Davidson County Extension uses the resources of the University of Tennessee and Tennessee State University to conduct educational programs in agriculture, horticulture and natural resources.
Extension's agricultural programs provide the link between Land Grant College Research and individuals such as farmers, homeowners and agribusinesses keeping them up to date on on the latest management practices needed to solve problems and improve production and marketing. Educational programs are designed to encourage understanding and adoption of improved technology that relates to agriculture and our natural resources.
Programs educate farmers and homeowners and other agricultural and horticultural producers on the latest management practices needed to solve problems and improve production and marketing. Programs also help Tennesseans protect the environment and improve the management, marketing and use of natural resources.
Contact: David Cook
Middle Tennessee Landscape Management Short Course
This multi-county program is aimed at professionals in the lawn care and landscape business. The two-day short course is scheduled for January 12-13 of 2016, at the Williamson County Ag. Expo Park in Franklin, TN. The course offers certified HLT applicators the opportunity to earn up to 10 re-certification points over a two day period as well as receive education and training related to their field. A team of Extension Agents from eight middle Tennessee counties is responsible for planning, promoting and conducting this annual program.
Contact: David Cook
Master Gardener Program
This fourteen week program is designed to train volunteers in all aspects of gardening and horticulture topics such as basic gardening, botany, fruit and vegetables, herbaceous and woody ornamentals, and turf grass management. Participants also learn how to identify and control insects, diseases and weeds. Specialized instruction dealing with soil, lawn and garden equipment, landscaping, herbs, organic gardening and composting are also included in this program. After completing the fourteen week program volunteers return horticulture services by volunteering in the community by working on horticultural related community service projects. The training classes are generally held once per week from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday night. The classes are generally scheduled to start the third week of January. The fee is $125 per person; $200 per couple (couple would share one book).
Contact: David Cook
Junior Master Gardener Program
This program is presented as a week-long, day-camp for youth, ages 9 to 14. The camp is open to Home-Schooled, Kids Clubs, 4-H Clubs, Boy and Girl Scouts, Church Youth Groups, and any youth interested in learning about gardening in general. Campers learn about soil testing, composting, basic botany, raised bed vegetable gardening, floral arranging, organic gardening, plant propagation, insects and many other topics. Educational sessions are presented as lecture and hands-on learning activities. The $50 fee includes healthy refreshments for morning and afternoon breaks, Gardening Handbook, Tee Shirt, and Hands-on Project materials. Water is provided, but each Camper will bring their lunch. The day-camp is scheduled during the month of June, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday to Friday.
Urban Gardening Festival
The Urban Gardening Festival is a free event for the community hosted by the Master Gardeners of Davidson County. The Festival is held the third Saturday in May from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Demonstration Garden of Ellington Agricultural Center, 5201 Marchant Drive, Nashville, TN 37211. Explore over 8,800 square feet of garden space, learn from area experts during how-to workshops, discover neighborhood gardens and markets, shop local growers and suppliers, and buy from local artists! A variety of foods and refreshments are available from local food truck vendors. Plus, be sure to see what’s at the Master Gardener Plant Sale. The Festival will be held rain or shine.
County Inmate Agriculture/Horticulture Training
Nearly 80% of offenders who do not receive structured services, return to jail, resulting in increased costs to tax payers and putting our neighborhoods at risk. At the Davidson County Correctional Development Center, the focus is on a variety of efforts to improve the chances that offenders do not come back to jail. This Extension program is presented two to three times during the year. Each training program consist of eight classes, taught by the County Extension Agent. Reference materials are given to each participant at the beginning of each weekly class. Folders are provided for participants to create their own handbook of reference, study, and reading materials. Participants also have the opportunity to work in the outdoor raised garden beds. Outdoor activities include planting seeds, growing vegetables, growing flowers, and other activities related to agriculture and horticulture. Upon completion of the program, each participant receives a certificate stating that they have completed educational training sponsored by the Davidson County Sheriff's Department and UT Extension.
Contact: David Cook
Commercial Pesticide Applicator Training
Commercial pesticide applicator workshops and in-house commercial training programs are available for professionals involved in landscapes, pesticide application, and lawn and turf management. Programs are designed to increase knowledge in specific areas and award pesticide points. Programs are available that address methods of diagnosing and recognizing plant injury caused by insects, mites, diseases, and environmental stress. Programs also provide updated materials on current issues concerning exotic, invasive insects, diseases, and weeds, and the most up-to-date control methods, both synthetic and organic. Scheduled workshops will be posted on websites and interested participants contacted through email.
Programming
Some of the services, programs, and information that we provide to the people of Davidson County where they live and work are:
- Educational Programs in Agriculture and Horticulture
- Hands-on Workshops in Agriculture and Horticulture
- Extension Publications
- Extensive Library of Crop, Livestock and Homeowner Literature
- Farm Financial Management
- Farm Visits and Consultations
- Homeowner Site Visits and Consultations
- Over 350 Farm and Utility Buildings Plans
- Plant Disease and Insect Identification and Control Recommendations
- Pesticide Recommendations
- Soil Fertility and Forage Testing
- University Research Proven Variety Recommendations
- Weed Identification and Control Recommendations
Related Frequently Asked Questions
Can you provide a Agricultural Extension speaker for my group meeting?
Absolutely! We can provide a speaker on just about any topic of your choosing and for just about any size group you have. Some of our past presentations have included: soils, pests, diseases, vegetable gardening, site selection, irrigation, integrated pest management, raised bed gardening, and organic gardening. Please contact us to discuss our coming out to your site for a presentation or a hands-on workshop at 615-862-5995.
Who can help us develop a school garden?
We would love to help your school or community start a garden! Please contact Dan Harrell at 615-862-5132 regarding questions on Public School Policy for gardens as well as horticultural information on gardening.
How can I get my soil tested?
Soil fertility testing is performed at the University of Tennessee Soil, Plant and Pest Center located at Ellington Agricultural Center in Nashville, Tennessee.