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Chris' Corner

  • Chris' Corner, Edible Gardening

Tomato Issues in the Garden

Shelby County continues to experience a surge in new gardeners because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Advice on growing fruits and vegetables has become a priority for many apprentice gardeners. Growing tomatoes, one of the most popular fruits grown in the home garden, is often the incentive. Let us review two of the most common tomato […]
  • Chris' Corner, Pests and Diseases

Japanese Beetles Are Here and Leaving a Trail of Destruction Behind!

How are the plants in your garden looking? Last month I proposed six landscape principles that I wanted you to consider this summer that help create healthier living spaces and communities.
  • Chris' Corner

The Tennessee Extension Master Gardener Program

They’re here! Applications for the 2021 Tennessee Extension Master Gardener Program (TEMG) in Shelby County are now available and will be accepted through July 31, 2020. If you possess a passion for learning about horticulture and sharing that knowledge with others, then this is the program for you! The Shelby County Master Gardener program is […]
  • Chris' Corner, Landscape and Lawn

Tips for Buying Plants That Are Good For Your Landscape and Pollinators

During this time of “safe at home” orders, gardening has seen a surge in popularity. I receive calls daily from folks who are new to gardening. On a recent trip to one of the garden centers to pick up a few items, I was amazed at the number of people in line with all kinds […]
  • Chris' Corner

My Nature Run

I am an avid runner. Usually my routes take me through neighborhoods and parks. I like running through trails in parks to see what’s growing in the woodland areas. It’s a good horticultural lesson for me. Recently I ran across one woodland plant that is waking up from its winter slumber. It is the Mayapple […]
  • Chris' Corner

Extension Month in Tennessee

March is Extension Month in Tennessee. Extension is a national educational program supported by USDA through the nation’s land-grant universities and administered with funding from state and local government. In Tennessee, there are Extension offices in each of the 95 counties, and the Shelby County Extension office invites everyone to join our celebration. The Memphis […]
  • Chris' Corner, Events, Planning Tools

2020 “Gardening in Shelby County” Calendar

Looking for the perfect gift for the gardeners in your family? I know just the gift they would love to have! It is the 2020 Gardening in Shelby County calendar! The Memphis Area Master Gardeners calendar is an excellent gardening resource. It provides horticulture information that is specific to Shelby County. Inside you will find:• […]
  • Chris' Corner, Flower Gardening

If You Want Your Flowers to Pop, Plant Dusty Miller

Are you one of the many gardeners who will be buying trays of pansies and violas to incorporate into your annual beds? I suspect you are probably going to mix in the occasional ornamental kale and cabbage plants in those beds too as well. Consider adding Dusty Miller to the garden to make the annual […]
  • Chris' Corner, Trees & Shrubs

It’s Raining Leaves, Early!

Is it fall yet? We have just experienced one of the hottest and driest Septembers on record. The plants in my landscape were not happy at all with the dry and hot conditions. Even my bermuda grass has been struggling in the oppressive heat. Many of you have noticed that quite a few trees were […]
  • Chris' Corner, Landscape and Lawn, Pests and Diseases

How Healthy is Your Landscape? – Part II

How are the plants in your garden looking? Last month I proposed six landscape principles that I wanted you to consider this summer that help create healthier living spaces and communities.
  • Chris' Corner

How Healthy is Your Landscape?- Part I

The dog days of summer are here! The inevitable heat and humidity of summer in the Mid-South has arrived. This makes it challenging to get out in the yard and do any work. There are a few landscape principles I would like for you to consider this summer that will help create healthier spaces and communities.
  • Become A Member, Chris' Corner

The Tennessee Extension Master Gardener Program

They’re here! Applications for the 2020 Tennessee Extension Master Gardener Program (TEMG) in Shelby County are now available and will be accepted through July 31st, 2019. If you possess a passion for learning about horticulture and sharing that knowledge with others, then this is the program for you! The Shelby County Master Gardener program is […]

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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