MURFREESBORO, TN - On this episode of the WGNS Action Line Podcast, host Scott Walker answers listener questions submitted by text message, focusing on early spring lawn and garden care in Middle Tennessee. Joining the program are Master Gardeners Katherine Bond, Carol Wood, and Lynn Reynolds with the UT–TSU Agriculture Extension Service of Rutherford County. The group tackles a wide range of seasonal topics, including when to fertilize fescue lawns, how to repair winter-damaged grass, early warning signs of lawn pests and disease, and proper mowing practices for cool-season grasses.
The discussion also shifts to spring gardening, with advice on what vegetables can safely be planted outdoors in March, when to start tomatoes and peppers indoors, and which flowers or native plants can tolerate late-season frosts. The Master Gardeners also share tips on preparing soil through testing and composting, along with strategies to protect young plants from unexpected cold snaps common in early spring across Middle Tennessee.
Don't forget, the Winter / Spring Farmers Market is every Friday from 8am to Noon. The Farmer's Market is at the Lane Agri-Park in Murfreesboro.
Location of the Rutherford County Agriculture Extension Office:
- Address: 315 John R Rice Blvd Suite 101, Murfreesboro, TN 37129
- Phone: (615) 898-7710
More Information - A large variety of resources are offered by the UT Institute of Agriculture (UTIA) and the UT Extension Master Gardener program, encouraging residents to connect with their local extension office for horticulture guidance and educational resources. The material explains that more than 2,700 Tennessee Extension Master Gardener volunteers contribute over 175,000 hours of service each year, helping communities across the state by sharing gardening knowledge learned through training provided by Extension faculty and agents. It also invites residents to get involved as volunteers and directs readers to additional information through the UT Horticulture website, social media platforms, and a QR code linking directly to the UTIA site, which promotes the organization’s mission of providing “Real. Life. Solutions.” to Tennesseans. Click the QR Code Above this Podcast Description to learn more.
