United Co-op Tips & Tricks

Every year, one of nature’s most extraordinary journeys takes place in the skies above us: the hummingbird migration. Despite their tiny stature, these birds undertake a breathtaking voyage that can stretch hundreds or even thousands of miles. And this year’s migration is already proving to be just as remarkable as ever.

The first frost marks the true change of seasons.

For gardeners, homeowners, and anyone facing chilly mornings, it’s both a warning for what is outside, but it’s an opportunity.

That will mean rotating out what you have now and planning what you could expect to grow while the leaves fall.
What can I grow?

Fall gardens aren’t just about mums and pumpkins, although those are beautiful. Depending on your climate, you can still grow leafy greens like spinach, arugula, and lettuce.
You can also consider root crops like beets, turnips, and radishes. Broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage are also on deck, just without the sweat.

This year’s Fall Gardeners’ Festival has been planned to be bigger than those prior, with 16 scheduled presentations on Aug. 26.

The UT Gardens, Crossville — in collaboration with the Cumberland County Master Gardeners — will host the day-long event at Plateau AgResearch and Education Center.

After last summer’s extreme drought, Tennessee sits in much better shape this year in terms of rainfall.

The Nashville Weather Service reported this has been the second wettest year on record since 1985. The area has seen 40.6 inches, which is about 10 inches above normal, said NWS Nashville forecaster Faith Borden.

Having a chicken coop might be the next step on your farm-to-table list, with fresh eggs being a motivator to get this accomplished.

But before you get out your circular saw, here are some steps you want to consider before building your own brood of hens.

Whether you use the vegetables  or fruit grown out of your garden or buy fresh produce from the local farmers market, it’s the season to store what you have now to tide you over during winter.

Canning in the summer helps your meals still taste fresh when it’s cold outside.

Here are some tips and tricks if this is your first season to can.

Pumpkin planting season is upon those who wish to grow their own jack-o-lanterns or plan their large-scale operations.

Ben Gilbert — with Greenpoint Ag — knows what that is like after nearly decade of putting autumn’s chubby treasures in the ground. He owns his plot of pumpkins nestled in a blanket of green vines. He grows 100 acres in the rolling hills of East Tennessee.

Heading into July in Tennessee is going to be hot, with the National Weather Service warning of excessive heat in much of the state.

While all the rain has helped grow many fruits and vegetables, gardeners are going to have to keep in mind the temperatures rising into the 90s and heat indices climbing into triple digits.

Very few things add more curb appeal to your house than well-planned and vibrant landscaping; however, making a big impression doesn’t have to break the bank. There are simple and cost-effective ways to add color, texture, functionality, and points of interest to your lawn, and all it takes is a little time and planning.

The University of Tennessee Bee Campus Committee, a group comprised of UT faculty, staff, and students, in partnership with the Tennessee Valley Authority and UT Gardens, invites communities across the state to celebrate national Pollinator Week at a series of “Garden Buzz” pollinator events on June 17.

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture reports in a May 27th release that after a growing season marked by unpredictable weather and other hurdles, Tennessee’s farmers persevered, and strawberry season is going strong statewide. You can still savor the sweet taste of spring for a few more weeks, with Tennessee strawberries available at farmers markets and at local farms.

Pond maintenance requires a little bit of research before you start. Knowing the size of the pond, using proper preventative maintenance products, and properly identifying any growth are key factors in successful pond management.

When spraying a crop-protection product, it’s more important than ever to stick the landing. With high input costs and increasing scrutiny over off-target movement, making sure that every drop of spray hits its intended mark has never been more critical. Whether you’re applying herbicides across thousands of acres or treating pastureland, the difference between an effective application and one that drifts away usually comes down to two key factors: weather conditions — specifically temperature inversions — and the adjuvants you include in your tank mix.

This spring and summer, homegrown herbs such as basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary will be found in abundance in many gardens, producing plenty of flavor options for home chefs looking to add some pizzaz to their meal. Many gardeners might find this bounty to be more than they are able to use, but there are several easy techniques that will preserve your fresh herbs for year-round enjoyment.