The Master Gardener Program is offered by the University of Tennessee Extension. The purpose of the Master Gardener program is to train people as horticultural-educated volunteers. These volunteers work in partnership with their counties to expand the educational outreach, providing home ga​rdeners with researched-based information. Each volunteer has been trained with 40 hours of horticultural education, and keeps updated with continuing education events.

The Northeast Master Gardener Association (NETMGA) membership includes volunteers from Hawkins, Sullivan, Washington, Carter, Johnson, and Unicoi Counties. Their many activities include information booths at various home and farm shows, answering Ask-a-Master Gardener questions, teaching classes in the community, and organizing new Master Gardener classes. Their presence can be seen in many local historic site gardens, demonstration gardens and community vegetable gardens.

COVID 19 GUIDELINES 

Since the Master Gardeners are affiliated with the University of Tennessee, we are required to follow their guidelines regarding COVID 19 restrictions.

The UT System encourages employees and all members of the university community to get vaccinated and educate themselves about CDC guidance. Consistent with CDC guidance, fully vaccinated people no longer need to wear masks or social distance on campus, or in university buildings, outside of a healthcare setting.

If an individual chooses not to vaccinate, the CDC encourages that they continue to wear masks and distance for their own protection. Any individual may choose to wear a mask on campus, regardless of their vaccination status.

Reminders

Report your hours

NETMGA Members please enter your service hours and CEUs by the end of the year. http://temg.tennessee.edu

Dues are Due!

NETMGA members, please return your NETMGA Membership Dues Form and payment and the Tennessee Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Agreement form by the end of the year.

Late fees will apply after December 31.

NEW MASTER GARDENER CLASS 2023

The 2023 Master Gardener Classes in Sullivan County will begin on Tuesday, January 31 and finish on May 2.  Details are included in the press release.

Annual Award Dinner

Monday, February 6

6:00 Doors open

6:30 Dinner begins

Cost $3:00  

Ron Ramsey Regional Agricultural Center

140 Spurgeon Lane, Blountville TN

NETMGA members and guests are invited to a Bar-B-Que dinner and Annual Award ceremony.  

NETMGA is partially subsidizing the dinner. Cost will be $3.00 per person, to be paid at the door.

Members are invited (but not required) to bring a favorite dessert to share.

Contact Andrea in the Extension office by February 1 to confirm your attendance. 423 574-1919

CEU Opportunities

While social distancing requirements are in effect, Master Gardeners may earn CEU credits by watching or participating in online teaching sessions, particularly those offered through Extension. 

SPRING CLASSES FROM WASHINGTON COUNTY EXTENSION

January 31^st-Home Fruit Pruning 6:00pm-7:30pm

Join Agriculture Agent Adam Watson to learn how to prune your fruit trees and small fruit to improve yields and enhance fruit quality.  In-person location:  Jonesborough Farm Bureau Basement Meeting room1103 Boonescreek Rd Jonesborough.

Register for In-Person: tiny.utk.edu/inpersonpruning or call 753-1680

Zoom Registration: tiny.utk.edu/fruitpruning 

February 7^th-Beginning Vegetable Gardening 6:00pm-7:30pm

Join Agriculture Agent Adam Watson to learn about the best practices for vegetable garden to make the season great. In-person location: Jonesborough Farm Bureau Basement Meeting room, 1103 Boonescreek Rd Jonesborough.

Register for In-Person: tiny.utk.edu/inpersonbeginveg or call 753-1680

Zoom Registration: tiny.utk.edu/beginveg

March 2^nd-Having Fun with Seed Saving 6:00pm-7:30pm

Join Agriculture Agent Adam Watson to learn how to successfully save seed in your home garden and landscape. In-person location: Jonesborough Farm Bureau Basement Meeting room, 1103 Boonescreek Rd Jonesborough.

Register for In-Person: tiny.utk.edu/inpersonseed or call 753-1680

Zoom Registration: tiny.utk.edu/seedsaving

READ ALL ABOUT IT 

1/14  Chris offers tips for keeping plants safe while using a de-icer. See his article in Chris' Column. 

1/13  There is new information as well as new pictures on the Hospital Project in Johnson City page, accessed through the Project and Photo Gallery tab.