News Summary
Knoxville’s summer heat brings challenges for local gardeners, but the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture offers valuable advice for small-space food production. Their publication, ‘Small-space Outdoor Food Production,’ provides strategies for maximizing limited gardening areas, covering container selection, sunlight needs, and suitable crops. Fast-growing summer crops, as well as fall crops, are recommended for timely harvests. The public is also invited to the Knoxville Home and Garden Show, promoting local gardening resources and products.
Knoxville is in the midst of summer, with temperatures reaching a high of 91°F and a forecast predicting a mix of sun and clouds along with a 60% chance of rain. As farmers markets and home gardens burst with ripe fruits and vegetables, the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture is offering guidelines for gardening in small spaces. With the right strategies, local gardeners can maximize their limited area for food production.
The university’s publication titled “Small-space Outdoor Food Production” (W 1288-A) provides crucial advice for individuals looking to cultivate edible plants in restricted areas. Gardening experts recommend fast-growing crops, including cucumbers, which can be planted now for a quick harvest. Those interested in fall gardening can also consider cool-season crops; seeds for varieties like arugula, turnips, and kale can be sown as early as August and September.
Understanding sunlight requirements is vital to successful gardening. Fruiting vegetables like tomatoes and peppers need between 6 to 10 hours of sunlight daily, while root and leafy vegetables fare well with 4 to 6 hours. Selecting the right container size is also critical; one-gallon containers can accommodate crops like beets, Swiss chard, lettuce, and various herbs.
Container material plays a significant role in determining watering frequency. Plastic containers retain moisture longer than terracotta pots, which can affect how often irrigation is needed. Additionally, the growing medium is an essential component for success in container gardening. Materials such as peat moss, coconut coir, and perlite should be utilized to ensure proper aeration for the plants.
Watering is a critical task in maintaining containers; it should be done sufficiently to allow excess water to drain out, preferably in the morning. To enhance plant nutrition, including controlled-release fertilizers in soilless mixes can provide the needed nutrients for healthy growth.
The University of Tennessee Extension publication “Crops and Cultivars for Small-space Food Production” (W 1288-C) lists recommended crops categorized by the growing season, making it easier for gardeners to plan their cultivation efforts effectively. Warmer season crops like cucumbers and squash have fast maturation periods, typically ranging from 40 to 50 days from planting to harvest.
For those who prefer a more social gardening experience or are looking to gather information and resources, the Knoxville Home and Garden Show will take place on March 8th and 9th at the Knoxville Expo Center. Entry to the event is free, offering a platform for local vendors to showcase a variety of home improvement products and services. Notable participants include Pella Windows and Doors, The Honey Do Service, and East Tennessee Trimlight, highlighting services from window replacements to architectural lighting solutions.
In summary, as Knoxville’s summer season presents both challenges and opportunities for gardeners, the University of Tennessee Extension provides valuable resources for small-space food production, ensuring that even those with limited gardening areas can enjoy a bountiful harvest. Whether planting now for summer crops or planning for the fall, local gardening enthusiasts are equipped with the knowledge and tools to thrive in their gardening endeavors.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- WATE: Knoxville Home and Garden Show
- Wikipedia: Gardening
- Knoxville Moms: Fool Proof Plants
- Google Search: small-space gardening
- Homes and Gardens: How to Prune Red Twig Dogwood
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Agriculture
- Southern Living: Whataburger in Knoxville
- Google News: Knoxville gardening
Author: STAFF HERE KNOXVILLE WRITER
KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER The KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKnoxville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Knoxville, Knox County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Dogwood Arts Festival, Big Ears Festival, and Knoxville Asian Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership and United Way of Greater Knoxville, plus leading businesses in healthcare, education, and energy that power the local economy such as Covenant Health, University of Tennessee, and Tennessee Valley Authority. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
