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Recognized in 2013 as the official botanical gardens of the state of Tennessee, the University of Tennessee Gardens located in Knoxville, Jackson and Crossville are part of the UT Institute of Agriculture. Some 4,000 annuals, perennials, herbs, tropical plants, trees, shrubs, vegetables and ornamental grasses are evaluated each year. Both the Knoxville and Jackson gardens are TN Certified Arboreta. The gardens are open during all seasons and are free to the public.

 

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  • August #1
    Begin collecting seeds of annuals and perennials for next year's garden. Cut seed heads and place in a brown paper bag to dry, labeling each bag with the name of the plant.
  • August #2
    Sow pansies, ornamental kale and cabbage, and Swiss chard seed in a good quality potting medium. After seedlings develop true leaves, transplant them into individual cell packs or pots. Feed with a water-soluble fertilizer. By late September or early October they should be ready to transplant into the garden.
  • August #3
    For late crops of beets, carrots, callards, kale, lettuce, spinach, turnips, mustards, and radish, sow seeds before the middle of the month. Transplants of broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, and onions can be planted mid- to late-August.
  • August #4
    Stop watering amaryllis bulbs late this month and place in a dry location After the leaves turn yellow, remove the foliage and store bulbs in a cool, dry, dark place for about two months. If need be, repot bulbs so that the top one-half to two-thirds of each bulb is above the soil. Water and place indoors in a well-lit area. The bulbs should bloom in six to eight weeks.
  • August #5
    Divide and transplant bearded iris during the month of August. Cut back the foliage by two-thirds, dig and divide rhizomes, and remove any dead portions. Check for iris borers and replant in a sunny, well-drained location with one-third of the rhizome above the existing soil level. Water well.
  • August #6
    August is also a good time to dig and divide daylilies, using a sharp shovel to split the clumps into desirable sizes. Cut back foliage to 5 inches and replant in a sunny location.
  • August #7
    Autumn crocus (Colchicum sp.) bulbs should be ordered now and planted soon after they arrive for a beautiful fall display. They are sometimes available at garden centers, but more often can be obtained from mail-order catalogs such as Brent and Becky's Bulbs.

 View gardening tips for the entire year.

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