Old man winter has finally released his grip on Tennessee so we can get outside and enjoy the warm sunshine. Cold, wet soils have kept growers out of farm fields and gardens untended, but we’re ready to go now, says Debbie Joines, manager of the University of Tennessee Extension Soil, Plant and Pest Center. She recommends producers and home gardeners ...

A free diabetes program will teach the latest in diabetes management techniques for people with with the disease and their caregivers. Diabetes is a complicated disease that can strike fear, confusion, and helplessness in diagnosed people and caregivers. People with diabetes must deal not only with their disease, but also with the impact this has on their lives and emotions. ...

Spring has arrived and that means the brilliant and colorful resurgence of plant life. But not all of that plant life is welcome. In pastures, fields and lawns across the state, you will see the emergence of the unwanted green foliage of buckhorn plantain. An invader from Europe, buckhorn plantain (Plantago lanceolata L.) has a broad base comprised of many long, wide grassy looking ...

In 399 B.C.E, Athenian philosopher Socrates was famously condemned to die by drinking a cup of liquid distilled from the poison hemlock plant. Many people know the story of Socrates’ death. But what you may not realize is that plant that caused his death is commonly found growing as a weed in pastures throughout the state of Tennessee and it ...

Sevier County 4-H Members recently brought home honors in the Public Speaking Contest held at Dogwood Hills Baptist Church in Tazewell, Tenn. Fourth through eighth grade county winners from nine surrounding counties participated. Sevier County winners participating included: 4th grade – Lilly Carroll, Sevierville Intermediate; 5th grade – Grady Branton, Catlettsburg; 6th grade – Katelyn Hedrick, Homeschool; 7th grade – ...

Deadlines are fast approaching for 2015 4-H camp opportunities. Openings are still available for the following events. Applications are available online at http://sevier.tennessee.edu/ click on 4-H Youth Programs for access to 4-H camp applications. You may also visit the 4-H Office at 752 Old Knoxville Hwy. in Sevierville or call 453-3695. Traditional 4-H Camp – July 6 – 10, 2015 ...

Did you know that planting tomatoes deep into the soil, as many gardeners do, can get you into trouble if it is done before the soil warms up? This is just one of many factors that home gardeners should consider when starting their vegetable garden this spring. “Plant diseases are caused by fungi, bacteria, viruses and nematodes,” says Steve Bost, ...

Winners for the Sevier County 4-H Essay Contest for 2015 have been selected. Winners were named in five award categories, with over 2,050 entered, in this year’s contest. The topic was “Tennessee is known as the Volunteer State. What are the benefits of volunteering and why is it important to volunteer with Keep Sevier Beautiful?” The contest is sponsored annually ...

Safe, high quality home canned foods begin with the right canning equipment, used properly. Why risk losing your time and food dollar through food spoilage? Before you being canning this season: Check and assemble equipment to see what you have and what you need. Ignore the temptation to use peanut butter, pickle and quart size mayonnaise jars. Such jars are ...

Have you ever wanted to learn more about gardening or have a place to buy from many vendors at one time? The Flower & Garden Show and Sale, hosted by UT Extension and the Sevier County Area Master Gardeners Association, is Saturday, April 25, 2015 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Sevier County Fairgrounds, 754 Old Knoxville Highway ...