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Tips Techniques

Seed Saving

Jeff Poppen shows us a variety of seeds that are pretty simple to harvest and store. Kale, beans, peanuts and pumpkins are some that are discussed.

Growing Health Orchids on NPT's Volunteer Gardener

Growing healthy orchids

Orchids are popular house plants and can produce beautiful blooms over many years, if they receive the proper care. Annette Shrader sets out to de-mystify orchid growing with an orchid hobbyist and member of the Orchid Society of Middle Tennessee. Growing medium, proper watering and fertilization, re-potting, pests + solutions are all discussed.

Straw Bale Gardening

Necessity is the mother of invention for this gardener who has no yard that gets enough sun for a garden. Instead, she gardens in straw bales on the driveway.

Bare Root Tree Stock

The cost of a bare root tree is typically 1/4 the cost of ball and burlap ones of similar size. Wanting to make the biggest impact toward the Root Nashville campaign to plant a half million trees by 2050, Metro Water Services in Davidson County TN is nurturing 100 bare root trees. To successfully do that, they've built a raised bed and filled it with gravel. The bare root trees are held here, getting regular irrigation, for 3-6 months. During this time their root systems will grow stronger and ready for planting.

Farm for Four

What a quaint veggie garden! Annette Shrader shares her plan for incorporating antique farming gear into her garden plot to use as growing containers for beans, squash and cucumbers. She projects the yield from these containers will feed a family of four during the growing season.

Tomato Patch Advice

Tammy Algood shares her tried and true methods for getting a good harvest of tomatoes year after year. It includes using red plastic film on the soil, and concrete reinforcing wire for caging. She also shares varieties that work well in her garden.

Growing Peanuts

Jeff Poppen shares the history of the peanut and its rise to fame on the American farm. He discusses how to grow peanuts successfully, from the soil pH to the hilling. Jeff is thrilled about the resurgence of a treasured heirloom variety, Tennessee Red Mammoth, currently in production at Green Door Gourmet in Nashville TN.

Garden Supports in the Vegetable Garden

Tammy Algood takes us through her vegetable beds to show us the frugal and very practical supports she has fashioned for tomatoes, cucumbers and peas. By using these structures, plants are allowed to grow to their potential and the gardener has an easier path to picking.

Crape Myrtle Bark Scale

David Cook, UT agriculture extension agent for Davidson County TN, explains the non-native scale that poses a serious threat to Southern Crape Myrtles. The nymphs produce a large amount of honeydew that drips down the trunk, branches, leaves, and ground below. That substance then accumulates sooty mold. While not fatal, it makes the infested trees an eyesore in the landscape.

Joe Smith Floral Design Gallery @ Nashville Lawn and Garden Show

Troy Marden takes us along for the inaugural show at the Joe Smith Floral Design Gallery at the 2020 Nashville Lawn and Garden Show. 'Flowers in Focus' is the theme and local floral designers have submitted some innovative designs.

Growing Carrots

Jeff Poppen has grown a lot of carrot crops over the years. He shares his experience and knowledge as to the soil preparation, the planting, and good varieties to grow.

Fruit Tree Pruning

"I've yet to see a fruit tree that was over-pruned", says Dave Lockwood, Fruit & Nuts Crop Specialist with UT Extension. Dave demonstrates how he'd approach the pruning of an 'Intrepid' peach tree to open it up to sunlight, increase air circulation, and allow the tree to produce bigger, better fruit.