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:

• 26th Annual Greenhouse Tomato Short Course. Eagle Ridge Conference Center, 1500 Raymond Lake Road, Raymond, Mississippi on March 1 and 2, 2016. Expert speakers will present seminars on a variety of fields relevant to the production of greenhouse tomatoes.
• February 11-13, 2016. The Pick TN Conference. Knoxville, TN. Register online now!
• UT 2016 field days:

  *Organic Crops Field Tour – April 28, East Tennessee AgResearch Center – Organic Crops Unit (Knoxville)

  *Fruits of the Backyard – June 14, Middle Tennessee AgResearch Center (Spring Hill)

  *Tobacco, Beef & More – June 23, Highland Rim AgResearch Center (Springfield)

  *Summer Celebration – July 14, West Tennessee AgResearch Center (Jackson)

  *Tobacco & Forage Production – July 21, AgResearch Center at Greeneville

  *Milan No-Till – July 28, AgResearch Center at Milan

  *Steak and Potatoes – August 2, Plateau AgResearch Center (Crossville)

  *Cotton Tour – September 7, West Tennessee AgResearch Center (Jackson)

  *Northeast Tennessee Beef Expo – October 13, AgResearch Center at Greeneville

  *Woods and Wildlife – October 14, Forest Resources AgResearch Center – Oak Ridge Forest

News & Announcements

• 2015 Southeastern U.S. Vegetable Production Guide NOW AVAILABLE ON-LINE.
• September 26, 2014. FDA rules improving but still flawed. Click here to read the full article.
• December 20, 2013. UT Researchers Show LED Lights Have Healthy Impact on Vegetables, Herbs. Click here to read full article.
• August 2, 2013. UT Farmers Market proves steady wholesale for locals. Click here to read the full article.
• July 24, 2013. Knoxvillians are Being Swept Away by the Joy of Heirloom Tomatoes. Click here to read the entire Metro Pulse article.
• California Forces Grower to Destroy Crop for Illegal Pesticide Use. Santa Cruz County grower to pay $15,000 Fine; $200,000 worth of strawberries destroyed. Click here to read the full article.

• Old disease continues assualt on Georgia melons. Fusarium wilt, a soilborne enemy to watermelons is starting to take its toll on seedless watermelon production in Georgia. Click here to read full article.
• NEW UT Publications on Off-target Herbicides and Tomato. Click here for information on preventing off-target problems. Click here for information on diagnosing off-target problems.
• FDA’s Draft “Standards for the Growing, Harvesting, Packing, and Holding of Produce for Human Consumption” has been released. Click here for more information.
• Testing Water for Fruit and Vegetable Production. Click here for more information.
• Interpreting Water Quality Test Results for Fruit and Vegetable Production. Click here for more information.
• Bidders vie for locally-grown goods at Plowboy Produce Auction, LLC. Click here for more information.
• Knox area farmers' markets face mixed regulation. Click here for more information.
• Container Gardening Presentation from MTREC Fruits of the Backyard Field Day. Click here for more information.
• California cantaloupe board adopts food safety guidance. Click here for more information.
• TN tomato farmers hope for cooler temperatures. Click here for more information.
• Cantaloupe grower tied to outbreak declares bankruptcy. Click here for more information.
• Listeria Scare Prompts Salad Recall. Click here for more information.
• Local produce and products catch on across the Volunteer State. Click here for more information.
• Virtual farmers market to serve Knoxville area. Click here for more information.
• USDA Announces Farm to School Grant Program. Click here for more information.
• UT Farmers Market - Click here for more information.
• Are Local Salad Greens Safer Than Packaged Salad Greens? Click here for more information.
• Your Salad: A Search For Where The Wild Things Were. Click here for more information.
• Cantaloupe Food Safety Tool Launched. Click here for more information.
• Dow, Monsanto Herbicide-Tolerant Crops Need U.S. Study. Click here for more information.
• Dole recalls bagged salad in 15 states for salmonella. Click here for more information.
• USDA Unveils Know Your Farmer Know Your Food Compass. Click here for more information.
• Follow News and Updates about the UT Farmer's Market on Facebook by clicking here.

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.