Displaying Results for the Category:

Tips Techniques

Winter Interest Container

Choosing the right type of pot, using really good soil media that will allow for drainage, and a nice collection of evergreen plants all come together for planters that look good now, and in the subsequent seasons too.

Farm Management: Best Practices

Erin's Farm is a first generation family farm growing both Christmas trees, and blueberries. They were recognized by the TN Dept of Agriculture Division of Forestry for Best Management Practices in 2017.

Homemade Drip Irrigation System

A tutorial for a frugal DIY drip irrigation system that is suitable for a concentrated garden area.

Emerald Ash Borer in Tennessee

In Tennessee, 271 million ash trees could potentially become infested with the emerald ash borer. Prevention against this pest is the key. Dean Glascock of Arbor Art Tree Care shares information about tree evaluation and treatment options.

Water Feature Upkeep

Whether it is a pond, or a pondless water feature, Derek Johnson of JVI Secret Gardens shares realistic expectations of the maintenance involved to keep a selection of features running smoothly.

Tree Grafting Made Simple

A tutorial on the whip and tongue method of tree grafting is provided by David Hughes of Rock Bridge Trees.

Macrophylla-pruning for showiness

On a visit to a garden where the hydrangeas were the spotlight of the garden, we learned how the homeowner tends to the pruning to keep a dramatic show going for the long blooming season.

Plant Problems – Part 2

Marty DeHart has examples of some common plant problems along with recommendations for overcoming the issues.

Hackberries: Problems / Prevention

While the hackberry can be a grand and long-lived tree, it does have some annoyances for homeowners. We learn about preventing a common annoyance-- wooly aphid infestation of the tree that causes the production of black soot.

Plant problems – Part 1

Marty DeHart profiles some common plant problems she has seen in typical Tennessee gardens. Powdery mildew is discussed. Also, a virus hitting impatiens, and a disease that eventually takes all Leyland Cypress.

Building Rich Soil

Annette Shrader visits with a life-long gardener who shares organic methods for building soil full of nutrients and microbes. Trench composting, hugelkultur, vermiculture and permaculture are discussed.

Growing Shiitake Mushrooms

An experienced mushroom grower gives us a tutorial on inoculation of logs with shiitake spawn in plugs. An experienced mushroom grower gives us a tutorial on the inoculation of logs with shiitake spawn in plugs. Once the plugs have been sealed, its time to place them in a nurturing growing environment. High yields depend on it.