Memphis Area Master Gardeners

08/22/2026

More than 1,400 gardening enthusiasts are expected for the event

08/21/2026

08/05/2026

🌿 Playing Plant Detective 🔎

Not every spotted leaf or wilting plant has a disease. Sometimes the real challenge is figuring out why a plant is struggling.

In this month’s Chris’ Corner, learn how plant pathologists diagnose problems by looking for clues, understanding the disease triangle, and determining whether the cause is environmental or a living pathogen.

Before you reach for a treatment, take a closer look. You might be surprised by what your plants are telling you.

Read the full article: https://memphisareamastergardeners.org/playing-plant-detective/

Plant diseases can be tricky to diagnose. Learn how to identify signs, symptoms, and common causes affecting ornamental plants in your landscape.

07/31/2026

🍅 Better late than never! 🍅

On July 18, we hosted our 9th Annual Great Tomato Contest, and what a fantastic day it was! Thank you to everyone who joined us for an afternoon filled with friendly competition, kids' activities, and learning at the UT Extension educational table. We loved seeing so many incredible tomatoes and connecting with our gardening community!

🏆 Congratulations to our winners!

🌟 Overall Winner
🥇 George Gregory – Big Beef Plus (Slicer)

🍅 Slicer Division
🥇 George Gregory-Big Beef Plus
🥈 Ted Addison- Med Rare
🥉 Judy McCray-Big Beef

🍒 Cherry Division
🥇 Cheryl Dean- Bronze Torch
🥈 Cheryl Dean- White Currant
🥉 Susanne LeMaire-Sweet 100

🌿 Heirloom Division
🥇 Charles Long- Pink Berkley Tie Dye
🥈 Camille Collins- Black Krim
🥉 Shannon McGee- Lemon Boy

⚖️ Heaviest Tomato Division
🥇 Kenneth Cunningham – Big Zac weighing an impressive 1 lb. 13.63 oz.

Congratulations to all of our winners, and thank you to everyone who entered, volunteered, and attended. We can't wait to see what amazing tomatoes you bring to next year's contest! 🍅❤️

07/28/2026

🌱 Grow & Know: Educational Plant Pop-Up & Gardening Giveaway 🌱

📅 Date: August 12th
⏰ Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
📍 Location: Cordova Public Library Lobby

Stop by to:

🌿 Receive a FREE Gardening Kit (while supplies last!) Each kit includes a nursery pot, seeds, and educational gardening resources to help you get growing.

🩺 Visit our Plant Diagnostic Clinic and bring photos or samples of your struggling plants, insects, or garden problems for help identifying issues and finding solutions.

🔍 Learn to Identify Common Plant Health Concerns with real plant specimens and examples of common diseases and insect damage.

🌼 Ask a Expert! Get answers to your questions about vegetables, flowers, lawns, trees, houseplants, pests, and more.

📅 Learn About Upcoming UT Extension Programs including gardening classes, workshops, and volunteer opportunities available in Shelby County.

Whether you're planting your first seed or have years of gardening experience, there's something for everyone. We hope you'll stop by, learn something new, and leave inspired to grow!

07/24/2026

07/19/2026

⚽🌱 The players take center stage today, but the grass has quite a story, too.

From turfgrass research to specially engineered sod, it’s a fascinating look at the innovation and expertise required to create world-class playing fields. A great reminder that healthy turf is both an art and a science!

Watch the story from CBS Sunday Morning:

FIFA rules state that World Cup matches must be played on natural grass. For this year's tournament, scientifically-engineered sod (that can withstand playing conditions and differing climates) was deployed in stadiums with artificial turf.

07/16/2026