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Chris' Corner

  • Chris' Corner

The Plant Health Threat: Box Tree Moth

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is responding to a significant plant health threat, and we are asking Tennessee residents for help. Thousands of boxwood plants imported from Canada this spring could have been infested with the box tree moth (BTM). The BTM is an invasive pest that can severely damage—and potentially kill—boxwood plants if […]
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Soil pH and Fertilization

Soil testing and fertilizer applications are of the utmost importance in achieving a successful garden. We receive calls at the Shelby County Extension Office daily from gardeners who wish to improve the soil in their garden. My first recommendation to achieve a fertile and productive garden is always to start with a soil test. There […]
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The Tennessee Extension Master Gardener Program

I have good news for those of you that love to garden! Applications for the 2022 Tennessee Extension Master Gardener (TEMG) Program are now available and are being acceptedthrough July 31, 2022. If you possess a passion for learning about horticulture as well as sharing that knowledge with others, then this program is for you! The Shelby […]
  • Chris' Corner, Edible Gardening, Flower Gardening, Landscape and Lawn, Soil and Compost

Growing Peppers – Some like them hot!

Peppers are a warm-season crop, which grow well in this area. Peppers are available in a wide variety of flavors that range from sweet to hot and from fruity to spicy.  They also come in a beautiful array of colors.  Bell peppers are a good source of vitamin C and red peppers are an excellent […]
  • Chris' Corner

Managing Pests Safely

 Spring is here and with it comes discussions of diseases, insect pests and weeds.  The question on the minds of home gardeners is what to do to control pests. Proper identification is the first step to understanding how to control pests.  Your local county extension agents are here to help you identify and manage pests […]
  • Chris' Corner, Community

Spring Fling 2021 – Virtual Event

2021 Virtual Memphis Area Master Gardener Spring Fling Event  When gardeners think of spring, they think of Memphis plant sales. Everyone looks forward to buying gorgeous plants and flowers at bargain prices! We cannot wait to get our hands on those signature plants that will beautify our landscapes for seasons to come. The first such […]
  • Chris' Corner, Edible Gardening, Flower Gardening, Landscape and Lawn, Soil and Compost

Another Invasive Pest on the Horizon?

I do hope your New Year is off to a good start. January flew by with a few days of light snow and bone-chilling temperatures. This time of year, many of us long for warm spring weather and the joy of working in our gardens again. As spring approaches, you need to be aware of […]
  • Chris' Corner, Edible Gardening, Flower Gardening, Landscape and Lawn, Soil and Compost

Winterize Your Yard for Spring

Happy New Year! Let’s get this new garden year off to a great start. As a result of last year’s pandemic, a new generation was introduced to gardening. I recently read an article that stated over 20 million new gardeners have joined the gardening community in 2020. That is a startling number and very encouraging! Many of the […]
  • Chris' Corner, Soil and Compost

Does Compost Just Happen?

The end of the year is upon us and what a year it has been!  Recently I have had the pleasure to speak to many novice gardeners eager to learn as much as they could about gardening in the Mid-South.  As we prepare to put our garden beds to rest, many of the questions from […]
  • Calendar Articles, Chris' Corner, Planning Tools

2021 Gardening in Shelby County Calendar

The holidays are approaching and many of us are thinking about the perfect gift for our friends and family who enjoy gardening. Good news! The 2021 “Memphis Area Master Gardener Calendar” will be on sale just in time for the holidays. It is your one-stop guide for everything related to horticulture in Shelby County. Here […]
  • Chris' Corner, Soil and Compost

Cover That Bare Soil

Fall is here!  It is hard to believe that it is already October.  The time is approaching to put our vegetable gardens to rest.  Before you do, I would like you to consider establishing a cover crop before winter arrives. Cover crops are planted in an unused garden space to protect the soil and enrich […]
  • Chris' Corner, Pests and Diseases

Cicadas and Cicada Killer Wasps

Last month I received numerous calls from gardeners concerned that “killer Asian hornets” had made their way to Shelby County. The insets thought to be “killer Asian hornets” are, in fact, cicada killer wasps. I also fielded questions from individuals curious about the creature making strange deafening noises day and night. Those loud, alien looking […]

Additional Resources

Dr. Chris Cooper, UT Extension Horticulture Agent and Master Gardener Coordinator

Dr. Chris Cooper

Chris is a UT Extension Horticulture Agent and Shelby County Director. Chris can be found throughout Shelby County conducting educational programs addressing issues that affect urban and home horticulture.

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The Family Plot: Gardening in the Mid-South

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Ask A Master Gardener

For the best, regionally specific advice you can get about gardening, speak to a Master Gardener. You may call the Horticulture Hotline or visit one of our ‘Ask A Master Gardener’ clinics held throughout the year at festivals, markets, and workshops.

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