UT Vegetable Production Program

The Vegetable Extension program focuses on providing innovations in production practices, aiding in cultivar selection, developing alternative crops, maximizing crop nutrition and flavor, and reducing the use of off-farm inputs, such as chemical fertilizers and pesticides, for Tennessee growers through research and education throughout the state.

Upcoming Events:

Check out the NEW Sprouting Growers Workshops!! A free workshop series for Beginning and Potential Growers!

February 12-13, 5th Annual Appalachian Regional Horticulture Conference, Abingdon, VA

February 17-18, The North Carolina Tomato Growers Association Winter Vegetable Conference and 42nd Annual Meeting, Asheville, NC

February 22, Sprouting Growers Workshop: Business Planning, Knoxville, TN

February 24, March 2, March 3, Fruit and Vegetable Safety Training, Middle TN

March 1-4, 2010 WV Small Farm Conference, Morgantown, WV

March 5-6, 6th Annual TN Organic Growers Conference, Cool Springs, TN

March 8-12, Florida Postharvest Horticulture Tour, FL

March 9-10, Greenhouse Tomato Short Course, Raymond, MS

March 29, Sprouting Growers Workshop: Production Planning, Knoxville, TN

April 26, Sprouting Growers Workshop: Transplant Production, Knoxville, TN

May 24, Sprouting Growers Workshop: Marketing Strategies, Knoxville, TN

June 28, Sprouting Growers Workshop: Market Garden Planting and Maintenance, Knoxville, TN

July 26, Sprouting Growers Workshop: Harvest and Handling, Knoxville, TN

 

News & Announcements

• UT Farm Internship Program Are you a UT student interested in learning how to farm? We are looking for five GREAT interns to start their work on the UT Organic Farm Spring Semester 2010. The production component of the paid internship program will be 9-months long (March through November) with a 16-hour farm/market commitment per week. Interns will gain skills in business planning and management, vegetable and small fruit planning and production, and direct marketing. To learn more about the internship duties and responsibilities, click here. To view the presentation from the informational meeting, click here. To download an application, click here.
• Greenhouse Crop Production Training Course now being offered online. Click here for more information (Extension News, December 7, 2009).
• The UT Pumpkin Field Day was held at the West Tennessee Research and Education Center on October 9, 2009. For field day resources, click here.
• The Senate will begin work on food safety legislation (S510) after their summer break. Tennessee congressional representatives need to hear from Tennessee growers! Let your senators know that you would like the legislation to: 1) consider smaller- and mid-sized growers through a tiered approach to regulation; 2) be science-based; 3) recognize differences among regions in the U.S.; and 4) consider market recovery in the legislation that moves forward. To contact Senators Alexander and Corker, click here.

• House passes Food Safety Enhancement Act (The Packer, Thursday, July 30, 2009)
• Grocery chain produce feature helps local farmers (Channel 6 WATE, Saturday, July 11, 2009)
• Farmers use technology to lengthen growing season, make crops more fruitful (Knox News Sentinel, Sunday, June 28, 2009)

 

Vegetable Questions?

For questions related to vegetable production in your area, please contact your county Extension Office.

To contact your local vegetable expert, click here.