Update: We are aware of the current challenges related to coronavirus (COVID-19). UT is closely monitoring the situation and the Gardens will follow UT policies and changes regarding, travel, classes, and events. We will post updates via social media and our website in the event of schedule changes or adaptations. At this time the Gardens remain open to the public, and we welcome all visitors.

 

2020 UT Gardens Gala Postponed Indefinitely

In light of the current global health crisis, we have reached the difficult decision that the UT Gardens Gala will not be held on April 24. Our Gala leadership is discussing various options with our honorary hosts Crissy and Bill Haslam, and we will follow up soon with information regarding rescheduling and/or cancellation.

 


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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  • March #1
    Evaluate your vegetable garden plans. Often a smaller garden with fewer weeds and insects will give you more produce.
  • March #2
    Broccoli, cabbage, Brussel sprouts, lettuce, chard, onions and potatoes should be planted this month.
  • March #3
    When night temps get above 40 degrees, feed your pansies with a water-soluble fertilizer such as 20-20-20.
  • March #4
    Now is a great time to remove weeds from your garden beds. Doing so now will make the plant beds look better and prevent them from going to seed; therefore, making fewer weeds next year. 
  • March #5
    Apply a pre-emergent herbicide to your lawn, if you had crabgrass and other summer weeds in the past. The timing of application is important, and a good indicator is to do it just as forsythia begins to show some color.
  • March #6
    Sow nasturtiums this month. Soak seed overnight in water. Cover with three-quarter inches of soil.
  • March #7
    March is a good time to shop for and add lungwort (Pulmonaria) and Lenten rose (Helleborus) to your garden. Lungwort is an early flowering shade perennial that often struggles in the heat and humidity of our Tennessee climate, so be aware that Pulmonaria longifolia cultivars and hybrids are much more durable. Good selections are 'Roy Davidson,' 'E.B. Anderson,' 'Trevi Fountain' and for its vigor and heat tolerance, 'Diana Claire.'

 View gardening tips for the entire year.

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