Fall is just around the corner. This is the ideal time of year to plant the trees and shrubs that you have on your wish list! Recently, I have been receiving questions about planting trees and shrubs in the home landscape. Before you plant trees and shrubs, check the soil pH and nutrient levels by […]

July was an extremely hot, dry month with minimal rainfall in the Memphis area.  It was a daily struggle just to keep all of my landscape beds and tomatoes watered as the heat seemed to rob my plants of all of their moisture.  Questions from gardeners concerning their tomato plants during the extreme heat started […]

It is hard to believe it is July already! I have spoken with several gardeners recently who had questions about the use of mulch in their gardens. When properly utilized, mulch aides in reducing moisture evaporation and will help soil retain moisture for plant roots. Mulch can also reduce weeds by inhibiting their growth and […]

It’s that time of year again! Applications for the 2023 Tennessee Extension Master Gardener (TEMG) Program are now available and are being accepted through July 29, 2022. If you possess a passion for learning about horticulture as well as a desire to share that knowledge with others, then this program is for you! The Shelby County Master […]

Recently, while visiting a number of plant sales, I was approached by patrons curious about caring for ornamental plants in their landscape. Many of the established ornamental plants that you have in your landscape will require care to stay healthy, lush and beautiful. Regular fertilization plays a part in good landscape management. There are varieties […]

Are you ready for the 2022 Spring Fling Garden Show and Plant Sale? This year’s theme is “Growing Together, Again”. Please join us Friday, April 8 and Saturday, April 9 from 9 am to 5 pm at the Farmer’s Market Big Red Barn at the Agricenter. Admission and parking are free. The 2022 Spring Fling […]

The February ice storm tore through Memphis, felling trees and resulting in widespread power outages. Although the ice-covered trees were beautiful, they were dangerous and presented many hazards. The time to take care of your trees is when it is safe to do so. An initial assessment of the damage may be a bit overwhelming […]

I certainly hope you have enjoyed looking through your seed catalogs this winter. What do you have in mind that you would like to grow? Have you considered starting those plants from seeds indoors? If so, this will give you a head start on the growing season. Starting seeds indoors will produce a small plant that can […]

Happy New Year! January is here and those seed catalogs you received over the holidays are starting to pile up. Your eyes are probably glazing over as you view all those gorgeous pictures and descriptions of plants you long to have in your garden. How do you decide what to purchase? Before you start choosing […]

Leslie Hollandsworth is a Plant Inspector II for the Tennessee Department of Agriculture.  Leslie keeps me updated on the latest pests and diseases that have been identified in Shelby County.  Leslie confirmed that boxwood blight has been discovered in a residential landscape in Memphis. Boxwood blight is a disease caused by the fungus Calonectria pseudonaviculata.  […]

The Memphis Area Master Gardener Calendar continues to be an excellent fundraising opportunity that is educational and of interest to both novice and experienced gardeners. The Memphis Area Master Gardeners are excited about our 2022 Shelby County Gardening Calendar! This is a great gift for yourself, family, or friends. In addition to all the beautiful […]

The time has come to start working on those fall displays. My son is already gearing up for his annual trip to the pumpkin patch to pick out pumpkins, gourds, mums and straw bales.  There are a few things to keep in mind when selecting the ideal pumpkin or gourd. Look for gourds and pumpkins […]