but you learn many things about plants. Related Videos: Tennessee Master Gardener Program Community Gardens Related Resources: National Garden Clubs Garden Club of America |
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Planting a Rare Japanese
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Planting Potted Roses
Planting roses correctly will help them get off to a good start. Rose Expert Bill Dickerson shows how to plant a potted rose. Bill recommends getting your rose from a nursery in the spring. Preparing the hole is important and Bill shows how he does it by adding gravel, soil, fertilizer, and Epsom salts. He also shows how to plant the rose in such a way as to not disturb the young roots in the pot. Once the rose is in the ground he talks about mulching the young rose and about how to prune it.
Related Video: Planting Bare Root Roses How do you root roses from clippings? Related Resources: Site Selection, Bed Preparation and Planting of Roses Selecting and Planting Roses |
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How To Support Growing Tomato Plants
There are many options for supporting tomato plants in your garden. Gardener Peter Richards shows several methods he has tried and talks about what he likes and does not like about each one. He says that the traditional wire tomato cages do not work, instead you need a sturdier structure. He talks about and shows the pros and cons of heavy tomato cages, the Florida weave, livestock panel platform, tying the plants to a pole and tying them up with string. His personal favorite is to prune the tomatoes into a vine and use string to tie them up. He says this method makes it so you don’t need to spray fungicides nearly as often or at all and the plant will stay blight free for most of the year.
Related Videos: Tomato Support: The Florida Weave Tying up Tomato Plants Tomato Stake Extension Related Resource: Growing Tomatoes Tomatoes - Staking |
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How to Calibrate Your Fertilizer Spreader
For best results you need to spread a certain amount of fertilizer evenly over your yard. UT Extension Agent Celeste Scott shows how to calibrate your spreader to make sure you are spreading evenly. She first shows how to check the application rate of a rotary spreader and then calibrate it to apply at the desired rate. She then talks about how to calibrate your pump sprayer and hose end sprayer. She also talks about handheld rotary spreaders.
Related Videos: Correct Lawn Fertilizer Application Lawn Fertilization Related Resource: Calibrating Your Fertilizer Spreader Calibrating Spreaders |
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Understanding and Selecting Insecticides for Gardeners
Insecticides play a crucial role in managing pests in the garden, but with so many options available, choosing the right one can be difficult. Retired UT Extension Agent Mike Dennison breaks down the four major categories of insecticides and discuss important considerations when selecting and using them effectively.
Related Videos: Applying Insecticides to Prevent Squash Vine Borer Systemic Insecticides Related Resources: Botanical Insecticides Organic vs. Conventional (Synthetic) Pesticides: Advantages and Disadvantages |
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Planting Onions
Onions are a simple vegetable to grow in your garden. UT Extension Director Walter Battle shows how to plant several different kinds of onions including seeds, slips, and bulbs. In the field they need to be planted in rows 36 inches apart, but in a small home garden they can be closer together. The individual plants need to be at least 3 inches apart - far enough to let them grow to full size. Walter also talks about how to prepare the soil for planting. He also talks about when onions are ready to harvest and how to prepare them for storage.
Related Video: Growing Onions Fertilizing Onions Related Resources: Onions Growing onions in home gardens Onion, Leek, Shallot, & Garlic |
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Planting Native Azaleas: Tips for Success
Native azaleas are a great addition to a garden with afternoon shade. Dale Skaggs, the Director of Horticulture at the Dixon Gallery & Gardens, along with Kyle McLean, the Manager of Grounds Horticulture show how to plant an native azalea and give tips on taking care of it so it will beautify your garden for years.
Related Videos: When is the correct time to prune my encore azaleas? Native Azaleas: Add Classic Spring Color to Your Southern Landscape Related Resources: Selecting and Growing Azaleas Native azaleas add charm, early blooms to landscapes |
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Planting a Butterfly Garden
TSU Extension Agent Joellen Dimond plants a butterfly garden and explains why she picked the plants she is planting. She also makes a place for the butterflies to get water and sun themselves.
Joellen has picked a combination of perennials and annuals. Some are useful to the adult butterfly and some are eaten by the larvae. All of them have bright colored flowers which attract the butterflies. Also, all the plants have the same growing requirements: full sun and drier conditions. Joellen also plants some herbs that the butterflies will like. Find a PDF List of Plants here. Related Videos: Other Pollinators in the Butterfly Garden TWIG Flowers for Butterflies Planting Annuals in the Butterfly Garden Related Resources: Butterfly Gardening Butterfly Gardening |
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Annual Flowers for Full Sun,
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Keep Insects From Harming Your Plants: Understand and Use Horticultural Oils
Horticultural oils are an option for insect control in the garden, but not all oils are created equal. Retired UT Extension Agent Mike Dennison talked about about the nuances of horticultural oils, their effectiveness, and demonstrated proper application techniques.
Related Video: Spraying Dormant Oil on Crape Myrtle Dormant Oils Related Resources: General Comments about the Use of Horticultural Oil Insect Control: Horticultural Oils |
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Straw Bale Gardening
If you don’t have a place to grow a garden or your ground is bad, a straw bale garden is a great option. Dixon Gallery and Garden Volunteer Coordinator Tonya Ashworth shows how to prepare and plant a straw bale garden. In a straw bale garden, the plants grow in the straw instead of soil.
Before a straw bale can be planted it needs to start decomposing. Tonya shows how to start the process and what to do to the bale each day. Once the Bale is starting to decompose, planting is straight forward, and Tonya shows how to plant tomato plants and zucchini seeds. She also talks about fertilizing the plants through the growing season. At the end of the season you can compost the bale or use the straw to mulch. Related Video: Planting an Herb and Flower Container Garden Related Resources: Straw Bale Gardening Straw Bale Gardening |