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.

NETMGA Christmas Dinner and Membership Meeting

December 13, 2021

5:30 P.M. Doors open

6:30 PM.  Dinner will be served

Ron Ramsey Agricultural Center 

140 Spurgeon Lane, Blountville

Cost: $15 per member 

Plans are underway for a Christmas dinner, to be prepared by the Cattlemen's Association.  NETMGA members, please see details about menu choices and reservations in the invitation below. Please respond by December 1. 

The evening will also include a business meeting for the election of officers and adoption of an updated set of bylaws. Anyone interested in serving on the NETMGA Board should contact Karen Rowell by December 1.  

NEW MASTER GARDENER CLASSES

January 25 – April 12

10:00 A.M. – 12:00 P .M.

Ron Ramsey Agricultural Center 

140 Spurgeon Lane, Blountville

A series of new Master Gardener classes will begin in January of 2022. The classes will be from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM on Tuesday, January 25 through April 26. These 14 sessions will be “Zoom” sessions from our state Master Gardener office. In addition to these sessions, we will have 7 “local hands-on” sessions. The exciting part of this format will be the opportunity to hear from some of Tennessee’s most notable authorities on each class subject.

Provided COVID guidelines allow, we will still meet as a group to view the 14 sessions. Interested persons should contact the Sullivan County Extension agent for more information.  (423) 574‐1919   cwramsey@utk.edu 

Applications are due by Tuesday, January 18. 

Statewide Tennessee Master Gardener Conference

June 9 - 11, 2022

Kingsport, Tennessee

NETMGA is proud to be hosting the next statewide Master Gardener Conference, to be held June 9 - 11, 2022.  Master Gardeners from across the state will be joining us for three days of speakers, workshops and tours.  NETMGA members are hard at work preparing for this exciting event.

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. 

Melody's Monday Musings for 2021

Melody Rose, County Extension Agent for Greene County, will be hosting a wide variety of horticultural information sessions during 2021.  Click on the link below to see the list of sessions (both Zoom and non-Zoom sessions).  Registration is required, but is free.

Link to Monday Musings.

***** READ ALL ABOUT IT ****

11/06/21  New Master Gardener training classes will begin in January. See Chris' Column for details. 

11/06/21  See Chris' Column for tips on controlling plantain. 

10/16/21  Bring the houseplants back inside. Leave the bugs outside. See Chris' Column for more information.